Faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, look up in the sky…it’s an American Tundra Shepherd. Well, not really, but according to some, this breed you’ve probably never heard of is as close as any mortal being (human or animal) can get. It can do what no other domesticated dog is capable of.
The next time you see a dog that appears to be a German Shepherd, look a little closer. No one here had ever heard about the American Tundra Shepherd before. Its kind of a long story; we heard about it by accident, after my mother-in-law told us about this guy she knows about that is “some big dog trainer” that’s in a wheel chair. I thought that sounded interesting enough & bugged her endlessly to get me his phone number from his sister (whom my mother-in-law used to work with). During the period of time I was trying to reach this dog trainer, Frank Catania, I received a phone call from a man that works with him. This guy, John Kleist, tells me that “Paw Prints” should do a story on his boss. When I inquire as to why, I begin hearing a portion of his resume; not the least of which include being the recipient of the Bronze Star from the U.S. Army “for his accomplishments in the research & development of new K-9 training methods, the break-through in the Definition of Temperament in Dogs & research developments in bomb detection beneficial to combat situations” & the former Chief Army Instructor & Veterinary Technician. When asked by the U.S. Military in 1968 (during the Vietnam War) to develop a better dog - a “war dog”, he did so by developing the American Tundra Shepherd. This new breed of dog had a superior sense of smell, eyesight & hearing to any other breed in existence. There were (& are) breeds that have great hearing, a great sense of smell, great eyes, etc. None had a combination of all three & none to the degree of the ATS dogs. They are faster than a Doberman Pinscher, more agile than a German Shepherd & more powerful than a Rottweiler. And there was something else…the ATS dogs turned out to have stamina & durability that is unmatched by any other breed.
Once the Vietnam War ended, the military grant money ran out the decision was then made to continue to develop the dog as a breed. Based on the dog’s capabilities Catania knew this breed would be outstanding in areas of law enforcement & the military (search & rescue, bomb detection & cadaver dogs), protection, as service dogs (can be trained to turn off the gas stove & can carry anywhere from 40-60 lbs. on its back) & general obedience. This dog can be used for protection, work with the disabled, be utilized as a herding dog (performing that job with a direct stare, just as a Border Collie), be a companion to children, & even go hiking & fishing with you.
Here are some of the things the you should know about the American Tundra Shepherd: They are capable of detecting human scent on an article the size of a nickel, 4 feet under ground after it has been there 3 days (under ideal conditions), their feet are webbed so they are powerful swimmers (excellent at performing cadaver work or life saving in the water), they can endure extreme temperatures whether in the desert or the arctic (even at -70° F), & they have a superior intelligence – able to retain & remember up to 104 commands. Additionally, they have unusually good health as they are virtually free of most genetic disabilities & have an unusually long life-span for a large breed (males weighing from 100 – 140 lbs. at maturity), living to the ripe old age of 13-15 years old. They also seem to have a rate of recovery from injury that is “nothing short of miraculous”. They also come in 11 different colors & 3 different coat lengths.
Frank Catania is amazing with an amazing list of accomplishments that fills several pages. Believe me when I tell you he is an expert’s expert when it comes to dog breeding & training in every aspect. He is also the President & founder of the Global Kennel Club whose purpose is “to register all breeds of the World, including rare breeds”. Frank encourages anyone that is interested to find out more about the GKC & to attend its events any time. Frank is not a “breed snob” & believes all breeds are to be admired & respected for the qualities they possess; even mixed-breeds as he demonstrates as Director of the Mixed Breed Kennel Club in addition to his other jobs & roles in the canine community.
We were left with a pearl of wisdom from Catania that rings true for every dog & every dog owner. He reminds us that there is no such thing as a bad dog; the problem is owner error. He is quick to say, “Intelligence goes down the leash, not up!”
* For more information about the American Tundra Shepherd or the Global Kennel Club, Frank Catania or any member of his staff may be contacted at his training facility, Midwest K-9 Training Estates & Global Kennel Club (913-441-1352).
