6 Common Types of Dog Breeds in India

Planning to bring home an adorable indie? You couldn’t have made a better choice. Learn about these 6 common, Indian breeds that are acclimated to the Indian climate and whose characteristics make them extremely lovable!

The fascinating breeds we will be learning about are Rajapalyam, Mudhol Hound, Indian Spitz, Jonangi, Chippiparai and the Indian Pariah Dog.

#1 Rajapalayam

Highlights: Loyal and Fearless

This indie breed originated in Rajapalayam, a town in Tamil Nadu. Their life expectancy usually varies from 10-12 years. Here are some important things to note before adopting a Rajapalayam:

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• Appearance: Sturdy and big dogs, with a well-built muscular structure. They have a short dense coat, usually pure white in colour. Their almond-shaped deep brown eyes and their trademark pink nose makes you fall in love with them!
• Temperament: Known for their courage and fearlessness, they make excellent guard dogs. They tend to be aggressive and with strangers and other animals, hence early socialisation is key.
• Exercise: Since they were developed as a boar hunting dog, vigorous exercise is required. Long walks are appreciated; however they are the happiest in a large home with a secured yard to play in off-leash.
• Training: Rajapalayam are intelligent, however difficult to train because of their independent nature. Consistent and positive reinforcement-based training methods work best for them.
• Grooming: They are very low maintenance and are easy to groom. However, this breed has a natural distaste for being handled, hence grooming at an early age helps calm their aggressive nature.

#2 Indian Spitz

Highlights: Energetic and Playful

The Indian Spitz originated in the 19th when British rulers introduced them by breeding them from German Spitzes. Their lifespan varies from 12-14 years and they became a popular breed with Tuffy’s cameo in Hum Aapke Hai Kaun. Key points to be aware of before adopting an Indian Spitz are as follows:

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• Appearance: A small to medium sized dog, with a fox like appearance and a double coat. Their coat colours include white, brown, black and cream. They also have erect ears and a curled tail.
• Temperament: They are extremely friendly, lively and intelligent. This intelligent ball of floof gets along well with children and other pets. Their alertness makes them good watchdogs.
• Exercise: While they have high energy, they have moderate exercise requirements. They can adapt well to an apartment as long as mental stimulation and regular exercise are taken care of.
• Training: A strong desire to please their masters make them easily trainable. Early socialisation and obedience training are essential for them to develop good manners and become well-rounded pets.
• Grooming: They require regular grooming as they experience moderate shedding that may increase with seasonal changes. Additionally with regular brushing they require dental care and ear cleaning.

#3 The Mudhol Hound

Highlights: Brave and Devoted

The Mudhol Hound, also referred to as Caravan Hounds, serve as guard or hunting dogs. Some Mudhols even serve in the military. Their life expectancy is typically 10-14 years. Important points for to-be pet paw-rents to make note of are as follows:

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• Appearance: Medium to large-sized dogs with a lean and muscular build. They have a long, narrow head, almond-shaped eyes, and floppy ears. Their coat is dense, usually coming in shades of fawn, red, or cream.
• Temperament: They are not the friendliest of dogs. They’re very aloof towards strangers and usually don’t like to be touched by them.However they form strong bonds with their family members.
• Exercise: Being a sighthound, Mudhol Hounds have a high need for exercise.. They have a strong prey drive, so it's essential to provide them with a securely fenced area or keep them on a leash during outdoor activities.
• Training: Intelligent dogs that have an independent streak. They need consistent and positive reinforcement based training, like Rajapalayams. Early socialisation will help in ensuring a well mannered companion.
• Grooming: They have a short coat, requiring minimal grooming. Regular brushing keeps their coat clean and removes any loose hair. Other routine grooming tasks include dental care and nail trimming.

#4 Jonangi

Highlights: Spunky and Vigilant

This Jonangi breed is found in Andhra Pradesh. Their lifespan is 10-14 years and unlike other dogs, they were bred to herd ducks for local farmers in addition to hunting other game. Here are some important things to note before adopting a Jonangi.

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• Appearance: Dogs that are medium-sized and well-muscled, with a sturdy build. They have almond-shaped eyes and a distinctive coat that is short and comes in black, brown or white.
• Temperament: They are friendly and affectionate with their family members but are reserved or cautious around strangers. They have a strong instinct for guarding and may exhibit protective behaviours when they perceive a threat.
• Exercise: Being an active and agile breed, Jonagi dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy activities that engage both mind and body, such as interactive play and agility exercises.
• Training: Jonagi dogs are intelligent and trainable. They respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods. If they are not sufficiently engaged, they may start digging holes in your yard.
• Grooming: Jonangi dogs have a short coat that is relatively low-maintenance. Regular brushing helps to keep their coat clean and remove loose hair. They shed moderately throughout the year.

#5 Chippiparai

Highlights: Loving and Energetic

Chippiparai, also known as Kanni, meaning pure, was bred in Tamil Nadu to hunt small game and is now seen as a symbol of royalty. Their life expectancy is 14-16 years. Following are a few key points for paw-rents to make note of.

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• Appearance: Medium to large-sized dogs with a lean build. They have a short and smooth coat, in shades of fawn, brown, or black. Their distinct features are a deep chest, long legs, and a narrow head with a tapering muzzle.
• Temperament: They are typically aggressive with strangers but form strong bonds with their family. They have a strong prey drive due to their sighthound nature and may chase small animals during off-leash outings.
• Exercise: Like Rajapalayams, they have high energy levels and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They benefit from long walks, jogging, or opportunities to run in a securely fenced area.
• Training: Similar to Rajapalayams, they are intelligent and trainable but have an independent nature. Early socialisation and consistent training are important to shape their behaviour.
• Grooming: They have a short and low-maintenance coat. They are moderate shedders and require regular brushing to keep their coat in good condition. Other routine grooming tasks should be a part of their regular care.

#6 Indian Pariah

Highlights: Sociable and Protective

The Indian Pariah Dog has many names from all around India. Depending on the region, they are called the Pye-dog, Naadan, Theru naai, Neri Kukur, Desi Kutta and many more. Their life expectancy varies from 13-16 years. Following are some important points for to-be paw-rents.

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• Appearance: Indian Pariah dogs are medium-sized with a lean and agile build. They have a short to medium-length coat. Their appearance can vary as they are a landrace breed.
• Temperament: They are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and independence. They are typically alert and make excellent watchdogs. They are loyal to their families but can be aggressive with strangers.
• Exercise: They have a moderate to high energy level and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Like Chippiparai, providing outlets for their energy is essential to prevent boredom and promote their overall well-being.
• Training: The same as Chippiparai, highly intelligent dogs but it’s a little hard to train as they have an independent streak. Early socialisation and consistent training will go a long way in ensuring a well behaved pet.
• Grooming: Similar to Rajapalayams, they have short to medium-length coat, requiring minimal grooming. Regular brushing helps to keep their coat clean and prevent matting.

Now that you’ve learnt about the popular types of dog breeds in India, are you ready to meet your new furry best friend? Check out our initiative where you will find more information on indie dogs, contacts of NGOs and shelters in your city as well as a detailed indie dog care guide.