🐶Celebrating Desi Dog breed: A deep dive into Country Dogs
As a responsible pet owner of an Indian Desi breed dog i.e. Pariah or Indie dog. I can say that every dog and dog owner has a story to tell – a tale of survival, commitment towards each and an unbreakable bond of loyalty. From guarding our houses, to being our companions- safeguarding and protecting us.
Compassion is not their virtue- it is the kind of religion these dogs are devoted to and patience in them is immense and immeasurable, with those heavy expressive eyes filled with love. As Mahatma Gandhi rightly said-
“The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
Embracing and caring for our native dogs is a step towards a compassionate society.
10 Different Types of Indian Dog Breeds
We Indians have different Country breeds that are known for their Aesthetic Looks, Loyalty, Intelligence and Resilience. But generally speaking, we should always focus on pet rescue and adoption instead of shopping them. Always aim to give, second chances to these Dog's stories.
Yes adopting animals- does saves lives, costs less than buying and supports animal wellbeing and welfare.
🐕🦺Indian pariah dog
Origin History- This dog is one of the ancient breed and a skull like structure of Pariah dog was discovered in the ancient Indian site of Mohenjo Daro. This dog can be found in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka .
Popular Names-Known as Indian native dog, Neri kutta, Desi kutta.
Appearance- Its a fox like dog with a medium size, with pointed ears, and tail is fluffy and curly.
Behavioural Traits- Its highly Intelligent, Alert, Easily Trainable and Social.
Dog used for- Widely used as Police and Guard Dogs due to their alertness.
🐕🦺 Rajapalayam
Origin History- Originated from Southern part of India i.e. Tamil Nadu from Rajapalayam town and bred by Nayak Dynasty in 18 th century.
Popular Names- Known as Polygar Hound or Indian Ghost Hound.
Appearance- This Dog looks unique with a skin that is pale, large and muscular body and nose is pink.
Behavioural Traits- Its extremely Loyal, Compassionate and Brave as well.
Dog used for- Widely used as Guard Dog, Hunting And Protecting Handlers.
🐕🦺Indian Spitz
Origin History- Indian Spitz was introduced in India during the British rule and is believed to draw its origination from the German Spitz Breed.
Popular Names- Also popularly known as Indian Pomeranian.
Appearance- It can be between small to medium sizes with fluffy coat
Traits- They are Highly Intelligent, Adaptable, Friendly, energetic
Dog used for- Very useful as a companion of Family pet, Watchdog and Indoor guard dogs for homes and apartments.
🐕🦺Himalayan Sheepdog (Bhotia)
Origin History- There is no proper documentation of their origin- but they are believed to be originated from Nepal or North India.
Popular Names- Popularly Known as Bhotia, Bhote Kukur, Bangara, Himalayan Mastiff.
Appearance- They have a thick heavy coat, large and powerful build, tail is curled over the back with expressive eyes and look similar to Tibetan Mastiff.
Behavioural Traits- They are very loyal, affectionate and very protective.
Dog used for-They are a good livestock guardians and property guardian.
🐕🦺Mudhol Hound (Caravan Hound)
Origin History- Originated from Mudhol in Karnataka- a king of Mudhol was able to restore this breed by selective breeding.
Popular Names- Known as the Caravan Hound
Appearance- Their body is slim, ears are dropped down and built is strong.
Behavioural Traits- They are Intelligent, Alert and Reserved natured.
Dog used for- Widely used for guarding purpose and shepherding. The Indian Army took 6 of these hounds for Surveillance and Border protection responsibilities.
🐕🦺Kombai
Origin History- Originated in the Theni District of Tamil Nadu and is named after the town of Kombai.
Popular Names- Also Known as Polygar.
Appearance- Their size is medium, muscular and power packed, extremely athletic and fast.
Behavioural Traits- They are very much Intelligent, Affectionate and Brave
Dog used for- Mostly they are used for Hunting purpose and Guarding livestock and houses.
🐕🦺Chippiparai
Origin History- Originated from the state of Tamil Nadu and most commonly found In Madurai, Virudhunagar and other southern region.
Popular Names-Also known as Kanni or Vettainaai (hunting dogs), deriving its breed from Sighthounds.
Appearance-Their Legs are long, thin aerodynamic body built for speed, black nostrils and wide chest.
Behavioural Traits- They are extremely Alert, Watchful and Intelligent.
