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THE FAMOUS POTCAKE |
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The Potcake, also sometimes referred to as the "Island Dog", is a mixed-breed dog found on several Caribbean islands. The name comes from the staple of its diet: the dried "cake" which forms at the bottom of pots used for cooking and reheating. Although Potcakes display a wide variety of characteristics, they generally share certain physical traits due to their isolated gene pools. Each island's gene pool is slightly different, accounting for the variations between islands. The typical Potcake has a smooth, short coat, little or no undercoat, a long snout, and floppy ears. Colors vary widely, including black, white, yellow and brown. They generally have the same temperaments: laid-back, smart, good with children, other dogs and cats. They usually reach 45-55 pounds when full grown, although some of the smaller potcakes only weigh in around 40. A Potcake is a dog that many should consider bringing home. They are among the smartest "breed" in existence today, as they are free to mate without interference. They are protective without being violent, and very sensitive to the feelings of their "people". They express guilt when they have done something wrong. They are very obedient and when told "no", it is very unlikely they will cross the line drawn for them. If the line is crossed, which will rarely happen more than once for the same infraction, the guilt on their face and body language will give them away long before the crime is discovered. An example of a Potcake's discipline is as follows: A potcake can be told "no" with a plate of food in front of him, and you can leave that room, forgetting about that plate, and return 15 minutes later to find that it is untouched. On the rare occasion that one piece may be touched, it will be the expression on his face that will tell the story. Many are actually led to believe that the dog is abused for the guilt he expresses on the off occasion that he does something wrong. They are slow starters and may make mistakes before they are told wrong from right and don't come into themselves until about the age of six months, but by the age of two they will be the love of an owner's life and another breed with be out of the question. They rival top breeds such as border collies and labradors as far as intelligence and have a mastery of language like no other dog.
They are wonderful with children and other pets, such as cats. The cats are safe unless a potcake is put with other dogs. He then acts with the pack and can be a threat to the family cat that consists of barking in the cat's face until he either faints out of fear or runs for his life. He is a bit of a follower but nothing a stern voice can't snap him out of. As he gets older, he becomes more willing to please and there is nothing he can't rival in the dog world. They are an overall exceptional pet but can sometimes resemble a pitbull and cause concern for others. He has no other physical characteristics of the pitbull other than the wide grin and wide-set eyes. He has no jaw or personality traits of the breed. They are also as easy to maintain as a common housecat. They are quiet and will alert their owner of the need to go out and the need to eat. They are happy with no exercise or heavy activity. They have the ability to learn anything one can explain to them and will "jump through hoops" to please their owners and others. They are prone to mange from their mother's womb, but will outgrow the condition by the time they are 18 to 24 months. It is not contagious and if the animal is comfortable enough, it is unnecessary to put them through the discomfort and cost of multiple dips at the vet's office. They are a hearty breed and need little vet care. They will also outlive most other breeds as they are built well overall even though they appear to be a slight dog. They will completely assimilate into any home offered to them and are this author's number one pick for a family dog. If you have never seen a dog actually smile when it is happy, then take the time to meet a Potcake. The expression in their eyebrows and smile is not to be missed. It is a dog that doesn't seem to be much to look at, but people are drawn to within minutes of their introduction. Nobody forgets meeting a Potcake. Their ability to make friends, with both animal and person,is a pleasure to witness. Text from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potcake_Dog
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