Askal

Askals, also called aspins, are a diverse population of mongrel free-ranging dogs found in the Philippines. The term "askal" is a portmanteau from the Filipino language , meaning "street dog". It is a neologism, commonly used as a derogatory term for describing stray or mixed-breed dogs that roam the streets of urban and rural areas across the country. It is considered to reflect class discrimination in the country, particularly towards indigenous elements. The euphemism "aspin" is a portmanteau of , meaning "Filipino dog". The origins of askals can be traced back to two main categories. Firstly, some askals are entirely descended from indigenous dog breeds that have evolved over time in the Philippines. Secondly, it is believed that dogs were introduced into the country from Mainland Asia, via Taiwan. Excavation sites reveal that dogs served two main purposes: consumption and companionship. Tagalogs, along with other ethnolinguistic groups like the Kalinga and Bontoc, were known to have domesticated these dogs into hunting companions, often forming close bonds, mourning their deaths, and burying them near their owners. They may have even been given the same burial treatment as humans. These native breeds have adapted to the local environment and exhibit a range of physical characteristics and temperaments.…

Askals, also called aspins, are a diverse population of mongrel free-ranging dogs found in the Philippines. The term "askal" is a portmanteau from the Filipino language , meaning "street dog". It is a neologism, commonly used as a derogatory term for describing stray or mixed-breed dogs that roam the streets of urban and rural areas across the country. It is considered to reflect class discrimination in the country, particularly towards indigenous elements. The euphemism "aspin" is a portmanteau of , meaning "Filipino dog". The origins of askals can be traced back to two main categories. Firstly, some askals are entirely descended from indigenous dog breeds that have evolved over time in the Philippines. Secondly, it is believed that dogs were introduced into the country from Mainland Asia, via Taiwan. Excavation sites reveal that dogs served two main purposes: consumption and companionship. Tagalogs, along with other ethnolinguistic groups like the Kalinga and Bontoc, were known to have domesticated these dogs into hunting companions, often forming close bonds, mourning their deaths, and burying them near their owners. They may have even been given the same burial treatment as humans. These native breeds have adapted to the local environment and exhibit a range of physical characteristics and temperaments. These dogs have since played an integral role in the lives of Filipinos, serving as loyal companions, guardians, and even working animals. Askals often display a unique blend of characteristics from various ancestral backgrounds. This diversity contributes to their distinct appearance, temperament, and adaptability. They are highly adaptable and resilient dogs, capable of surviving in challenging conditions. They possess the ability to navigate the urban landscape and survive on scraps and leftovers. Their resourcefulness, intelligence, and innate street-smarts have earned them the nickname "asong kalye," reflecting their association with the streets. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to celebrate and protect the cultural heritage represented by askals. Various organizations and animal welfare groups are working towards providing medical care, shelter, and adoption opportunities for stray and abandoned dogs. Additionally, initiatives have been launched to educate the public about responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering programs, vaccinations, and proper training. August 18th is National Aspin Day, an annual event. ==Appearance== Aspins do not have clear lineages that contribute to what they look like today because they are bred from a diversity of mutts and mixed breeds that roam around Filipino streets. However, they have a few distinct characteristics. Given their varied background, aspins can come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. The coat can be short-haired or rough. Coat colors ranges from black to brown, white, ginger, brindle, gray, cream, and red merle. Spots are commonly found at the base of the tail and on the back in semi-circular fashion. The snout sometimes appears black if the coat color is brown. The tail is usually held high and the ears can be floppy, semi-floppy or fully pointing upwards. The bone structure of a native Askal is on the medium range, never heavy as with the Rottweilers. ==Interactions with humans== Askals is the Filipino word often used to refer to stray mixed-breed, indigenous dogs. According to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, there are over twelve million strays in the Philippines . Many consider it a problem because these dogs can go without much food or shelter their entire lives. The term "askals" can also refer to a domesticated, indigenous mixed-breed dog. They have been raised traditionally as guard dogs. They are naturally fearful and suspicious of strangers, independent and protective of family members. They are good with young children as companions, due to their devotion to family members. They are trusted by their owners to roam markets or the neighborhood to socialize with other dogs which is why some domesticated dogs are seen by Westerners as stray dogs when in fact they may not be. They are, however, expected to be home before dusk, especially males who always look for females in heat. Female dogs do usually stay home and are excellent watchdogs. Askals were allowed to compete in the First Philippine Dog Agility Championships in 2013. At the 2015 Pet Express Doggie Run in Pasay, askals were the featured dog. The dogs featured in an essay by Gilda Cordero-Fernando. Askals have also been trained by the Coast Guard and private security agencies as bomb and drug detection dogs. ==Notable askals== Kabang, an askal who lost its snout while saving two young children Buboy, waited for his owner who had already died several days before. However, Buboy died after being run over by a vehicle. Boonrod, found paddling near a rig 130 miles (220 kilometers) off the coast of Thailand. Kilay, also known as ‘Chokoy’ called by his owner, an askal works as ‘porter’ in Polambato port, Cebu, Philippines where he was left by his owner. ==See also== List of dog breeds Philippine Forest Dog Taiwan dog Polynesian dog

Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1378930891 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.