Happiness is having a dog by your side who waits patiently for you every evening to return home, filling your life with love, smiles, and endless wags! Apart from playfulness and cuddles, dogs help us forget our stress and offer comfort to our disturbed minds.
If you plan to adopt a pet, you should be aware of the types of dog breeds available in India. Animal lovers can pick their favourite dog breed from a wide variety of breeds. You can adopt native dogs like the Indian Pariah Dog, Chippiparai, or go for imported dog breeds such as pugs or German Shepherds.
Popular & Playful – Native Dog Breeds
Indian pet parents have realised the truth that the ancient and popular Indian or native dog breeds are one of the most suitable breeds in India, given the extreme climatic conditions and confined living spaces.
Let us take a look at the Indian dog breeds list:
- Loyal Indian Pariah Dog – The Indian Pariah Dog is an Indie breed found across Indian villages, cities, and townships. The Pariah dogs can adapt well to our Indian weather and local surroundings. They are small or medium in size and can form a strong bond with individuals or families. With their star qualities, including loyalty, intelligence, and alertness, the Indian Pariah Dog breed is regarded as one of the best dog breeds for families in India. Pariahs are also considered good watchdogs; they can be trained to guard the territory without showcasing any aggressive behaviour.
- Regal Rajapalayam – This dog breed has distinctive features, including a white coat and an athletic build. In rural southern India, the Rajapalayam breeds are considered a faithful hunting companion. These dogs are also bred as guards, as they are fiercely loyal and exercise caution with new people or strangers. In their lifespan of 10 to 12 years, they enjoy a healthy body. Their coats are short and simple to groom. With good exercise and indoor activities, they can remain alert and calm inside their homes.
- Caravan Hound – Among the different types of dog breeds in India, the Caravan Hound is a special one. This breed is also called the Maratha Hound. These hounds are tall, strong, and lean; they are typically built for running at great speed. Caravan Hounds exhibit tough endurance power, and they are gifted with a keen sense of smell. As a pet parent, you have to reserve some time and energy for these dogs. Families adopting this dog breed should be able to provide energetic activities at home and outdoors. Taking them for daily runs can help. Most trained hounds are loyal and obedient. The female dogs are relatively smaller than the male dogs.
- Fearless Kombai – Kombai dogs are strong and muscular. Their appearance matches the Indie dog breed. Traditionally, these fearless dogs are used as skilled guards and hunters. Loyal and brave, Kombai dogs have reddish coats and exhibit calm behaviour. They can be trained and molded during their early stages as puppies. Pet parents with a strong hand in training and disciplining dogs can adopt Kombai dogs.
- Intelligent Chippiparai – These are called sight hounds originated from the Southern states of India. With medium height and short coats, they are wiry, alert, and agile dogs, ideal for small hunting expeditions. Loyal to the core, these hounds quickly form lifelong bonds with their human parents or caregivers. Families without other small pets like cats or rabbits can adopt a Chippiparai.
Common Rescued Dog Breeds in India that Can Be Adopted
Every year, several types of dog breeds are rescued by animal rescue groups and NGOs. Some are native dog breeds, others are pedigree breeds, and hounds.
A list of commonly rescued dogs in India:
- Pariah Dog – The common street dog, Pariah breed, is often found in rescue homes due to overpopulation of their numbers. These intelligent souls are often the last ones to get a permanent home.
- Labrador Retriever – This breed is surrendered by callous owners time and again, mainly due to its high energy, big size, and frequent health issues.
- Beagles – These beautiful dogs have a trusting nature and friendly disposition. Exploiting these behavioural traits, laboratory research scientists target this breed for conducting various scientific experiments. Rescue groups often find these voiceless souls abandoned or released from scientific laboratories.
- Shih Tzu & Pomeranian – These are smaller breeds that are abandoned by pet owners due to their constant health issues and high maintenance costs.
- Golden Retriever – These dogs are abandoned and rescued by NGOs primarily due to their regular grooming needs and requirement for large, homely spaces.
- Pug – Pet owners abandon these dogs due to their constant health problems, mainly related to the hot Indian climate.
Other massive types of dog breeds, such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Native Hounds, are also routinely abandoned because of their large size, specialised care needs, and the need for larger spaces. Rescued dog breeds can be obtained through local animal rescue homes and NGOs.
Conclusion
Adopting a furry friend in India gives you the choice to get loyal native Indian Pariah dogs or other foreign breeds like Labrador retrievers, Cocker spaniels, and Beagles. Indian breeds like Rajapalayam, Gaddi Kutta, and Kombai. It is advisable to adopt a furry friend through trusted NGOs rather than shopping for them through self-centred breeders.
FAQs
The Gaddi Kutta, also known as the Himalayan Sheepdog, is commonly referred to as the Indian Mastiff. Native to the Himalayan region, this large breed has a thick double coat suited for cold climates and is widely used for guarding livestock due to its protective and loyal nature.
Indian Pariah (Indie) dogs are intelligent, adaptable, and highly resilient. They have strong immunity, short low-maintenance coats, and adjust well to Indian climates. Known for loyalty and alertness, Indie dogs make excellent family pets and are ideal for adoption.
Apartment-friendly dog breeds in India include Beagles, Shih Tzus, Indian Pariah dogs, and Indian Spitz. Their manageable size, adaptable temperament, and moderate exercise needs make them suitable for smaller urban homes.
Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Indian Pariah dogs are ideal for first-time owners. They are friendly, easy to train, and adaptable. Indie dogs are especially recommended due to their low maintenance and strong immunity.
Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Indian Pariah dogs are great with children. They are affectionate, patient, and playful, making them safe and loving companions for family environments.
Indian native breeds like Indian Pariah, Rajapalayam, Kombai, and Chippiparai are best suited for the Indian climate. They are naturally adapted to heat, humidity, and monsoons and require less maintenance than foreign breeds.