Top 12 Best Indian Dog Breeds

Indian dog breeds are the most adaptive and resilient dog breeds in the world. They can withstand harsh climatic conditions and survive under almost the toughest conditions imaginable.

However, very few people know about these Indian dog breeds and seldom have them as pets. It’s time to look into these dog breeds that originated in India and are lovable.

Dog Breeds in India with Pictures and Names

1. Rampur Hound

• One of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in India.
• This breed gets its name from the place of its origin, Rampur, which lies in North India between Delhi and Bareilly.
• The Nawab of the Rampur, Ahmed Ali Khan Bahadur, brought this breed to life by combining the bloodlines of the Tazi of Afghanistan and the English Grey Hound of the UK and gave it the name Rampur Hound.
• This breed is known for its unmatched loyalty toward its family.
• Rampur Hound has a 270-degree field of vision, thanks to the unique placement of its eyes. Read more about this breed here…

2.  Kombai

• One of the bravest Indian dog breeds.
• Kombai was specifically used in hunting boars, bison, and deer.
• The Kombai is a native dog breed of Tamil Nadu; it draws its name after the town in which it was developed.
• They make lovable pets and are also known as excellent guard dogs with immense loyalty.
• This breed’s unique coat style makes people believe it is a fox descendant. Read more about this breed here…

3.  Chippiparai

• The Chippiparai is a sight-hound dog breed found in south India.
• This Indian dog breed was created to hunt boars, deer, and rabbits.
• Later, Chippiparai became a symbol of royalty and dignity.
• They are extremely loyal and usually friendly.
• It is a great one-man dog. Read more about this breed here…

Read Also: Indian Chippiparai | New Universal Blood Donor For Dogs

4.  Rajapalayam

• One of the rarest pedigree Indian dog breeds developed in the country.
• It draws its name from the small town of Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu.
• The most prized look is the milky-white coat that is almost a standard for the breed.
• They are being used as guard dogs within the borders of Kashmir by the Indian Army.
• They make excellent guard dogs for a family. Read more about this breed here…

5. Indian Pariah Dog

• Indian Pariah dog is one of the most primitive and ancient Indian dog breeds.
• A relative of the Dingo, this breed has no trace of genetic tweaking or modification from the human side.
• It is sometimes referred to as the pye-dog, the Indian native dog, or INDog.
• They make excellent watchdogs and are usually quite territorial & defensive.
• They make excellent pet dogs and are extremely lovable. Read more about this breed here…

6. Mudhol Hound

• The Mudhol Hound is one of the companion animals found in the Deccan Plateau region. They were used for guarding and hunting in and around Mudhol town in Karnataka.
• Also known as ‘Karwani,’ Mudhol is believed to have descended from the Tazi and Saluki brought to India by Persians, Arabs, and Afghans.
• The breed is a reserve, placid, aloof, and quiet; it hunts equally well on marshy and drylands with extreme concentration.

7. Indian Spitz

• The Indian Spitz dog has no ancient history and originated in the 19th century during British rule.
• The Spitz is a small dog breed that looks like a Pomeranian dog.
• If you live in a small space, an Indian Spitz can be an ideal pet for you.
• They require minimal care and are a clean breed.
• Indian Spitz is friendly and gets along well with other animals and kids.
• It is easy to train the breed, and they learn tricks quickly.
• Indian Spitz is an extremely active and bright dog breed.

8. Himalayan Sheepdog

• The majestic livestock guardian dog, often referred to as the Gaddi Kutta, Kumaon Mastiff, or Bhote Kukur for its resemblance to Tibetan Mastiff, thrives on an outdoor lifestyle and is native to the Himalayas.
• They are highly powerful, strong, intelligent dogs, devoutly loving and loyal protectors, and amazing herd dogs of the livestock.
• The breed is sensitive and gentle to its humans. However, they also have sharp reflexes and are quite alert.
• Their ferociousness and courage make them excellent guard dogs for cattle.

9. Bakharwal Dog

• The Bakharwal dog breed is an unusual or rare breed of livestock guardian dog that originated with nomadic tribes in the Himalayan mountains.
• These guardians are determined and courageous enough to protect their flock from predatory threats.
• The breed is very amicable with most humans. However, it is less with other dogs and can become quite aggressive.
• The Bakharwal breed does not eat meat but instead dines on dairy products and bread.
• The dog breed is difficult and extremely rare as you may face difficulty locating one to adopt into your family if you are not in the Himalayas.

10. Kumaon Mastiff

 

• Kumaon Mastiff is, also known as the Indian Mastiff, a working dog breed.
• The breed is large with a strong neck and powerful neck and possesses a great guarding ability.
• The breed has a sleek easy to care coat
• It is calm and quiet indoors
• It requires moderate exercise only
• It is usually mild-mannered, yet a good watchdog due to its enormous size and self-assurance.

11. Pandikona

• Pandikona is a ‘primitive’ dog breed and has evolved its characteristics without human input.
• The breed is self-reliant and needs less care because of its relative independence and hardiness from humans.
• The breed gets along with humans and children but is not nice towards strangers.
• The breed thrives best in the outdoors but the warm climates.
• The British occupiers of India noticed the breed and, through its physical similarities to Dobermans of Europe, called them the Indian Doberman.
• It is a hunting dog found in Madhya Pradesh and Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh state,

12. Jonangi

• The breed is found only in Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• The breed is useful for hunting small game animals like hares and is known for digging ditches and staying in them.
• Jonangi is extremely friendly and gets along with most people. They are wary of strangers but do well with small children and other pets.
• This dog breed does not need much grooming as they were bred to have short coats to withstand gruesome Indian heat.
• They require plenty of exercise to expend their energy.

Conclusion

Apart from the other dog breeds, a few more dog breeds represent Indian soil and come under the list of Indian dogs. Keep reading to learn more about other breeds too.