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Solomon Islands Street Dog

Solomon Islands street dogs are free-roaming pups that typically congregate in towns or villages with plentiful resources. They share many basic traits with pet dogs, but they lead primarily independent lives outdoors.

Weight

9–21 kg

Height

33–48 cm

Lifespan

10–14 yr

Breed Group

Asian and Oceanian

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Solomon Islands Street Dog Traits

General Appearance

Solomon Islands street dogs can come in all shapes and sizes. But street dogs generally tend to be medium-sized.

Coat and Colouring

Though any combination of coat colors, patterns, and lengths is genetically possible, street dogs typically have short, brownish coats.

Distinctive Physical Traits

Solomon Islands street dogs do not follow a breed standard—no shared set of traits links them together. That said, common characteristics of street dogs include prick ears and pointed noses.

Solomon Islands Street Dog Temperament

Street dogs must learn to fend for themselves. As a result, they tend to be scrappy, intelligent, and adaptable—all skills that support independent survival. Because they've never had to rely on humans, they may be fearful or skeptical of people who have not earned their trust.

Solomon Islands Street Dog History

Like all dogs, the Solomon Islands street dog is a descendant of the gray wolf. Thousands of years ago, a number of wolves became domesticated. And over time, it became clear that these canines made valuable workers and loyal companions.

As a result, people began selectively breeding them for certain traits—a practice that led to the hundreds of purebred dogs we know and love today. But the majority of dogs around the world, including Solomon Islands street dogs, do not belong to a particular breed. Instead, they've evolved on their own in their native environment.

Experts believe Austronesian voyagers first brought dogs to the Solomon Islands 3,000 years ago. Genetic testing on modern street dogs from the islands indicates these dogs have a mix of indigenous and European ancestry.

Today, many street dogs roam freely (often in packs) on the islands—where veterinary services are limited and resources for controlling their population are few.

Solomon Islands Street Dog Care

Nutrition

A Solomon Islands street dog's diet typically consists of whatever they can kill or find—small farm animals, scraps from trash cans, handouts from kind strangers, and so on. If you're leaving food out for a street dog, they'll benefit from commercial diets formulated for pet dogs.

Because they fend for themselves, street dogs aren't usually at risk of becoming overweight. However, if you take a street dog under your roof, keep an eye on their food intake to avoid overfeeding. Guidelines on dog food packages are a good starting point when determining daily portions.

Grooming

If you've adopted a street dog that's comfortable being handled, regular brushing and nail trims will help them look their best. Good dental hygiene is also important for any dog. Professional cleanings and at-home dental care will keep their mouths healthy and reduce the risk of related health issues.

Exercise

All dogs need exercise to stay physically and mentally fit, and street dogs are no exception. Solomon Islands street dogs that are on their own will get adequate exercise during their daily roaming. Pet dogs, however, need access to the outdoors to stretch their legs and get mental stimulation. Playing in a fenced yard and going for leashed walks are great ways for your dog to release energy.

Training

Street dogs are not accustomed to obeying commands from people. In fact, many may avoid close contact with humans. Before attempting a training program, start by building trust and respect with your dog. Slow and steady is the best approach to making inroads with a street dog.

Breed Group

Asian and Oceanian

The Asian and Oceanian group is comprised of breeds whose origins lie in Asia, which have spread as far as Australia, the islands of the Pacific, and the Arctic. This group is possibly the most ancient of all breed groups and were bred for a variety of purposes, including guarding, hunting, and as draft dogs.