Askal Dog Breed 101: Everything You Need to Know

The Askal dog breed is a unique and fascinating mix of indigenous and foreign dog breeds that originated in the Philippines. They are often referred to as "Aspin" or "Asong Pinoy".

Askal dogs are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to houses with yards. Their small to medium size makes them a great fit for city living.

One of the most distinctive features of the Askal breed is their coat, which can be a mix of short, smooth coats or longer, more wiry coats. Their coat colors can range from solid to brindle, fawn, or black.

Askal dogs are known for their intelligence and energetic nature, making them a great fit for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.

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An Askal is not a recognized breed of dog in the traditional sense, but rather a collective term for mixed-breed canines.

They are naturally bred, without humans choosing their mates, which prevents close family breeding that can cause health issues.

Askals are healthier than most breeds due to their independent breeding method.

They have many traits that make them balanced, thanks to their genetic mixing with many different dogs.

An authentic Askal must be a mongrel from and residing in the Philippines.

The term "Askal" is a linguistic concoction of two words – asong kalye – which literally translates to "street dog".

Askal dogs predominantly exhibit a medium size. Their fur texture is typically thicker, and their coats are short, displaying various colors.

These colors can include brown, white, or black hues, and they may also have spots of any color or a brindle coat. Their ears can either stand alert or hang loosely.

The snouts of these dogs usually span a medium to long length.

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Askals and Aspins have distinct physical characteristics that set them apart.

Their coats can be short-haired or rough, with a variety of colors including Black, Brown, White, Ginger, Brindle, Gray, Cream, and Red Merle.

The snout of these dogs can sometimes appear black if the coat color is brown.

Spots are commonly found at the base of the tail and at the back in a semi-circular fashion.

The bone structure of a native Askal is on the medium range, never heavy like in Rottweilers.

Their ears can be floppy, semi-floppy, or fully pointing upwards, while their tails are usually held high.

Askals typically have a medium size and thicker fur texture, with short coats that display various colors.

The Philippine Forest Dog, also known as "Aso Ng Gubat", is a primitive breed that has been formed through natural selection by its interaction with the environment.

It's a purebred, unlike the Aspin or Askal which is a mongrel. The Aso Ng Gubat has been living with indigenous Filipinos such as the Aetas and Negritos in the country's forests way before the Spaniards arrived.

This breed is special because it has been shaped by its environment, adapting to the forest surroundings in a way that's unique to the Philippines.

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Askal dogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. Simple daily walks or the freedom to venture outdoors suffices to keep them content.

In their native Philippines, Askals are often observed independently exploring their streets, invariably returning home by sunset. This suggests they're happy with moderate activity levels.

Askal dogs, characterized by their short fur, do not require frequent grooming.

Askal dogs do not shed as much as other breeds due to their short-haired nature.

However, they still experience the natural process of shedding their winter coat with the advent of spring.

As a result, you can expect some seasonal shedding from your Askal dog.

But the good news is that they don't require frequent grooming, making them a low-maintenance pet.

A bath is only essential when it becomes necessary, so you can save on grooming costs.

Overall, Askal dogs are a great choice for those who want a pet that's easy to care for.

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Askal dogs have a life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years.

The lifespan of Askal dogs can vary, but on average, they live for about 12 to 15 years.

With proper care and attention, many dogs can live into their teens, just like Askal dogs.

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Dogs don't need a lot of exercise to stay healthy. In fact, some breeds are perfectly content with just simple daily walks.

For example, Askals, a breed from the Philippines, can get enough physical activity just by exploring their streets. They often venture out on their own and return home by sunset.

The key is to find an exercise routine that works for your dog's age, size, and breed. Some dogs, like Askals, are happy with short walks, while others may need more strenuous activities.

Regular walks or outdoor playtime can help keep your dog happy and healthy. It's also a great way to bond with your furry friend.

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Askals are naturally suspicious of strangers and independent, making them protective of their family members. They have been raised traditionally as guard dogs.

They are good companions for young children due to their devotion to family members. In fact, they are trusted by their owners to roam markets or the neighborhood to socialize with other dogs.

Askals have been trained by the Coast Guard to identify bombs and drugs by scent, showing their intelligence and versatility. They are also excellent watch dogs, especially female dogs who usually stay home.

There is no exact history or origin of the askal breed, as they have been bred from a variety of mixed breeds and mutts. The name Askal is derived from the term “asong kalye”, which translates to a street dog.

In the Philippines, it's estimated that there are over twelve million strays, with many askals falling into this category. However, domesticated askals are also common, and are often kept as pets.

The answer is a resounding yes! Askal dogs, in particular, have a training capacity that rivals that of highly regarded breeds like Huskies and German Shepherds.

Their intellectual understanding is impressively sharp, allowing them to execute various tricks and respond to many commands if trained properly.

