Askal

Askal (portmanteau of asong kalye, meaning "street dog"), also called aspin (portmanteau of asong Pinoy, meaning "Filipino dog"), refers to the diverse population of mongrel dogs found in the Philippines. The term "Askal" is derived from the Filipino language and is commonly used to describe stray or mixed-breed dogs that roam the streets of urban and rural areas across the country.

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. These native breeds have adapted to the local environment and exhibit a range of physical characteristics and temperaments. These dogs have 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 a remarkable 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.

Names
By the late 20th century, dogs commonly seen wandering the streets were called "askal", a Tagalog-derived portmanteau of asong kalye, which literally means street dog. In 2007, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) suggested the alternative term "aspin", short for asong Pinoy (Pinoy dog) to avoid the stigma associated with the term "askal".

In Cebuano, dogs are called irong Bisaya, which literally means "Visayan dog" or "native dog", implying that these are not thought of as a mixed-breed dog so much as unbred mongrels with no purebred ancestors. This is only from a Visayan point of view since irong Bisaya does not differ in character or physical appearance from the other askals found in the Philippines. Physically, the dogs have "all shapes, configurations and sizes."

Appearance
Aspins do not have clear lineages that contributed to what they look like today because they are bred from a diversity of mutts and mixed breeds that are roaming around Filipino streets. However, they have characteristics that distinctively identify them.

The coat can be short haired or rough. Coat colors ranges from Black, Brown, White (commonly), Ginger (rare), Brindle, Gray, Cream, and Red Merle. Spots are commonly found at the base of the tail and at 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 like in Rottweilers.

Interactions with humans


Askals is the Filipino word for 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 suspicious of strangers, independent and protective of family members. They are good to 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 the Western people 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 watch dogs.

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 been trained by the Coast Guard to identify bombs and drugs by scent.

Notable askals

 * Kabang, an askal who lost its snout while saving two young children
 * Buboy, waited of his owner who had already died several days before. However, Buboy died after being run over by a vehicle.
 * Boonrod (askal Dog), was 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.

In popular culture
The Philippines national football team are nicknamed "Azkals", after the dog.

This is also referenced in a satirical educational institution and Internet meme named the "International State College of the Philippines" as 'Blue Aspins '

Forest Dog or "Asong Gubat”
The Philippine Canine Club, Inc. formally introduced the Philippine Forest Dog or "Asong Gubat,” (Irog, Mayumi and Muty) in the Philippine Circuit Show 2024 (January 17–21, 2024), Asia's biggest Dog show at the Araneta Coliseum. The Club "hoped it will be the first dog breed from the Philippines that will be recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale." “The Asong Gubat is a primitive breed that has been formed through natural selection by its interaction with the environment so it's a purebred as compared to the Aspin or Askal which is a Mongrel, and it has been living with indigenous Filipinos such as Aetas and Negritos in the country’s forests way before the Spaniards arrived,” PCCI Corporate Secretary Fred Salud said.