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Dog Breeds in India | Indian Dog Breeds

A dog is a popular pet in India. There are many famous Indian dog breeds that can be seen in the residential areas of the cities and villages in India. There are lots of dog breeds in India that can be seen from villages to the urban areas. Each dog breed has its own unique characteristics and behavioural traits. However, people usually prefer foreign dog breeds for their so-called exotic features. Indian dog breeds who are better adapted to Indian climate and lifestyle are usually neglected. So, if you want to know popular Indian dog breeds before you adopt a dog, the list of dog breeds in India is given below:

  1. Mudhol Hound
  2. Indian Pariah dog
  3. Combai
  4. Kanni
  5. Jonangi
  6. Pandikona
  7. Rajapalayam Dog
  8. Rampur Greyhound
  9. Bakharwal Dog
  10. Gaddi Kutta (Dog)
  11. Bully Kutta (dog)
  12. Gull Terrier
  13. Indian Spitz Dog
  14. Kumaon Mastiff Dog
  15. Vikhan Sheepdog

1) Mudhol Hound

It is an Indian dog breed that is also known by multiple names such as Caravan hound, Maratha Hound, Kathewar Dog, Pashmi Hound. Its features are similar to sighthounds or grey hounds. This breed is famous for its hunting and guarding abilities and skills.

Dog Breeds in India

Mudhol Hounds are commonly found at Mudhol town in Karnataka and in the nearby cities. This dog breed has a sharp vision, long elongated skull with a tapering muzzle (snout). It has a lean, muscular body with a long neck and long back. The legs are long, straight, muscular and well-boned. The coat is usually short and smooth and can be of different colours. The skin does not have folds or wrinkles.

Vital Stats:

  • Life span: 13 to 14 years
  • Height: 26 to 30 inches
  • Weight: 22 to 30 kg

Specialities of Mudhol Hound:

  • Healthy dog breed
  • Independent, loyal and intelligent
  • Suitable for Indian weather
  • Easy to groom
  • Good watchdog not friendly with strangers
  • Usually good with other dogs

2) Indian Pariah dog

Indian Pariah dog is also known as Desi Dog or INDogs and South Asian pye dog. It is known for its sociability and good behaviour and thus can easily adjust to the natural and cultural environment. It loves to interact with other dogs and people that are part of the family. It can be trained easily and mostly used as a police dog or guard dog.

Dog Breeds in India

It is a medium-sized dog breed that has erect ears, a wedge-shaped head, and a long tail that normally hangs down and curls at the tip. Its coat is dense that can be of different colours such as pale yellow, brown, reddish-brown, tan and dark brown. Besides this, it is one of the healthiest Indian dog breeds that does not fall sick easily or not prone to diseases.

Vital stats:

  • Height: 18 to 26 inches
  • Weight: 20 to 30 kg
  • Life Span: 13 to 14 years

Specialities of Indian Pariah Dog:

  • Healthy dog breed
  • Perfect for Indian weather
  • Social and well-behaved

3) Combai

Combai is an Indian breed that is commonly found at the slopes of the Western Ghats in the southern region of India. It is also known as Indian Terrier. It was at the verge of extinction but revived back by dog lovers and supporters in the Tamil Nadu. This breed is known for aggression and loyalty. It may look similar to the Indian Pariah dog. It is also a healthy Indian dog breed. In the past, it was used by the rulers for the hunt of deer, boar, and bison, etc. This breed is tolerant and gentle with children in the family.

Dog Breeds in India

It has a muscular body with a wedge-shaped head and a black mask around ears, eyes and mouth. The jaws are powerful, legs are long and strong, and solid shoulders with a thick muscular neck make it a perfect hunter. The body colours can be tan, red, brown, etc. The tail is long, feathered, often remains curled up and high. Its coat is short with a straight texture and normal density.

Vital stats:

  • Life span: 12 to 15 years
  • Height: 23 to 26 inches
  • Weight: 30 to 35 kg.

Specialities of Combai:

  • Friendly behaviour
  • Aggressive yet loyal
  • Healthy India dog breed
  • Strong and alert
  • Good for hunting

4) Kanni

Kanni is a rare Indian dog breed that is found in South India. It may look similar to Greyhound. In South India, it is also known as the Maiden's Beastmaster and is mostly used for coursing game. The meaning of Kanni in Tamil is 'pure' and this name is given to this breed because of its purity and loyalty.

