Askal

Askal (portmanteau of asong kalye, meaning "street dog"), also called aspin (portmanteau of asong Pinoy, meaning "Filipino dog"), refers to the diverse population of mongrel free-ranging dogs found in the Philippines.

The term "askal" is a neologism from the Filipino language and is commonly used as a derogatory term for describing stray or mixed-breed dogs that roam the streets of urban and rural areas across the country. It is considered to reflect class discrimination in the country, particularly towards indigenous elements.

The origins of askals can be traced back to two main categories. Firstly, some askals are entirely descended from indigenous dog breeds that have evolved over time in the Philippines. Secondly, it is believed that dogs were introduced into the country from Mainland Asia, via Taiwan. Excavation sites reveal that dogs served two main purposes: consumption and companionship. Tagalogs, along with other ethnolinguistic groups like the Kalinga and Bontoc, were known to have domesticated these dogs into hunting companions, often forming close bonds, mourning their deaths, and burying them near their owners. They may have even been given the same burial treatment as humans. These native breeds have adapted to the local environment and exhibit a range of physical characteristics and temperaments. These dogs have since played an integral role in the lives of Filipinos, serving as loyal companions, guardians, and even working animals.

Askals often display a unique blend of characteristics from various ancestral backgrounds. This diversity contributes to their distinct appearance, temperament, and adaptability. They are highly adaptable and resilient dogs, capable of surviving in challenging conditions. They possess a remarkable ability to navigate the urban landscape and survive on scraps and leftovers. Their resourcefulness, intelligence, and innate street-smarts have earned them the nickname "asong kalye," reflecting their association with the streets.^{[citation needed]}

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to celebrate and protect the cultural heritage represented by askals. Various organizations and animal welfare groups are working towards providing medical care, shelter, and adoption opportunities for stray and abandoned dogs. Additionally, initiatives have been launched to educate the public about responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering programs, vaccinations, and proper training.

By the late 20th century, dogs commonly seen wandering the streets were called "askal", a Tagalog-derived portmanteau of asong kalye, which literally means street dog. In 2007, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) suggested the alternative term "aspin", short for asong Pinoy (Pinoy dog) to avoid the stigma associated with the term "askal".

In Cebuano, dogs are called irong Bisaya, which literally means "Visayan dog" or "native dog", implying that these are not thought of as a mixed-breed dog so much as unbred mongrels with no purebred ancestors. This is only from a Visayan point of view since irong Bisaya does not differ in character or physical appearance from the other askals found in the Philippines. Physically, the dogs have "all shapes, configurations and sizes."

Aspins do not have clear lineages that contributed to what they look like today because they are bred from a diversity of mutts and mixed breeds that are roaming around Filipino streets. However, they have characteristics that distinctively identify them.