An indigenous dog is a breed or landrace that evolved naturally within a specific geographic region through centuries of adaptation to local environments, climates, and cultural practices, often developing alongside Indigenous peoples without formalized Western breeding programs. These dogs, shaped by natural selection and the needs of the communities they served, represent living heritage that reflects deep relationships between people, animals, and land.
Understanding indigenous dogs matters because these animals carry irreplaceable genetic diversity, embody traditional ecological knowledge, and serve as cultural touchstones for …