Dog Breeds in India

It mostly has five colours such as cream, black, brown, tan and brindle. The black and tan variety of this breed is called Kanni, whereas, the rest are called Chippiparai. During the old times, it was used for hunting hares, blackbucks, rabbits, etc.

The head is straight with a long muzzle, legs are long and the chest is like a cheetah. The body is lean and a muscular with flexible spine. The vision, sense of smell and hearing are very sharp. Besides this, it can achieve a maximum speed of 60km/hr while chasing its prey. Its coat is short so shedding is very less and little grooming is required.

Vital Stats:

  • Life span: 14-16 years
  • Height: 22 to 25 inches
  • Weight: 35 to 48 lb

Benefits:

  • Best suited for hunters, singles
  • Loyal, trainable, independent
  • Territorial (defender of its territory)

5) Jonangi

The Jonangi Indian dog breed is also known as Jonangi Jagilam or Kolleti Jagilam. It is mostly found in Andhra Pradesh, some regions of Karnataka and along the eastern coastline from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu. This breed is not only famous for hunting but also for herding the livestock. They can co-exist with farm animals like goat, sheep, and poultry. They often dig ditches in ground and love to stay there. Also, they are famous for yodelling sound.

Dog Breeds in India

Its characteristic feature is smooth and short hair that separates it from other dog breeds. The forehead is usually wrinkled and face is thick with a short muzzle. The coat of this breed is short and able to withstand heat and its colour ranges from brown to black including white with brown or dark patches and brindle, biscuit, and chocolate shades. Although this breed is believed to be average in intelligence, it is very devoted to its owner and family.

Vital Stats:

  • Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
  • Height: 17 to 21 inches
  • Weight: 28 to 48 pounds

Specialities of Jonangi:

  • Suitable for guarding large farms
  • Can be trained easily
  • Friendly with children and other dogs
  • Shows aggression when provoked
  • Can travel long distances

6) Pandikona

Pandikona Indian dog breed is mostly found in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh as well as in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is well adapted to the harsh climate of Kurnool and is considered a primitive-type hunting dog breed that is on the verge of extinction. It got its name from the location where it is found. It is also a healthy Indian dog breed that rarely gets infected with diseases.

Dog Breeds in India

It is a large to medium-sized dog breed whose colour ranges from brown to black including various other colours. It has a broad head with a medium-size muzzle and large pointed ears. The coat is smooth and dense, the legs are strong and muscular. Pandikona looks similar to Doberman of Europe, so it was called the Indian Doberman by the British residents of India.

It is a territorial breed that is often used to guard villages, property and livestock. They take their guarding duty very seriously. They are tolerant of children, but not with adults and other dogs if they enter their territory. Although they are intelligent, it takes more time to train them. Also, they are less sensitive, so they don't get disturbed easily with the changing lifestyle or environment of its territory or home.

Vital stats:

  • Life span: 10 to 15 years
  • Height: 20 to 26 inches
  • Weight: 25 to 30 kg

Benefits:

  • Suitable for guarding and hunting
  • Intelligent and faithful
  • Good with children and small animals
  • Less or no veterinary care needed

7) Rajapalayam Dog

Rajapalayam Dog is also known as Poligar hound. It is mostly found at Rajapalayam in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu. This Indian dog breed is famous for its association with royalty in South India. It is an old and rare breed that was developed as a boar hunting dog and was mostly used for hunting wild boar and as a guard dog. The breed is very loyal and affectionate with their owners.

Dog Breeds in India

It has a short, smooth coat with a pure white colour. The waist is narrow, legs are long and straight with a whip-like tail. The head is heavy with a broad muzzle and a pink nose.

Vital Stats:

  • Life Span: 10 to 12 years
  • Height: 20 to 24 inches
  • Weight: 25 to 32 kg

Specialities of Rajapalayam dog:

  • An Excellent Guard Dog
  • Good hunter
  • Loyal, intelligent and affectionate
  • Low biting potential
  • Suitable for Indian conditions

8) Rampur Greyhound

Rampur Greyhound is native of the Rampur region between Delhi and Bareilly in northern India. It is named after the place of its origin, Rampur. This breed was developed by the erstwhile kings of Rampur several hundred years ago. It looks like a Greyhound. So, it is also known as a north Indian Greyhound. It was known for its speed and strength and widely used by upper classes for the hunt of jackals and wild boars.