Askal dogs have an incredible aptitude for independent problem-solving, requiring minimal supervision and able to signal their needs when trained.

They're not high-maintenance, but they do need a balanced approach to training using positive reinforcement to commend good behavior and negative reinforcement to discourage undesirable actions.

Here are some key aspects to consider when training an Askal dog:

If you're thinking of getting an Askal dog, it's essential to keep their yard fenced to prevent them from straying and exploring beyond their boundaries.

Askals are naturally suspicious of strangers and have been raised traditionally as guard dogs, which makes them protective of family members.

They are good companions for young children due to their devotion to family members. Their independent nature can sometimes make them seem aloof, but they are fiercely loyal to those they care about.

In the Philippines, askals are often trusted by their owners to roam markets or the neighborhood to socialize with other dogs, which can sometimes lead to confusion with stray dogs in Western eyes.

Female askals tend to stay home and are excellent watchdogs, while males are expected to be home before dusk as they often roam in search of females in heat.

Askals have even been trained by the Coast Guard to identify bombs and drugs by scent, showing their potential as working dogs.

The Askal breed has a unique history that's deeply rooted in the streets of the Philippines. They're considered a mongrel breed, meaning they're a mix of various breeds and mutts.

Their name, Askal, is derived from the term "asong kalye", which translates to a street dog. This name gives you a glimpse into their origins.

Askals have been bred from a variety of mixed breeds and mutts, making it impossible to pinpoint a specific ancestor. This adaptability has contributed to their resilience.

Their ability to thrive in the street way of life is a testament to their resourcefulness.

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These Filipino native dogs go by many names, but some people call them Askal, a term derived from "asong kalye", which translates to street dog in Tagalog.

Askal is a widely recognized name for these dogs, especially in the 20th century when they were often seen wandering the streets.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society suggested an alternative term, Aspin, which is short for Asong Pinoy, or Pinoy Dog, in 2007.

In Cebuano, these dogs are called irong Bisaya, which translates to Visayan dog or native dog.

Dogs of all shapes, configurations, and sizes exist, with no standard breed or characteristics.

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Filipinos love their native dog breed, the Aspin, for its stunning good looks and wonderful temperament.

The Aspin dog is a mongrel, created from a mix of different breeds and mutts that roamed the streets of the Philippines.

They are medium-sized dogs, growing between 20 and 45 lbs.

Aspins have been born on the streets and have been known to be faithful companions to those who live and work in the area.

The Philippine Army has 40 Aspin combat dogs deployed in different field units nationwide, showing their importance and value.

In 2016, a seven-month-old street dog named Roy was awarded a certificate of recognition by the Bureau of Animal Industry for his role in search and retrieval operations.

Aspins have come a long way from being considered lesser dogs compared to their pedigree and purebred counterparts.

Askal dogs are known for their extremely kind and lovable nature, making them a joy to be around.

They get along well with children and other animals in the household, and are generally very low maintenance.

Their calm and happy demeanor makes them a great companion for families, and they are particularly valued for their strong familial loyalty.

These dogs are often mistaken for strays, but in reality, they are well-cared-for pets that are commonly allowed to wander through town markets or neighborhoods for socialization with other dogs.

Askal dogs are naturally wary of strangers, but once you've earned their trust, they become loyal companions.

They are also excellent watch dogs, with female dogs being especially vigilant and protective of their family.

Despite their natural wariness, Askal dogs are highly trainable and have even been trained by the Coast Guard to identify bombs and drugs by scent.

Askal dogs can be good dogs, but they may require extra time and effort to win over their trust, especially if they've lived on the streets.

Their temperament depends mainly on their individual personality, so it's essential to understand that each Askal dog is unique.

With proper care and attention, Askal dogs can be kind and affectionate towards all people.

They're also peaceful and cheerful, making them a great addition to families with children.

Their low-maintenance nature makes them a great choice for busy owners who want a delightful companion.

Askals are extremely kind and lovable to all people, making them great companions.

They are often seen roaming the streets, but they are more and more becoming a house dog or pet, which is a testament to their affectionate nature.

Calm and happy, they get along with children and other animals in the household, making them a great addition to any family.

You can't find anything negative about this breed, they are so low maintenance and fun to have around, you will enjoy them.

Askals exhibit a natural wariness towards strangers, which is a trait that can sometimes be mistaken for suspicion.

However, with proper socialization and care, they can become trusting and loving companions.

Their strong familial loyalty makes them particularly valued as companions for very young children.

They are also known to be excellent watch dogs, especially the females who are more prone to staying home and guarding the family.

Roaming around without their owner on their side can put them at risk of being captured by dog catchers, especially male Askals.

This is why it's essential to keep a close eye on them, especially the males, who are always on the lookout for females in heat.

Overall, Askals are kind, affectionate, and loving dogs that make great companions for families.

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