The Indian subcontinent is famous for its eclectic scenery, rich and vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. It attracts tourists and travelers with all interests, from spiritual holidays to romantic getaways; India has something to offer everyone. Luckily for dog lovers, especially hound lovers, India is also home to some of the most skilled hunting and agile dog breeds. In this article, we explore the land of diversity through the lens of a dog lover! Stay tuned as we list the most common Indian-origin dog breeds!
1. Indian Pariah
- Dog Breed Group: Hound Dogs
- Height: 18-25 Inches
- Weight: 15-30 Kg
- Life Span: 13 to 14 years
- Price: INR 2,500 to INR 8,000
Indian Pariah dogs originated in the villages of Tamil Nadu. They’re one of the few dogs hailing from India that are pure breeds. These dogs populate the streets of India. If properly socialized from an early stage, these dogs can make excellent house dogs. Additionally, grooming is no hassle with this breed as they have a short, smooth coat that doesn’t shed much. They’re also one of the healthiest dog breeds in India; therefore, medical expenses are cut down by a large margin with this dog as your pet.
2. Rajapalayam
- Dog Breed Group: Hound Dogs
- Height: 26-29 Inches
- Weight: 22-25 Kg
- Life Span: 9 to 10 years
- Price: INR 6,000-20,000
Rajapalayam is another dog breed hailing from the state of Tamil Nadu in India. Unlike the Indian Pariah, these dogs were developed to accompany the royalty as a companion and hunter dog. Therefore, most traits of these dogs are refined and selectively enhanced through breeding. Unfortunately, at this time, the Rajapalayam is on the verge of extinction. However, many breeding programs are trying to stabilize this breed. These dogs are skilled and ferocious hunters who are also eager to please their masters, making them better at their job. Additionally, these dogs also make excellent guard dogs due to their naturally wary disposition towards strangers. Grooming this breed is relatively easy, too, due to its short and well-adapted coat.
3. Mudhol Hound
- Dog Breed Group: Hound Dogs
- Height: 26-28 Inches
- Weight: 22-28 Kg
- Life Span: 13 to 14 years
- Price: INR 8,000-15,000
Mudhol Hound has a stark resemblance to the Greyhound. These dogs belong to the sighthound group, but despite their prowess in hunting, the Mudhol Hounds thrive on human companionship. However, like most native Indian dogs, the Mudhol Hounds don’t appreciate being petted by anyone that’s not their family. They might even snap at strangers attempting to touch them. Nonetheless, the ferociousness melts away at the sight of their family to whom they’re devoted. This trait makes them great guards and watchdogs. Mudhol Hounds are also very low-maintenance and don’t need to be groomed daily.
4. Rampur Greyhound
- Dog Breed Group: Hound Dogs
- Height: 22-30 Inches
- Weight: 27-30 Kg
- Life Span: 13 to 14 years
- Price: INR 6000- INR 12000
Rampur Greyhound is another look-alike of the Greyhound. Their lineage can be traced back to their Greyhound ancestors, but this breed was developed and refined in India. They originated in parts of Northern India, specifically Rampur, where the breed gets its name. The Erstwhile king of Rampur is thought to have developed this breed to be fierce hunters and protectors of their loved ones. Besides this, Rampur Greyhounds also make great companion dogs as they love to bask in the attention that their family showers on them. This breed’s love for its family and tolerance of other pets makes them easily adaptable to any environment. Additionally, this breed is also relatively low-maintenance concerning grooming and health care expenses.
5. Chippiparai
- Dog Breed Group: Hound Dogs
- Height: 31-38 Inches
- Weight: 15-20 Kg
- Life Span: 13 to 14 years
- Price: INR 5000 – INR 12000
Chippiparai hail from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They belong to the group of dogs who share a resemblance and lineage with the fastest dog in the world—the Greyhound. This breed is known for its agility, chiseled body, and graceful gait. They’re strong guard dogs that make great guardians of the estate. Moreover, their obedience, affection, and eager to please nature make them wonderful house dogs. The Chippiparai tend to choose their favorite person and be by their side till death parts them. Although, today, this breed is on the brink of extinction due to the introduction of exotic dog breeds in the Indian market.
6. Kanni
- Height: 25-29 inches in both sexes
- Weight: 16-22 kilograms in both sexes
- Lifespan: about 13-16 years
- Coat: short and sparse
- Colors: White, fawn, tan, black
- Price: INR 6,000 to INR 12,000
The Kanni dog is a descendant of the Egyptian Saluki dog breed. They’re most common in the South Indian states. Kanni is a hunting dog breed, but unlike their Chippiparai cousins, they tend to be more stranger friendly. These dogs have a short, smooth coat featuring a long thin tails. Due to their high adaptability, this breed is easy to maintain and groom. Kanni dogs only come in black and tan coats. Any other color is classified as a Chippiparai dog.
7. Gaddi Kutta
- Dog Breed Group: Herding Dog
- Height: 20 – 31 inches
- Weight: 77 – 99 pounds
- Life Span: 10 – 12 years
- Price: INR 5000 to 9,000
Gaddi Kutta is a Mastiff-type dog that originated in the Himalayan regions of India. They’re also known as the Indian Leopard Hound or the Himalayan Sheepdog. The Gaddi Kutta looks a lot like the giant Tibetan Mastiff; however, they’re slightly smaller and feature a mane like a lion. Although, the Gaddi Kutta does share some characteristics with the Tibetan Mastiff, as this breed is also unrelenting, huge, aggressive, and incredibly strong. These dogs need firm leadership to be good at herding dogs and pets. Despite their huge size, these dogs have high energy and need proper exercise to stay healthy. Due to their furry coat, they’re better suited to live in colder regions, unlike many other Indian dog breeds.