Dog Breeds in India

This Indian dog breed has a lean, athletic body with tall legs, narrow torso, a long snout and a long whip like tail. The coat is short and smooth and can have a wide range of colours such as black, white, grey, tan, brindle, etc.

Vital stats:

  • Life span: 12 - 14 years
  • Height: 22 to 30 inches
  • Weight: 27 to 30 kg

Specialists of Rampur Greyhound dog:

  • Excellent family pet
  • Can adapt to different weathers
  • Less grooming requirements
  • Perfect for hunting

9) Bakharwal Dog

Bakharwal Dog is an Indian dog breed mostly found in the Pir Panjal Range in Pakistan and India. It is an ancient breed of Himalayan dog that is known by multiple names such as Kashmir Mastiff, Kashmir Sheepdog, Gujjar Dog, etc.

It is a breed of livestock guardian dog that was originated in the Himalayan Mountains with nomadic tribes several hundred years ago. They are courageous enough to protect their livestock from predators. Like other dog breeds, it does not eat meat and feed on milk, bread, dairy products, etc.

Dog Breeds in India

This breed has a large head with a slightly short muzzle, heavy bones, and muscular body, medium-sized pendant ears. The coat has dense hair and can be of different colours such as black, white, beige, tan, etc. Its dense coat protects it from the cold climate of mountains and from predators.

Vital Stats:

  • Life span: 10 to 12 years
  • Weight: 40 to 45 kg
  • Height: 24 to 30 inches

Specialities of Bakharwal dog:

  • Aggressive, loyal, and independent
  • Playful and affectionate
  • Easy to train
  • Good watchdog or guard dog
  • Low biting potential

10) Gaddi Kutta (Dog)

Gaddi Kutta is an Indian dog breed that originated in northern India. It is also known as Indian Panther Hound as they are known to fight and take down leopards or panthers while protecting the herd. The other names of this breed are a Himalayan sheepdog, Indian sheepdog, Gaddi leopard hound, etc. Their herding instincts are very deep that makes them helpful as sheep herders and protectors from predators in the cold hilly terrain.

Dog Breeds in India

It is as ferocious as a tiger and as loyal as a dog. Although, it is huge, aggressive, strong, it very obedient, friendly and intelligent enough to herd sheep and goats with little or no training.

The head of gaddi dog is thick, large with a strong muzzle and the neck is thick and hard. The legs are strong, muscular and heavy boned. It has a double coat of long dense hair that can be black, light brown or beige in colour.

Vital stats:

  • Life span: 10 to 12 years
  • Height: 20 to 31 inches
  • Weight: 45 to 50 kg.

Specialities of Gaddi Kutta:

  • Calm, gentle and intelligent
  • Easy to train
  • Low biting potential
  • Territorial (strongly protect their territory)

11) Bully Kutta (dog)

Bully Kutta breed originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is known by multiple names such as Indian Mastiff, Alangu Mastiff, Pakistani Bully Kutta, Bohli Kutta, and more. The distinguishing features of this breed are wrinkled skin, which is tough and thick, and muscular bones. It is popularly known as the 'Beast from the East'. Although they are huge and powerful, they are very loyal and affections with their masters and kids.

Dog Breeds in India

It has a broad head, with broad and wide jaws, the body is muscular with thick bones, the skin around the neck and the jaw usually remains loose. The coat is short and smooth, skin colour is mostly white. However, other colours can also be seen.

Vital stats:

  • Life span: 8 to 10 years
  • Height: 32 to 40 inches
  • Weight: 68 to 77 kg

Specialities of Bully Kutta:

  • Strong, loyal, working dog
  • Good with kids
  • Easy to train
  • Territorial ( guards their home or territory)

12) Gull Terrier

The Gull Terrier, which is also known as the Gull Terr, is a rare breed of dog originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. This breed was mostly used for hunting, guarding and fighting. It looks similar to the Bull terrier breed of Great Britain.

Dog Breeds in India

This breed was developed by the Britishers when they were ruling India and Pakistan. They inter-bred their English Bull Terriers with the local dogs to produce this breed which was famous for dog fighting and bear baiting.

