Last year, I noticed a dog (an Aspin or Asong Pinoy) on the terrace of our neighbor’s house. It was brown and fluffy, kind of like a fox. I would often sneak glances at it because it was just so adorable, even though it had a habit of barking loudly. One afternoon, when the sky was a bit cloudy (like it was about to rain), I saw my neighbor setting up a metal sheet in front of their house. At first, I thought he was just doing something for his business, but moments later, I saw him place the dog under the metal sheet. It turned out the metal sheet was being used as a roof for the dog, which was now its new shelter. I looked at the dog, and I was reminded of an employee who used to work in the office but got demoted and became someone who just cleans the windows outside the office. I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. I asked my neighbor curiously, "Why did you move your dog down there?" He explained, "I have a bulldog upstairs, and they can’t be together. It has fleas, and I’m worried it might pass them on." While I understood his reason, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy about the decision, especially with the rainy season just around the corner. "At least now we have a dog to look over the house in case someone tries to enter," he added. The poor dog whimpered for days, probably disoriented by the new environment and the relentless rain.
Growing up, I noticed that people often had dogs, but they were usually kept outside the house. They were either tied up or confined, serving as typical guard dogs in case someone tried to break in or steal. This is rooted to dogs having a natural protective instinct as they may bark at strangers to alert their owners or put off potential intruders from entering their territory. Barking is their way of defending their home and loved ones. Some dogs bark to assert dominance and protect their territory, while some bark at strangers due to fear or anxiety. This shows that having dogs is helpful in feeling secured from the threat of the burglars. However, many people only get dogs as a burglar alarm ignoring that dogs are companion animals that have feelings and deserve a comfortable, spacious living space. I also noticed that the Aspin breed is often left outside, while purebred dogs are the ones that are kept inside of the house. That makes me wonder, how many Aspin dogs are named 'Bantay'? And how many others, though not named 'Bantay,' still live up to the name by serving as guard dogs?
According to Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Aspins have long been subjected to stigma and discrimination merely for being who they are and what they look like. Over the years, PAWS has seen numerous instances of cruelty, especially towards our native dogs. The term "Askal" or “Asong Kalye” was once used in a derogatory way to describe Aspin dogs referring to mongrel dogs that were commonly seen wandering the streets, often portrayed as aggressive, dirty, and bothersome due to their constant scavenging through trash for food. Unfortunately, this term reinforces the false belief or misconception that they were meant to roam and live in the streets without loving homes.
I stumbled upon a facebook comment of a stranger, saying that Colonial mentality is evident in those who prefer purebred dogs over Aspins. For many, a dog’s breed is seen as a "status symbol," similar to owning luxury items like a Rolex watch or a Louis Vuitton bag. These individuals tend to buy from breeders instead of adopting from shelters, disregarding the fact that breeders are often breeding irresponsibly, forcing dogs to breed for their own gain. Worse, they often breed dogs who are related to each other, leading to a litter of sickly puppies.
Just like what writer Marco Sumayao posted on his blog, “While purebred dogs were treated like members of the family (sometimes even better), askals were chained to posts outside the home, fed scraps from the dinner table, and had limited vet visits because, as it was often put, “askal lang ‘yan.” And that’s if they were lucky enough to have homes in the first place.” Indeed, this preference is often influenced by societal norms and misconceptions that value purebreds more highly, overshadowing the unique qualities and potential of Aspins.
Many people prefer purebred dogs over Aspins, whether because they like a certain physical appearance from their chosen breed, or because they are drawn to the status and prestige associated with owning a specific breed. Whatever the reason may be, the well-being of the dog should always come first. It's important to prioritize the dog's health, happiness, and overall quality of life, regardless of the breed or status associated with owning them. Plus, consider the fact about whether you can truly take care of them because every dog, whether a purebred or not, has a heart that feels too. Every dog deserves love, care, and a safe environment where their needs are met. When making decisions regarding pet ownership, the pet's physical and emotional well-being should always be the priority.
While it may be possible for dogs to live outside (I mean “outside the house” with a person still taking care of them), breed and shelter are few of the factors that need to consider before deciding to let them live outdoor:
Breed. Some dog breeds (not only Aspins) can tolerate outdoor conditions due to their physical characteristics which often have thicker coats that help them stay warm in cold weather, while short-nosed or flat-faced breeds are more sensitive to heat. Smaller breed dogs tend to be more sensitive to temperature extremes and may struggle to regulate their body temperature outside. Dogs, especially small to medium sized, with short coats aren't encouraged to be left outside. So before letting them stay outdoors, think carefully about their physical endurance with what to expect outside.
Shelter. A well-constructed shelter that can protect dogs from extreme weather conditions such as harsh cold, intense heat, storm or typhoon. It should be designed to provide temperature regulation, keeping the dog warm during the rainy season and cool in the dry season. Making the shelter waterproof and raised off the ground can help protect the dog from moisture and prevent dampness and water or cold from flowing in. The interior should remain dry, secure, and comfortable, offering enough space for the dog to move around and lie down without feeling cramped. It should also be well-ventilated to ensure proper airflow, preventing the buildup of heat or humidity to ensure the dog’s safety and comfort. Consider also that they do not wander away and they should be protected from predators.
A lot of people still choose to keep their dogs outside, chained or caged, for various reasons whether it's due to space limitations, lifestyle preferences, or cultural practices; these pet owners ensure their dogs still receive the same level of love, care, and attention as indoor dogs. Regardless of the breed, whether it's an aspin or a more well-known purebred, dogs are social creatures that require companionship, mental stimulation, and proper care to grow. When deciding to keep a dog outdoors, owners must be observant about their dog's physical and emotional needs.
Regular activities like playtime, training sessions, and walks help keep the dogs active, engaged, and mentally sharp as they need their physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay robust. Playtime allows them to burn off energy and enjoy interaction, while training sessions provide both mental challenges and opportunities to reinforce good behavior. Daily walks not only offer exercise but also expose the dogs to new sights, sounds, and smells, which are crucial for mental stimulation, especially because they are incaged or on leash most of the time. Consistent physical and mental activity helps prevent boredom, reduces the risk of behavioral problems, and supports overall well-being. Ensure also their socialization as dogs are social animals that require interaction with humans and other animals. If they are sheltered or locked-up most of the time, they may become lonely and may develop behavioral issues. Allowing them to spend time indoors with their families from time to time may help to strengthen the bond between the dog and the family. Meaning to say, if you really want to keep your dog outside the house, you have to consider those activities to keep them still happy and healthy.
Fortunately, an increasing number of people are now welcoming their dogs inside the house, no longer just stationed outside as guards, but as cherished members of the family. More people have embraced the role of being better pet owners, ensuring their pets receive the love and care they deserve. After all, dogs love us unconditionally, and it's only right that we return that love by meeting their needs and providing them with a safe and loving environment. Remember, the key to responsible pet ownership is understanding the unique needs of each dog and making choices that promote their well-being, whether they live inside or outside the house.
REFERENCES:
Keeping Dogs Outside - What To Do | RSPCA - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk
From Pest to Pet: How One Word Transformed Our Classist Attitudes Towards Dogs – Journalixm
