Top 10 Native Indian Dog Breeds

Dogs are the best pets on Earth because, unlike people, they love us unconditionally. With added stress from day jobs and side hustles, the world as we know it is pretty stressed. And then there are dogs! They are natural stress busters and fill our lives with love, joy, and loyalty. We have different exotic, foreign, and native dog breeds and varieties in India. There are seven common types of dog breeds like Sporting group, Non-sporting group, Hound group, Toy group, Working group, Herding group, and Terrier group. Many famous native dog breeds are found everywhere in our country and serve a critical role in human society as community guardians but are least known to many of us. Though many Western dog breeds are seen in India, the demand for their native counterparts has increased recently.

All native Indian dog breeds are given high importance, and we need to protect them from extinction.

Read on to know the Top 10 Best Indian Dog Breeds.

List of Top 10 Native Indian Dog Breeds

There are many native Indian dog breeds that are intelligent as well as majestic. They can also be a great walking partner and a friend, just like the foreign breeds. However, these are on the verge of extinction due to a lack of popularity. Here is a list of Indian dog breeds that can give any foreign breed a run for its money. 

1. Indian Pariah Dog

It is the best example of an ancient group of top 5 hunting dog breeds originating from the Indian subcontinent. Pariah dog is the best one among the top 10 dogs in the Indian breeds. They are indigenous dog types that evolved entirely through natural selection and were used as guard dogs and police dogs during ancient times.

• Also known as: Indian Native Dog / South Asian Pye Dog / Desi Dog / InDog
• How to identify: This Indian Pariah hunting dog breed is identified using its anatomical features and breed characters.
• Anatomy: Indian Pariah is a medium-sized Indian guard dog breed with a wedge-shaped head. Have dark to reddish-brown colour with or without white markings on the body. Eyes are shaped and brown. Erect ears are seen pointed at the tip and broad at the base. The muzzle is pointed. Have erect forequarters, minimally angled hindquarters, and a curved tail.
• Skin Coat type: Indian Paraiah guard dogs are short and about dense
• Average height: The average height for an Indian Pariah guard dog is between18-25 inches 
• Average Lifespan: The life span of an Indian Pariah guard dog is between 12 -15 years
• Preferred food: The normal food for Indian Pariah guard dogs is boiled eggs, vegetables, chicken, rice, etc.
• Gestation period: Indian Pariah guard dogs have a gestation period of approximately 63 days from conception. This may vary from 58 to 68 days in all dog breeds.
• Place of Origin: India. This Indian Pariah guard dog breed was named during the British era after the Pariah tribe of Tamil Nadu. 
• Endangered species: Yes, Indian Pariah is a pure guard dog breed about to be extinct

2. Chippiparai

It is the best example of an Indian hunting dog breed. It is used to hunt rabbits, pigs, deer, etc. Chippiparai is a native Indian dog breed known for high speed and loyalty. It is an intelligent and social breed. It is a wonderful guard dog and is also used for dog racing or dog shows.

• Also known as: Sighthound
• How to identify: Identified using its anatomical features and breed characters.
• Anatomy: This Indian hunting dog breed is a medium-sized one with a long and narrow head and face. Fawn, black, grey, and reddish-brown are typical colours. Eyes are sharp and dark in colour. Ears are forward-facing dropdowns. The muzzle is long, wide & deep and tapers towards the end. Possess streamlined features with long legs and a lean frame built. A long and curved tail is present.
• Skin Coat type: Short shiny coat
• Average height: 20-27 inches 
• Average Lifespan: 11-14 years
• Preferred food: Fruits, vegetables, cottage cheese, cooked eggs
• Gestation period: Approximately 63 days from conception
• Place of Origin: This Indian hunting dog breed originating from Tamil Nadu State-Virughunagar District-Chippiparai town
• Endangered species: No. Slowly disappearing Indian dog breed.
• Where to buy: Contact registered and qualified Dog breeders in your state

3. Rajapalayam

A rare, purebred Indian dog that is majestic, tenacious, intelligent, and can hunt by sight & track by scent skillfully. Rajapalayam is one of the strong Indian dog breeds. They are wonderful watchdogs, so best as guard dogs/police dogs/military dogs/companion dogs. 

