Poi dogs: Hawaiʻi’s beloved mixed breeds

HONOLULU (KHON2) — In honor of National Mutt Day, also known as National Poi Dog Day in Hawaiʻi, KHON2.com sat down with Brandy Shimabukuro, Communications Director for the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Poi dogs, a term affectionately used in Hawaiʻi for mixed breed dogs, have a special place in the hearts of the community.

Shimabukuro shares why adopting a poi dog can be a wonderful choice and offers insights into the benefits of giving these unique dogs a loving home.

Understanding poi dogs

“Poi dog is an accepted term here in Hawaiʻi for a mixed breed dog,” Shimabukuro explained. “The name comes from an ancient breed brought over by Polynesians. Today, it represents the diverse and loving mixed breed dogs we have in our shelters.”

National Poi Dog Day helps raise awareness for these dogs and highlights that they are just as deserving of loving homes as purebred dogs.

Respecting choices in pet ownership

Shimabukuro emphasizes the importance of respecting people’s choices when it comes to pet ownership.

“At the end of the day, the unifying aspect of pet ownership is providing a loving home,” she said.

Whether someone chooses a dog from a responsible breeder or adopts from a shelter, the key is to find a pet that fits their lifestyle and family needs.

The benefits of adopting adult dogs

For many families, adopting an adult poi dog can be a perfect fit.

“The average family with busy schedules may not have the time to train a puppy,” Shimabukuro explained. “Adult dogs are often already house-trained and have lower energy levels, making them easier to integrate into a home.”

She shared her own experience with two large dogs, highlighting how adopting an older dog can be less demanding and just as rewarding.

Fostering as a trial adoption

Shimabukuro encourages people to consider fostering as a way to find the right dog.

“If you can go into the shelter and foster a dog, even treat it like a trial adoption, that’s the most responsible thing you could do,” she said.

Fostering allows families to see how a dog fits into their home environment before making a permanent commitment.

The Hawaiian Humane Society offers programs like “couch crashing” for dogs and “lap crashers” for cats, where people can take pets home for short-term stays.

Health benefits of mixed breed dogs

Mixed breed dogs often have fewer genetic health issues due to their diverse gene pool. Shimabukuro finds it fascinating to see the unique personalities and traits of poi dogs.

“I love this day and age of DNA tests for dogs,” she said. “It’s fun to see what little mix you have in your home and match their behavior to their genetics.”

Fostering and adopting from shelters

Fostering from shelters provides a window into a dog’s true personality.

“The impression you get in the shelter might be different from what you see at home,” Shimabukuro notes. “A dog that seems high-energy in a kennel might be very mellow in a home environment.”

This trial period helps ensure a good match between the dog and the family.

Encouraging responsible choices

Shimabukuro stresses that whether you adopt from a shelter or choose a dog from a breeder, the most important thing is to provide a loving and suitable home.

She acknowledges the role of responsible breeders who use ethical practices and care deeply for their animals.

The Hawaiian Humane Society supports all avenues of responsible pet ownership, aiming to match pets with the right homes.

National Poi Dog Day is a celebration of the beloved mixed breed dogs in Hawaiʻi. Through fostering and adoption, families can find their perfect pet while giving a loving home to dogs in need.

To learn more about fostering and adopting poi dogs, click here and explore the wonderful opportunities to give these special dogs a loving home.

The Hawaiian Humane Society continues to support and promote responsible pet ownership, ensuring that every dog, whether purebred or poi dog, finds a place where they are cherished.