One breed of stray is the Potcake dog. This breed is a crossbreed of numerous different breeds. They are primarily from the Bahamas, where locals claim they are a cross between German Shepherd and Labrador, along with some Foxx Terriers.
Because the residents of the Bahamas used to feed these stray canines leftovers from their traditional rice and pea dishes straight from the pot, they became well-known by the moniker Potcakes.
Overview of Potcake Dog Breed
They are a truly unique breed. People frequently assume that just because they are stray dogs, they would attack or that they are untrainable. They have a very tender and soft heart inside of them. They hunger for affection. They are intelligent, devoted dogs.
They have minimal to no undercoat and very short, silky fur. Shaggy or rough-coated Potcakes are uncommon. They are renowned for having a face like that of a Terrier. Their ribs are like hound cages, and their ears are cocked.
The weight of a Potcake dog can range from 35 to 55 pounds. Potcakes are about 25 inches tall. Brown is the typical color of pancakes, however, they can also be white, black, or yellow.
Caribbean islands are mostly home to this breed. Every year, their numbers are growing at a rapid pace. When they race across roadways and turn their garbage cans in quest of food, they leave a lot of people frustrated. On the roads, this leads to a lot of accidents.
Appearance and Grooming
Looks
They are famously known for having a shepherd-mixed look. Because they are a mixture of many different breeds, their looks can vary. They can look like a terrier, a shepherd, or a golden retriever. Their ears are generally pointed or cocked. They have long faces.
Coat
They have a smooth coat. They don’t have any undercoat. Some of them may have fluffy fur with a rough undercoat. This coat is also known as the Shaggy coat.
Colors
As they are the result of many breeds, their coat colors may vary in different colors. Some of them have beige, tan, cream, and brindle coats.
Size
A Potcake dog normally has a height of 60cm approximately. The weight of a dog depends on whether he is healthy or not. A normal healthy dog can have a weight of around 10kg.
Care
Because they come from many different genes, we can not predict much, but most of them have shiny and glossy coats without any undercoat. They have very short coats so you don’t have to brush them daily.
Their hair won’t be tangled or matted is a plus point. They are easy to groom. You also don’t have to bathe them daily. You just have to keep their ears cleaned and nails trimmed.
Personality and Temperament
Nature
This breed has amazing qualities. They are kind and affectionate. They have loyalty. Like most dogs, they can be stubborn from time to time. However, you may eliminate this feature with the right training.
Behavior
The way they behave varies according to their origins. If their home is one where they have received the necessary training, they will be well-mannered and socialized.
However, if they’re from the streets, they’ll get afraid and frightened easily. This is a result of their extreme dread and having lived on the streets for the majority of their lives. In general, they don’t act aggressively.
Intelligence
Like other dog breeds, Potcakes are extremely swift and intelligent. They are quick learners and may be trained in the comforts of your home. They are known for having street smarts. They are used to surviving in unfavorable environments. They are forced to do any action necessary to survive.
Loyal
You will discover a completely other side of them if you adopt and train them. They’ll be devoted, kind, and loving to you. They will always owe you their lives and be appreciative of your charity, so you must take good care of them. They are resilient and incredibly serene.
Food and Health
Some of the dog breeds are very sensitive. They can’t eat just anything given to them. Their stomach gets upset if proper diet food is not given to them.
On the other hand, we have Potcakes. They can eat everything that is in front of them. Because they spend most of their life on the streets and don’t have any food. So in search of food, they explore the garbage bins of the streets. They have to survive on whatever food is there in the garbage bins. They don’t have much choice.
Diet
But for them to live healthy and to increase their life span, you need to give them a proper diet food. A portion of food filled with proteins, nutrients, and vitamins will keep them healthy and full of energy. This prevents them from many disorders that other street dogs become the victims of.
You will have to make sure you don’t overfeed your dog. This will make them a victim of obesity and make them suffer other health problems.
Genetic Issues
A Potcake dog doesn’t have any serious genetic health conditions which we should be worried about because they are strays and are very resilient. When these puppies are rescued, they are victim of many parasites and diseases because they are not vaccinated.
Like many other dog breeds, they also are prone to some health conditions that we should be aware of.
Minor Issues
External parasites like fleas, mites, and ticks and skin allergies like atopic dermatitis and food allergies are some common minor health issues among them.
Serious Issues
Some serious health conditions that could have a major effect on your dog’s health are bloating (gas in the stomach), and bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. These issues can cause permanent disorders in your dog.
After adopting them, make sure to spay or neuter them as it can prevent many behavioral issues because of hormones.
Because of these hormones, they can start excessive barking or whining. By neutering you can also save your dog from some infections that could affect their reproductive organs and can prevent cancer.
Workout and Training
Excessive Energy
Potcakes get their high energy from their parents, as do other canine breeds. They demand your attention and to play with you all the time. They occasionally become couch potatoes. They will be in their own universe, resting and not moving an inch.
If they spend all of their time on the couch, they may develop fat. You should therefore keep them occupied. You must play with them in the parks and go for walks with them. You can also engage in mental games with them, such as hiding their food in various locations throughout the house so they have to find it. They will be occupied and amused by this as well.
They will give it their all if their owner wishes to play with them. The majority of the time, adult potcakes don’t desire to play, but little potcakes must exercise to burn off energy and prevent boredom.
Early to learn
The Potcakes of the Bahamas are exceptionally perceptive and wise. When they do discover affection, they strive to satisfy their owner because they long for a home and love. Anything you ask of them, they’ll do. This is the same reason they are incredibly simple to train.
Their refusal to stay at home is the main issue that arises after adoption. These vagrants roam aimlessly for most of their lives. They dislike having a leash on them. They ought to be housed in a fenced-in yard to prevent them from running away.
To keep them motivated, you will need to provide them with some form of constructive criticism.
One way to train them is to start with simple orders like sit, stand, or rollover. Treating them will encourage positive conduct, so make sure to reward them when they obey you.
Conclusion
Potcakes are street dogs who spend most of their lives on the streets looking for food. They usually avoid humans and are scared of them because humans don’t usually care about them and don’t adopt them. They have to be on alert all the time because of humans and other dogs.
They are not your usual go-to dogs. They are very sensitive and once you build a relationship with them, you will see a whole new side of them that is very sweet and lovely. They are very grateful to their owners for saving them.
Some FAQs
How much a Potcake dog can grow?
An average Potcake can weigh from 15 to 35kg, but you will find most of them are of 20 kg. Their height is no more them 25 inches.
Is Potcake a dangerous dog?
Because of their large size, many think they are very dangerous and will attack you instantly. They are street dogs so they have to be on alert. If they sense that someone will harm them, then they can attack. Otherwise, they will not be a danger.
Can a Potcake dog be adopted?
Yes, can adopt a Potcake dog and train him to be a house dog. This way you will help him from spending his life on the streets. He will thank you and will love you for this kindness.
Can you keep the Potcake dog in the family house?
Yes, Potcake dog is very ideal for family houses, you just have to train them properly. They are easy-going and engaging. They enjoy the company of kids and endure them well. You should still overwatch them to avoid any damage.