• Also known as: Indian Ghost Hound / Polygar Hound / Sikkar Hound
• How to identify: Identified using its anatomical features and breed characters.
• Anatomy: Rajapalayam dogs have muscular, medium to large bodies, with large heads and more powerful jaws than other hounds. This Indian dog breed is milky white with a pink nose. Eye colour ranges from golden to brown or green. Have button ears. Long straight front legs and sturdy hind legs, and a lean frame built. Have a whiptail.
• Skin Coat type: Short and fine elegant coat
• Average height: 25-30 inches 
• Average Lifespan: 10- 12 years
• Preferred food: Rajapalayam dogs prefer vegetarian food, chicken boiled with rice and mixed with yoghurt
• Gestation period: Approximately 63 days from conception
• Place of Origin: Tamil Nadu State-Virughunagar District–Rajapalayam town
• Endangered species: No. Slowly disappearing Indian dog breeds; on the brink of extinction
• Where to buy: Contact registered and qualified Dog breeders in your state

4. Indian Spitz

The Indian Spitz is a small to medium-sized native breed that is alert & intelligent. It is an excellent indoor watchdog. They are also famous for dog shows and the best Indian dog breeds as pets.

• Also known as: The Indian Spitz is also known as Indian Pomeranian
• How to identify: Indian Spitz can be identified using its anatomical features and breed characters.
• Anatomy: This Indian Spitz dog breed has a medium-sized body with a small head. The Colour is usually white and brown. The colour of the eyes is blue, white, or green. It has pointed ears and fluffy hair.
• Skin Coat type: Indian Spitz are usually seen with a thick coat
• Average height: The average height of the Indian Spitz is between 35-45cm 
• Average Lifespan: The Indian Spitz can live for 10-14 years
• Preferred food: Indian Spitz is mostly vegetarian
• Gestation period: Approximately 63 days from conception
• Place of Origin: India
• Endangered species: No
• Where to buy: Contact registered and qualified Indian Dog breeders in your state

5. Rampur Greyhound

Rampur Hound is one of the famous Indian dog breeds. They are hunting dogs that descend from early Afghan hounds. It is a companion dog.

• Also known as: North Indian Greyhound
• How to identify: Identified using its anatomical features and breed characters.
• Anatomy: This Indian hunting dog is a large-sized breed with an athletic body. Has a wide range of solid colours like white, black, tan, fawn, brindle, or grey. Possess large oval eyes. Has a powerful build. Have a long snout and is short-haired. A thin whip-like tail that reaches almost down to their ankle is present.
• Skin Coat type: Smooth coat
• Average height: 22-30 inches
• Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Preferred food: Boiled rice with minced meat
• Gestation period: Approximately 63 days from conception
• Place of Origin: Rampur region of North India
• Endangered species: No. Extremely rare to find a pure breed
• Where to buy: Contact registered and qualified Indian hunting Dog breeders in your state

6. Pandikona

It is a primitive-type Indian hunting dog breed that is difficult to train. They are brave hunters with strong hunting instincts.

• Also known as: Indian Doberman
• How to identify: Identified using its anatomical features and breed characters.
• Anatomy: This Indian hunting dog is a medium-sized breed. Has a fawn or light brown colour. Possess large ears and a medium muzzle. Have a powerful build, with long muscular legs and a thick tail.
• Skin Coat type: Smooth coat
• Average height: 20-26 inches
• Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Preferred food: Boiled rice, meat, cooked vegetables
• Gestation period: Approximately 63 days from conception
• Place of Origin: Pandikona village, Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh
• Endangered species: No. Expected to become extinct soon
• Where to buy: Contact registered and qualified Indian Dog breeders in your state

7. Kombai or Combai

It is the oldest dog Indian breed dog. It was used as a war dog in ancient times. It is a loyal and courageous breed.

