What is Aspin— All You Need To Know

Brandon James Bucabal
6 min readOct 11, 2023

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“I want to speak to your manager”

The Aspin originated as a mixed-breed street dog in the Philippines. The name comes from “Asong Pinoy” meaning native dog. They likely descended from various breeds brought to the islands by traders and settlers. Over time, selective breeding produced the intelligent, loyal Aspin known today.

Origins of the Aspin

The Aspin originated as a mixed-breed street dog in the Philippines. They likely descended from various breeds brought to the islands by traders and settlers.

  • Traders and settlers brought dogs like Terriers, German Shepherds, and Labradors to the Philippines
  • These dogs are bred with native Asian dogs, creating the mixed breed Aspin
  • Selective breeding over generations produced the loyal Aspin breed of today

Appearance of the Aspin

Aspins are medium-sized dogs with pointed or wavy ears and curled tails. Their coat colors vary widely from solid white to brown, black, tan, or spotted. Aspins generally have a short, low-maintenance coat.

  • Height ranges from 15–20 inches at the shoulder
  • Weight as adults typically 15–25 pounds
  • Coat colors include white, brown, black, tan, spotted
  • The coat is usually short and smooth
  • Ears are often pointed similar to other Asian breeds
  • The tail is curled tightly over the back

Temperament of the Aspin

Aspins are energetic, friendly, and loyal. They bond closely with their owners and make excellent watchdogs. Aspins are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. Early socialization is important to prevent shyness or aggression issues.

  • Energetic and playful, requiring daily activity
  • Extremely loyal and bond strongly with families
  • Intelligent and trainable, but can be stubborn
  • Excellent watchdog abilities
  • Friendly if properly socialized as a puppy
  • Respond best to positive reinforcement training

Aspin’s Suitability as a Pet

The Aspin’s loyalty, trainability, and low grooming needs make it a popular pet. Its energetic nature requires sufficient daily exercise and stimulation. A home with space for the dog to move is ideal. Patience is needed, as Aspins may exhibit stubbornness.

  • Loyal personality makes them ideal family pets
  • Only need occasional brushing and bathing
  • Require at least an hour of exercise daily
  • A yard or open space is recommended
  • May need patience during training due to stubbornness
  • Proper early socialization helps minimize aggression

Exercise Requirements for Aspins

Aspins have an energetic temperament and need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. Taking them on walks, playtime in a yard, or outdoor adventures allow them to expend their energy. Ensuring they get adequate activity helps prevent problem behaviors.

  • At least 60 minutes of exercise per day
  • Active play like fetching balls or frisbee
  • Daily walks around the neighborhood
  • Runs, hikes, or swims for added activity
  • Mentally stimulating games and training
  • A tired Aspin is a well-behaved Aspin!

Best Climate for Aspins

The Aspin is well-suited to tropical environments, given their Philippine origins. They tolerate heat but should have access to shade and plenty of fresh water. Their short coats give them the flexibility to live in warmer regions compared to long-haired breeds.

  • Tolerates heat well due to Philippine heritage
  • Access to shade and water is still important
  • Can adapt to humid, tropical climates
  • Short coat provides relief versus long fur breeds
  • Not well-suited for very cold weather
  • Can do well in warm regions like Hawaii or Florida

Training an Aspin Dog

Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are recommended for Aspins. Reward-based training will yield the best results with this intelligent, but sometimes stubborn breed. Consistency and firm leadership are also important when training an Aspin.

  • Start training and socialization early as a puppy
  • Use food rewards and praise during training
  • Be patient yet firm and consistent
  • Crate training can be helpful for housebreaking
  • Leash training assists with walking manners
  • Teach cues like sit, stay, come, down, heel
  • Obedience classes can be beneficial

Common Health Issues

Due to their mixed breeding, Aspins can experience a variety of health problems. Issues like heart disease, skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and bloat are sometimes seen. Regular vet checkups, exercise, and proper nutrition can help maximize their health.

Some common health issues Aspins may face include:

  • Heart disease
  • Skin allergies
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye conditions like cataracts
  • Obesity if overfed and under-exercised

Routine vet care, exercise, proper diet, and grooming can help keep Aspins healthy.

Grooming Requirements

The Aspin’s short coat requires only weekly brushing and occasional bathing to keep them clean and tidy. More frequent brushing may be needed during seasonal shedding periods to remove loose hair. Regular nail trims and ear cleaning are also advised.

  • Brush coat weekly
  • Bathe every few months or when dirty
  • Trim nails monthly
  • Check and clean ears regularly
  • Brush teeth frequently
  • Give seasonal flea/tick prevention

Their short, low-maintenance coat makes Aspins easy to groom.

Aspin’s Life Expectancy

The typical life expectancy for a healthy Aspin is 10 to 15 years. Providing proper nutrition, exercise, veterinary care and affection can help maximize an Aspin’s lifespan within a caring home.

  • Average life expectancy is 10–15 years
  • Some Aspins live longer with proper care
  • Follow the vet’s advice for vaccinations and prevention
  • Spay/neuter to avoid complications
  • Ensure proper nutrition and exercise
  • Give plenty of love and mental stimulation!

With good care, Aspins can live happily into their early teens.

Adopting an Aspin

Many Aspins in need of adoption can be found in shelters across the Philippines. When adopting an Aspin, be sure to allow time for it to adjust to its new home. Patience, training, and care are required to build a bond with an adopted Aspin.

Some tips when adopting an Aspin:

  • Check local shelters and rescue groups
  • Ensure the dog is spayed/neutered
  • Get medical records from the shelter
  • Buy supplies like food bowls, bed, leash
  • Puppy-proof your home in advance
  • Allow time for the dog to adjust
  • Be patient — it may take weeks or months to bond
  • Use positive reinforcement training

Adopting an Aspin can be very rewarding if you put in the time and effort.

Being a Responsible Aspin Owner

Owning an Aspin comes with responsibilities. Be sure to license your dog, use a leash in public areas, microchip them in case they wander and always pick up and dispose of waste appropriately. Providing basic training helps them become good citizens.

Tips for being a responsible Aspin owner:

  • License your dog according to local regulations
  • Microchip your Aspin in case they get lost
  • Always use a leash when out in public
  • Pick up and dispose of dog waste properly
  • Provide basic obedience training
  • Give your dog adequate exercise and stimulation
  • Feed a nutritious diet in proper portions
  • Practice good grooming habits
  • Spay/neuter your Aspin

Follow these tips to be a model Aspin owner!

Why Aspins Make Great Pets

The Aspin has many qualities that make it a wonderful pet. Their loyalty, trainability, low-maintenance coat, and upbeat temperament allow them to thrive in a family environment. Aspins form close bonds and provide affection and companionship.

Here’s why Aspins can make fantastic pet companions:

  • Extreme loyalty to their families
  • Eager to please owners
  • Highly intelligent and trainable
  • Short coat requires little grooming
  • Energetic and playful personality
  • Bonds strongly with all family members
  • Excellent companion and watchdog
  • Thrives when given affection

Parting Thoughts

The Aspin is an energetic, loyal dog that originated as a street mutt in the Philippines. So if you’re looking for a new canine friend, consider adopting one of these endearing mutts!

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