In India, 50% of households have a pet. In recent times, we see a phycological shift among the people who want to have a Dog. Today, people are more inclined toward local Dogs than famous breeds of Dogs. They are coming forward and adopting these pups from the nearby streets or NGOs and making them a part of their families. 

We have different local breeds of Dogs in India. They are stated as our local dogs because we see them more in numbers and they have been here for quite a long time making their living. They are mostly not sold but given for adoption. Most of them are seen on roads.  They are characterized by their appearance, body-built, and behavior. So, let’s know about some of the local dogs that we see regularly.

Indian Spitz

This is one of our local Dogs. They appear to be similar to Pomeranians but they are different if we can observe them in detail. For example, Pomeranians have pointed ears, they are lighter in weight and smaller in size in comparison to the Indian Spitz. 

The Indian Spitz is a very home-friendly Dog and could get accustomed to our environment and climatic conditions, especially during our summer season. They are mid-sized dogs and weigh anywhere between 5 to 7 kgs with an average height of 40 cm. They are emotional in terms of their nature, which means that it’s not a good idea to leave them alone at home for long hours. They are playful yet they socialize effortlessly. They are quick learners and could be trained easily on commands. The average life span for these beauties is 16 years and could vary based on their mental and physical health by a later age. If you are worried about your expenses post having this Dog, you could relax as it does not need high maintenance. They need basic hygiene accompanied by a balanced diet that is good for dogs.

Sinhala Hound

We can find this breed of Dog in most parts of our country. They are similar to the Indian Pariah Dogs but still, they stand out due to the differences in their appearance and characteristics. They are energetic and loyal in nature and known for their speed as they were considered to be the hunting hounds back in the olden days when people took them as a companion for hunting. Their life expectancy is anywhere between 14 to 18 years.

Mahratta Greyhound

The Mahratta Greyhound is one of the oldest Dogs that has been residing in India. They are found in parts of North India in and around Maharashtra. Though they are smaller in size and look lean, they are strong in terms of their body-built and could withstand the toughest of the seasons. They are loyal and very friendly with less maintenance needed.

Vikhan Sheepdog

We do see them occasionally. They are mostly found around Himachal Pradesh. They are mid-sized Dogs and could protect themselves from the extreme climatic conditions experienced in the North. They are loyal and possessive dogs who keep a mark on their territories. They are fearless and speedy. Due to their characteristics, they make a perfect pet and a guard dog.

Chippiparai

This breed of Dog originated from Chippiparai which is near Madurai District in Tamil Nadu. In the olden days, these dogs were used for hunting purposes. They are known to be very loyal and affectionate. They are mid-sized dogs with a lean appearance, have a strong body built, and could be taken care of with very less maintenance.

Rampur Greyhound

These dogs are found in the Northern states of India. They are termed “sight dogs” as they could hunt by sight and speed rather than sniffing. People in the older days had these Dogs to hunt down some big animals as well. They tend to be the perfect caretakers for the house. Coming to their nature, they are friendly and they socialize well. They play roughly with the other dogs but it’s nothing to worry about as that is how they play and show their fun side.

Kombai

These dogs originated from South India. They are mid-sized dogs with lean bodies and well-built muscles which makes them one of the Indian dogs that need less maintenance and can withstand all climatic conditions. They are intelligent, loyal dogs and a perfect fit for your home.

Indian Pariah Dog

They also have a very similar body type as the Kombai Dogs and are found in cities. They are double-coated dogs and are among one the most loyal and toughest Dogs.

Pandikona

The Pandikona Dogs have their origin in Andhra Pradesh. They are mid-sized dogs. They are one of the loyal, toughest, and most aggressive breeds making them one of the best guard dogs.

After reading this article, we are sure that you will be able to recognize these dogs that you see outside quite often. Since you know about them now, please do spread the word to all, so that people could learn about certain local dogs and their personalities. And who knows, they might get a new home at last!