• Also known as: Polygar dog / Bull Terrier of Tamil Nadu
• How to identify: Identified using its anatomical features and breed characters.
• Anatomy: This Indian dog is a medium-sized breed. Possess red or brown colour dark eyes, ears with bend tips, and a fine muzzle. It has a powerful build with a muscular body. It has a long and tapering tail.
• Skin Coat type: Single short, smooth coat 
• Average height: 20-26 inches
• Average Lifespan: 9-13 years
• Preferred food: Boiled rice, meat, cooked vegetables
• Gestation period: Approximately 63 days from conception
• Place of Origin: Kombai village, Tamil Nadu 
• Endangered species: No. Critically endangered
• Where to buy: Contact registered and qualified Indian Dog breeders in your state

8. Gaddi Kutta

It is one of the native Indian dog breeds from the North of India. ‘Gaddi’ means shepherd, and ‘Kutta’ means dog. It is a huge, aggressive, strong, intelligent dog that can herd goats and sheep with little or no instruction.

• Also known as: Himalayan Sheepdog / Indian Leopard Hound
• How to identify: Identified using its anatomical features and breed characters.
• Anatomy: It is a medium-sized breed with a thick and pointed skull. It has a mane like a lion. Possess Amber-colored eyes. The tail curls over the body and is very fluffy. 
• Skin Coat type: Thick coat 
• Average height: 20-31 inches
• Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Preferred food: Boiled rice, meat, cooked vegetables
• Gestation period: Approximately 63 days from conception
• Place of Origin: Himalayan foothills, Kashmir
• Endangered species: No. Critically endangered
• Where to buy: Contact registered and qualified Indian Dog breeders in your state

9. Bakharwal Dog

It is one of the ancient Indian dog breeds for guarding. It is a steadfast, powerful and courageous livestock guardian. Huge and heavy breed.

• Also known as: Kashmir Sheepdog / Kashmir Mastiff / Gujjar Watchdog
• How to identify: Identified using its anatomical features and breed characters
• Anatomy: It is a large-sized breed and heavily boned dog. Have a large head with a thick muscular neck. The usual colours are Tan, Beige, Black, White, and Piebald. Possess Almond-shaped brown/amber eyes. Muzzles are short but well-built with a black nose. 
• Skin Coat type: Thick coat 
• Average height: 23-26 inches
• Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Preferred food: Bread, milk, dairy products
• Gestation period: Approximately 63 days from conception
• Place of Origin: Himalayan Mountains, Kashmir
• Endangered species: No. Critically endangered
• Where to buy: Contact registered and qualified Dog breeders in your state

10. Mudhol hound

It is also one of the ancient majestic, intelligent native dog breeds of India. They have sharp eyesight.

• Also known as: Caravan hound
• How to identify: Identified using its anatomical features and breed characters
• Anatomy: This is a large-sized breed and heavily boned dog. Possess a long elongated skull. Have a long and narrow head, large nose, and tapering muzzle. Have powerful jaws. The usual colours are Brindle, White, and Black. Large oval eyes and V-shaped ears are prominent. Well tucked in the abdomen. The back is long, broad, and well-muscled. The tail is strong at the base and not too long.
• Skin Coat type: Short, dense coat 
• Average height: 29-35 inches
• Average Lifespan: 13-14 years
• Preferred food: Bread, milk, dairy products
• Gestation period: Approximately 63 days from conception
• Place of Origin: Bagalkot district, Karnataka
• Endangered species: No. Critically endangered
• Where to buy: Contact registered and qualified Dog breeders in your state

Indian native dog breeds have declined severely in numbers, are slowly disappearing, and are on the verge of extinction. Government and private Dog Shows support and give importance to the participation of these indigenous breeds. It is high time to create awareness & encourage dog lovers to rear native dogs. Owning a dog requires a lot of attention, builds responsibility and empathy within dog owners, and is among the Top 10 Life Hacks as it improves social well-being. Native dog breeds are highly intelligent, extremely alert, faithful companions, and are a great source of entertainment; and can be the best pets that make us mentally and physically healthy. Efforts should be made to encourage large-scale breeding of these native dog breeds and popularize them in our country.