8. Kombai
- Dog Breed Group: Hound Dogs
- Height: 17-25 Inches
- Weight: 14-24 Kg
- Life Span: 13 to 14 years
- Price: INR 5000 to 9,000
Kombai is a hound dog breed originating in the village of Kombai in South India. These dogs were bred with the purpose of hunting and protecting their family. And for a long time since being established as a breed, Kombai has proved their worth as a masterful hunting and guard dog. Kombai has a nervous temperament despite being a dignified dog. Therefore they require firm leadership to act their part seamlessly. Socializing these dogs early will also make them highly tolerant of children and other dogs. Therefore early training and socializing are recommended to mold these dogs into good house pets. Kombai dogs also possess high energy and need a job at all times. Boredom equals destruction in their restricted dictionary; therefore, the dogs must be engaged with something.
9. Indian Spitz
- Dog Breed Group: Companion, Utility
- Weight: Male 6 – 12 kg; Female 5 – 10 kg
- Height: Male 40 – 45 cm; Female 38 – 42 cm
- Life Span: 10 – 14 years
- Price: INR 8,000 to INR 15,000
During the British Colonial era, the German Spitz dogs were introduced to the local breeds. This led to the development of the Indian Spitz. As the German Spitz dogs weren’t well suited for the hot climate of India, the Indian Spitz was developed to adapt well to the weather. These dogs are clever, charismatic, and intelligent, which makes them wonderful family dogs. Due to their furry coats, these dogs must be brushed daily, and sometimes the shedding season can be difficult for Indian Spitz owners. However, the breed’s happy-go-lucky personality makes up for the massive shedding.
10. Bully Kutta
- Dog Breed Group: Hunting
- Height: 30 – 44 inches
- Weight: 150 – 170 pounds
- Life Span : 8 – 10 years
- Price: INR 5000 to INR 20,000
Bully Kutta originated in the Sindh and Punjab regions of unpartitioned India. These dogs were developed as guard and hunter dogs. They were also later used as fighting dogs which has made the present-day dogs of the breed very difficult to train and adapt to the family environment. The Bully Kutta is also quite rare in India today but easily available in many regions of Pakistan. Given assertive and consistent leadership and training, the Bully Kutta may be one of the most protective and loyal dogs.
11. Kaikadi
- Height: 38–46 cm (15–18 in)
- Weight: ≈ 20 kg (44 lb)
- Lifespan: 13-14 years
Kaikadi is named after the nomadic tribe in India. They originated in the Maharashtra region as a watchdog. However, with their family, they tend to be affectionate, friendly, compassionate, and watchful dogs. Due to their short coat and high adaptability to the weather, these dogs are fairly low maintenance.
12. Gull Terrier
- Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dogs
- Height: 26-30 Inches
- Weight: 20-36 Kg
- Life Span: 11 to 12 years
Gull Terriers originated in the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan during the British Colonial era. This breed is more than 100 years old. They originated from the English Bulldog and Bull Terrier. The Gull Terrier was used in blood sports during the colonial era. Due to this, the Gull Terrier is one of the most aggressive dogs originating in the Indian subcontinent. Therefore training and early socializing are essential for developing a docile dog that can protect the family. Besides this, the Gull Terrier is easy to maintain due to their short coat and high adaptability.
13. Kumaon Mastiff
- Lifespan: 10 -12 years
- Dog Breed Group: Guarding Dogs
- Height: 27 – 30″
- Weight: 150 – 180 pounds
- Price: INR 60000- INR 100000
The Kumaon Mastiff is known for its intimidating presence and huge frame. They originated in the state of Uttarakhand in Northern India. Accompanied by their well-muscled body, these dogs have a warrior-like spirit. The Kumaon Mastiff is ferocious, aggressive, and similar to Doberman Pinscher in their temperament. Today, only 150-200 dogs of this breed remain in India. Owning this dog breed requires a resilient and calm-headed owner, as these dogs could be tough cookies for training. However, due to their fierce loyalty and devotion towards their family, once trained well.
14. Mahratta Greyhound
- Dog Breed Group: Hunting dog
- Weight: 44-54 pounds (20-24 kg)
- Height: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm)
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Price: INR 35,000-INR 50,000
Mahratta Greyhound also called the Maharashtra Greyhound, originated in the Maharashtrian region. These dogs are tall, lean, well-muscled, smooth-coated sighthounds. They were developed to assist the kings and hunters. They’re highly adaptable dogs and fairly easy to maintain. However, due to the high amounts of energy, these dogs need to be consistently engaged in play or training to keep them from being destructive.
15. Vikhan Sheepdog
- Dog Breed Group: Herding dog
- Height: 40 cm to 45 cm
- Weight: 5 kg to 12 kg
- Life Span: 10 to 14 years
- Price: INR 10000- INR 15000
The Vidhan Sheepdog is a large herding dog breed originating in the Himalayan regions of India. They’re fearless and aggressive dogs who were developed to chase and hunt. However, the breed can adapt well to a family environment when trained consistently. The breed was developed to herd livestock and is tolerable for other pets. However, unlike other herding dog breeds, the Vikhan Sheepdog doesn’t herd but protects the livestock. This clever canine blends with them and watches for any intruders.
Final Thoughts
The land of diversity stays true to its name regarding the canine kingdom. However, India is currently facing a massive extinction, with most of the dogs listed above already on the brink of extinction. There are many reasons for this rapid decline of native Indian dog breeds. However, the common denominator is the newfound love of Indians towards foreign dog breeds. The indigenous breeds are suffering from cultural ignorance. Although, in recent times, the government and many groups have been trying to preserve domestic dog breeds.