What dogs are native to India
India is a culturally rich and diverse country home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. If you’re a dog lover, then you might be curious about what breeds of dogs are native to India. There are several breeds of dogs that originated in the country and have played an important role in the history and culture of India. From the powerful and majestic Rajapalayam to the intelligent and loyal Mudhol Hound, Indian dog breeds have unique characteristics that make them distinct from their foreign counterparts. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular dog breeds that are native to India, their origins, characteristics, and how they have become a part of Indian society.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Native Dog Breeds of India | What dogs are native to India
India is a land of diversity, and that transcends to its fauna and flora as well. When it comes to dogs, India has a rich history of indigenous breeds that have evolved through natural selection over thousands of years. From the Himalayas to the coast of Bengal, these dogs have been an integral part of the Indian culture and way of life. In this blog series, we will take a closer look at some of the most popular native dog breeds of India. From the charming Indian Spitz to the mighty Gaddi Kutta, these dogs have fascinating stories to tell. So, let’s embark on this journey to discover the unique and intriguing world of Indian dog breeds.
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2. Indian Spitz: A Popular Indigenous Dog Breed
The Indian Spitz, one of the most popular native dog breeds in India, has become a household name for its friendly, intelligent, and loyal nature. Despite being mistaken for its cousin – the Pomeranian – the Indian Spitz has significant differences, such as longer legs and a leaner physique. It was introduced to India by the British in the 19th century, and Indian breeders have continued to breed it over the years. The Indian Spitz is a versatile breed, having been used for herding, guarding, and as a family pet. With its beautiful, fluffy coat and adorable looks, it is indeed a popular choice among dog owners in India.
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3. Gaddi Kutta: The Mighty Himalayan Sheepdog
The Gaddi Kutta, also known as the Himalayan Sheepdog, is one of the mightiest dog breeds in India. These large mastiff-type dogs are native to the Himalayan regions of Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. The Gaddi Kutta is named after the nomadic shepherds who rear them as guard dogs for their flocks of sheep and goats.
Due to their fighting abilities with snow leopards, they are also known as Indian Panther Hounds. Despite their intimidating appearance, the Gaddi Kutta is renowned for their loyalty and affectionate nature towards their owners. They are easily one of the most unique and interesting Indian dog breeds, which also includes the Indian Spitz, Bully Kutta, Mudhol Hound, Pariah Dog, Kaikadi, Taji, Rajapalayam, and Pandikona. Each breed has its distinct characteristics, making them an essential part of India’s diverse canine heritage.
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4. Bully Kutta: A Powerful Guard Dog
Moving on to the fourth section, we have the Bully Kutta – a powerful guard dog native to India and Pakistan. With their strong and muscular build, they are widely used as working dogs for hunting and guarding purposes. These dogs are quite similar to bulldogs and are often trained for patrol duties too. In India, the Bully Kutta is commonly found in the Haryana and Delhi regions. Although regarded as fierce and intimidating, these dogs are quite loyal and protective of their families.
They make great guard dogs due to their natural instincts to protect their pack. However, it’s important to ensure proper training and socialization to ensure they are well-behaved around strangers. Overall, the Bully Kutta is a formidable dog breed that can make a great addition to any family looking for a loyal protector.
5. Mudhol Hound: A Fast and Agile Hunter
The Mudhol Hound is a breed of sighthound from India and is also known as the Caravan Hound. These dogs are highly agile and have excellent stamina, making them perfect for hunting. They have a sharp vision and a keen sense of smell, making them able hunters and an endurance runner. They are fiercely loyal to their owners and are excellent hunting dogs. Mudhol Hounds are commonly used for hunting and guarding by villagers in Karnataka.
This breed of dogs is slender with lean bodies, muscular legs, and striking resemblance. When choosing a Mudhol breed, it is essential to look for dogs with great stamina and endurance. The Indian Air Force recently inducted the Mudhol Hound to chase away birds. These dogs are also quite famous in the postal world as they have been added to the Indian Postal Stamps.
6. Pariah Dog: An Ancient Breed of India
The Pariah Dog, also known as the Desi Dog or INDog, is one of the oldest breeds native to India. They have been documented to exist for at least 4500 years, making them one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world. Unlike many exotic breeds, Pariah Dogs are naturally selected and able to adapt to the diverse environments of the Indian subcontinent.
Though often referred to as stray dogs, not all Indian stray dogs are Pariah Dogs. These dogs are a distinct breed with a unique temperament, often compared to wolves and other canids. While they may not be as glamorous as other exotic breeds, the Pariah Dog is a true representation of Indian heritage and an excellent companion to those looking for a loyal and resilient furry friend.
7. Kaikadi: A Loyal and Devoted Companion
The Kaikadi is a breed of dog that is often overlooked, but they are a loyal and devoted companion that deserves recognition. Originating from the nomadic Kaikadi tribe in India, this dog is known for its independent nature and energetic temperament. Despite their territorial instincts, Kaikadi dogs are also loving and friendly towards their owners and those they are raised with. As with all indigenous dog breeds of India, the Kaikadi is not recognized as a standardized breed by major kennel clubs. However, their unique qualities make them a wonderful addition to any family that is willing to give them the love and attention they deserve.
8. Taji: A Rare and Endangered Indian Breed
Moving on to another rare and endangered Indian breed, we have the Taji Dog. This breed is found exclusively in Manipur and is a type of Spitz. It is said to be an ancient breed of dog that was used for hunting small game, and is easily trainable due to its high intelligence. Unfortunately, like many other indigenous Indian dog breeds, the Taji Dog is at risk of extinction. But with increased awareness and efforts to preserve these breeds, we can hope to see them thrive once again in the future.
9. Rajapalayam: A Dignified Defender of Royalty
Moving on, another impressive native dog breed of India is the Rajapalayam. This dignified and highly intelligent hound was once the trusted companion of the royalty and aristocracy in Southern India. The Rajapalayam was bred specifically for hunting and guarding purposes, which made them highly sought after by the wealthy elite. These ghostly guard dogs have an all-white coat and can weigh anywhere between 60 to 90 pounds.
Their loyalty and protectiveness towards their owners are unmatched, but they may not get along with other pets. However, their numbers are dwindling, and it is crucial that they are bred responsibly and preserved for the future. With their rich history and unique features, the Rajapalayam is a remarkable breed that deserves recognition and appreciation.
10. Pandikona: A Friendly and Independent Hunting Dog
Moving on to the Pandikona, we have an endangered desi sighthound breed hailing from Andhra Pradesh. These dogs are only found in a small village called Pandikona in India, and they are named after the village they originated in. These dogs are known for their independence, loyalty, and intelligence, and they are suitable for the Indian weather.
They are easy to groom and make good watchdogs, but they may not be friendly with strangers. However, with proper socialization, they can be friendly with family pets. Pandikona dogs are formidable hunters and guard dogs, but they can also adapt to families. Despite their fierce reputation, they are quite friendly in nature, making them great companions for those who are willing to put in the effort to train and socialize them.
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What dogs are native to india