Gull Terrier is an intelligent dog that can be trained easily and is very protective of its owner and territory. It may fight until its last breath to defend its owner or territory. Good with kids but not with strangers. It is a fearless breed so it needs an experienced master to train and control it. Furthermore, it needs to be socialized whilst young so that it could be controlled as an adult.

Gull terrier is a huge, tall dog with a long, egg-shaped head. Their chest is broad, legs are strong and muscular and ears are generally erect. The coat is smooth with short hair and colour is usually white however other colours can also be found.

Vital stats:

  • Life span: 10 to 12 years
  • Height: 20 to 26 inches
  • Weight: 35 to 45 kg

Specialities of Gull Terrier:

  • Fearless yet loyal and friendly with family members
  • Intelligent, can be trained easily
  • Active and energetic
  • Easy to groom

13) Indian Spitz Dog

Indian Spitz Dog is a spitz-type dog breed that belongs to the group of Utility Dogs. The Britishers introduced the Indian Spitz in India after breeding from a stock of German Spitzes. It is perfectly adapted to the hot and humid climate of the Indian plains. It looks similar to a large extent with Samoyeds and German Spitz.

Dog Breeds in India

Indian Spitz dog is full of energy and enthusiasm and can easily adapt to different climate and diet. It is friendly with family members and other dog breeds, however, it is a good watchdog that barks on seeing the strangers.

Its head is small with a tapered muzzle and small triangular ear, legs are short in comparison to the body. The coat has dense, long hairs and the colour can be white, black, brown, etc. The tail tends to curl back over the back.

The Indian Spitz has two different sizes; a smaller version known as small Indian Spitz and a larger version which is known as greater Indian Spitz.

Vital stats of small Indian Spitz:

  • Life span: 10 to 12 years
  • Height: 22 to 25 cm
  • Weight: 5 to 7 kg

Vital stats of large Indian Spitz:

  • Life span: 10 to 12 years
  • Height: 35 to 45 cm
  • Weight: 10 to 20 kg

Specialities of Indian Spitz dog:

  • Active, kind and playful
  • Loyal and Watchful
  • Easy to train
  • Low biting potential
  • Good with children

14) Kumaon Mastiff Dog

Kumaon Mastiff Dog is also known as Cypro Kukur. It is a rare dog breed that was originated in India and was originally used as guard dogs in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. Although it is aggressive, it is loyal, protective, watchful and territorial. It is friendly with children and even with cats. It becomes aggressive while protecting or guarding its territory or owner and family members.

Dog Breeds in India

This breed easily adapts to the changing lifestyle and atmosphere and don't get panic when left alone for a longer duration. It is good for first-time dog owners due to its easy-going personality. It has a large, broad head with a strong neck, almond-shaped eyes and hanging ears. The body is lean, muscular. Its coat is soft and can be of different colours such as black, white and bridle.

Vital stats:

  • Life span: 7 to 12 years
  • Height: 76 to 86 cm
  • Weight: 67 to 80 kg

Specialities of Kumaon Mastiff dog:

  • One of the best watchful dogs
  • Good for first-time owners
  • Loyal, friendly and protective
  • Less grooming is required

15) Vikhan Sheepdog

Vikhan Sheepdog is also known as the Vikhan Dog or Vikhan. It is a livestock guarding dog breed that was originated in the north-western Indian subcontinent in Himachal Pradesh near the border with Pakistan. It was used as a guard dog for herding the livestock and protecting them from predators like leopards. It is kept with livestock when young to develop bonding and then it guards them throughout its life.

Dog Breeds in India

It is very intelligent and fearless. It warns predators and strangers with aggression and barking. If they don't get off, it may attack them.

Vikhan Sheepdog is a huge working dog with a lean and muscular body. The head is large with a short and broad muzzle. The neck is short and muscular, the chest is wide and the legs are muscular with heavy bones. Its coat is thick that can be of different colours such as red, brown, fawn, and black.

Vital Stats:

  • Life span: 10 to 12 years
  • Height: 26 to 28 inches
  • Weight: 25 to 40 kg

Specialities of Vikhan Sheepdog:

  • Intelligent, quick learner
  • Perfect as a watchdog or guard dog






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