WHAT IS A POTCAKE?
What is Potcake Dog?
Potcakes are truly a remarkable breed of dogs. They make very smart, loyal and loving pets.
Potcake is the name given to the dogs of the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos Islands. It came about because the locals fed the caked remains of the cooking pot to the dogs.
The Bahama’s Kennel Club recognizes the Potcake as a breed. The exact mix depends on what dogs had been introduced to the islands in the past, basically they are mixed-breed street dogs. In Turks and Caicos Islands, we believe that the original Potcake derived from the Labrador, German Shepherd and Fox Terrier breeds.
Potcake - Smart, loyal and loving
The Potcake appearance
They are described as having a "shepherd-mix" look, although the potcake dog's appearance varies. They often have terrier, shepherd or retriever characteristics.
Potcakes generally have pointed and cocked ears, a long face, and a smooth coat without undercoat. Now and again we get a few fluffy ones with a rough coat.
As a result of their mixed heritage, potcakes vary widely in terms of color, with many being beige, black and tan, brown, white, black, and sometimes brindle.
Potcakes generally have pointed and cocked ears, a long face, and a smooth coat
The Potcake temperament
As generations have passed, potcakes have evolved into a breed which is extremely smart, loyal and loving.
After caring for so many potcakes, Jane Parker-Rauw, Founder of Potcake Place, believes the potcake can be summed up as "intelligent, loyal, calm and resilient."
Unlike many dog breeds, potcakes are able to eat many foods that would be upsetting to most dogs. Their stomachs are incredibly hardy. Some are independent and could tend to wander if not properly supervised.
In general potcakes are food and toy orientated which helps with training and rewarding good behavior. They tend to be quick learners and moderately active. They can be couch dwellers but are always ready for action.
Potcakes are rescued from around the islands of the Turks & Caicos. Litters of puppies, as well as individual pups, are found wandering without their littermates. They may be found by tourists while they are out exploring, or locals in their backyard or while working on construction sites.
All the potcakes that we adopt out have already been fostered in volunteer’s homes and so may be already used to children, other dogs and might have met cats.
Potcakes are intelligent, loyal and resilient
How big does a Potcake get?
Potcakes can range between 35lb and 75lb, but most grow to be approximately 45 lbs, the size of their paws as a puppy gives you a good idea as to how large they will grow. On average, a potcake dog will stand approximately 24 inches (61 cm) at the withers.
Happy Fur-ever Homes
We have successfully adopted out Potcakes throughout North America and other parts of the world. Many are now enjoying lives on beaches and in the snow, living happily with cats, kids and other dogs.
Our volunteers work very hard to find wonderful 'furever' homes for our Potcake puppies. We see successful adoptions each and every week.
We provide a regular round up of adopted pups on our Facebook, and Instagram pages along with a wonderful farewell photo of the puppy with its new family.