Potcake dogs are mixed-breed dogs that can be found on several Caribbean islands. It gets its name from a traditional local dish of seasoned rice and curry or other seasoned meat; overcooked rice that sticks to the bottom of the cooking pot (forming the ‘pot cake’) is frequently mixed with other leftovers and fed to street dogs – hence the name. Potcakes have smooth coats, cocked ears, and long faces, though their appearance varies. The name ‘rice eater’ is more familiar in the minds of Guyanese.
Photo of a Rice eater/ Pot Cake. Photo Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Potcake_dog,_2_years.jpg
Where Did They Come From?
Over 1500 years ago when the Arawaks traveled in their canoe over to the Bahamas they needed something to guard their food supply against rodents. It is also likely that the early Spanish settlers may have introduced their own dogs. As these could have included fighting dogs. In addition, many breeds were imported in the 20th century which interbred with the local dogs, making the mix of breeds in the potcake dynamic. This “instinctual” selection of only the strongest pups resulted in one of the most amazing dog breeds on the planet. Potcakes are inventive, strong, intelligent, determined, brave, loving, and, most importantly, loyal. Those are the characteristics that help Potcakes thrive in the wild as well as being suitable companions.
Description
Rice eaters can grow up to 24 inches in length. They can weigh anywhere from 30 to 70 pounds. Their fur is usually short with a smooth and shiny coat. Their colour varies from brown, black, white, red, cream or golden colour to particolour. The appearance of the potcake dog varies by island. It may resemble a typical pariah dog or exhibit characteristics of a hound, mastiff, spaniel, terrier, or retriever. The type has pointed and cocked ears, a long face, and a smooth coat without undercoat, or a “shaggy” or rough coat, which is less common.
Behaviour
If you own or have ever owned a rice eater you know how playful and loyal these dogs are. They are also highly intelligent and can easily learn commands given such as ‘sit’. I recently trained my dog to sit by rewarding her with a treat when she did what I wanted her to do. They are very receptive to food-based rewards. Unlike a lot of other dogs who need special meal preparations, rice eaters have a sturdy stomach and they can eat almost anything. Despite their loyalty to their owners, these dogs still tend to wander off if they are not supervised.
Overpopulation and Rescue
Taking a walk anywhere in Guyana you can be sure to see several of these dogs who were strayed and are now roaming freely, looking for food and shelter. They do not have caring owners who are able to have them spayed or neutered so, come the breeding period these dogs would reproduce which causes more litter of pups to be subjected to their hardships. There are many growing rescue organizations in Guyana that are dedicated to taking care of these dogs and helping them to find a home. Despite these attempts, there are still many dogs who create a growing population and with limited resources by these organizations, there is no one to solve this issue as quickly as it is increasing.
Non-Profit Organizations In Guyana Dedicated To Rescuing Rice Eaters:
- Rosewood Foundation Guyana
- Paws For A Cause
- Project: Save The Animals Guyana
- Tails of Hope – Animal Rescue
If you are looking to own a pet I suggest checking out those organizations and adopting a wonderful, little potcake of your own.
How To Care For Rice Eaters/Potcakes
Many persons love the idea of owning their very own pet but you might not know how to care properly for these furry friends so here are some tips:
- Ensure your pup is getting enough sleep or else they might become aggressive. This aggressive behaviour may be seen negatively. DO NOT hit your pet as a form of punishment, instead, you can try to spray them with a little water to train them.
- Supervise your dog to ensure that they don’t wander off.
- Feed them twice a day and play a bit of fetch. Exercise is very good for your pet.
- Whenever they do something good you can reward them with a treat.
- Ensure your dogs are taken to get checkups and vaccinations.
These dogs are incredibly loving and loyal and make great companions.
References:
https://potcakecellars.com/what-is-a-potcake/