Dog used for- They are used for Hunting due to their athleticism and also as Police dogs.
🐕🦺Bully Kutta
Origin History- Originated as a large dog in Indian Subcontinent and is a working dog.
Popular Names- Also known As Indian Mastiff.
Appearance- It has a muscular, very strong build, thick bone structure and large sized body.
Behavioural Traits- They are protective, loyal, independent and requires experienced handling.
Dog used for- Used for Hunting and guard dog and historically used in Dog fighting as well which is not permissible now.
🐕🦺Rampur Greyhound
Origin History- Originated from Rampur, developed by Nawab Ahmad Ali Khan Bahadur by mixing Afghan Tazi breed and English Greyhound.
Popular Names- Popularly known as the Rampur Hound.
Appearance- They have long legs, thin and graceful long body, with a smooth coat.
Behavioural Traits- They are Dominant, Protective, Affectionate and Gentle.
Dog used for- They are used for hunting large animal like Boars, Jackal and sometimes Panthers and Leopards- due to their speed and agility.
🐕🦺Jonangi
Origin History- Originated from Andhra Pradesh, can be found in Karnataka and along the east coast.
Popular Names- Also known as Jonangi, Jonangi Jagilam, Kolleti Jagilam.
Appearance- They are short and muscular build, glossy coat on them and a bit similar to Wolf.
Behavioural Traits- They are very Loyal, Protective, Highly Energetic, Alert and Independent.
Dog used for- They are used for Hunting and Herding(to gather animals in a group).
Confused about which Indian dog to opt(Read these simple tips)
🐕For First-Time Pet Owners (Lower maintenance cost)
💖Indian Spitz – It forms a great family pet is- intelligent, very friendly and loyal.
💖Indian Pariah Dog (INDog) – They are very easily adaptable, low maintenance and suitable for Indian climate.
🐕For your Guarding and Safety
💖 Kombai – They are very affectionate, loyal and protective.
💖 Rajapalayam – They have a Protective and Strong guard instinct, with powerful build appearance.
💖 Bully Kutta – They act as a Powerful and Strong guard dog- but not suitable for first time pet owners.
🐕For Shepherds or Farms
💖Jonangi – Its a great fit for the livestock and is a active herder(to gather all animals in a group like sheeps).
💖Himalayan Sheepdog (Bhotiya) – Its excellent for guarding of livestock, homes and farms but suitable only for cold climates.
🐕For Active people
They are a great runner, amazingly fast, agile and athletic-
💖Mudhol Hound 💖Rampur Greyhound
💖Chippiparai
FAQS on Native Dog breeds
Q1- Which is the most intelligent and easily trainable Indian Breed dog?
You can go with either one of them-🐶Indian Pariah Dog (INDog) which very alert and smart with low training required and other is the-🐶Chippiparai- as they are very social and learn very quickly .
Q2- What is the general life time of the Indian Desi breeds?
With proper care, nutrition, medical care and attention a desi Dog can live up to 13 to 16 years.
Q3- Are Indian dog breeds healthier than foreign breeds?
Yes- as Indian dogs have a very strong immune system, natural adaptability to Indian weather condition, so they are less affected with medical condition, which in fact is the opposite case with pure breed dogs.
Q4- Do Indian native dogs need equal vaccinations and grooming like foreign breeds dogs?
Indian breed dogs require vaccination and grooming but- their need is slightly different from foreign breeds- due to their natural adaptability to Environment, but regular vaccination helps them fight diseases like rabies ,ensuring well being and basic grooming is crucial for their health and hygiene.
Q5- How can I adopt a military or police dog?
🐶Its not that difficult as you think You can just write a formal letter or email to the Commanding Officer at the nearest RVC Centre.
🐶And try to visit or call the nearest Army Cantonment or Army Recruitment Office to get enquiry.
Q6- Why do we see most Pariah(Indie) dogs as street dogs?
🐶Indie dogs are the Desi(native) Indian dogs and are often born on the streets- adapting to Indian conditions.
🐶"Indie" is often used to refer these free-roaming dogs showcasing their independent and unique adaptable behaviour.
Q7- How can I support Indian dog adoption if I can’t adopt these dogs?
We can donate funds or pet supplies, raise our voices through social media and in our local community by sharing stories of the adoption and rescue, organizing events and getting some free time to volunteer at animal shelters.