'I need a dog.' If these are the words ringing in your mind right now, but you don't know which breed to choose or where to even begin looking - don't worry, because we have got you covered! If you are looking to adopt these loving, loyal and affectionate animals, an insight into some of the popular dog breeds in India could be very helpful! The demand for the following dog breeds in India has been escalating over the years. Some of the most popular breeds include:
German shepherd
German shepherd dogs are among the most intelligent, obedient, loyal, confident and courageous dogs today, making them one of India's most unique dog breeds.
A Brief History - German shepherd Dogs, also known as Alsatians, were named so due to their ability to assist shepherds in herding and protecting sheep. Back in the day, they were not considered pets but helpers of farmers. The breed became popular first in GerDetailsmany (hence the name!) during the First World War.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Height | 21 to 25 inches |
| Weight | 35 to 45 kilograms |
| Characteristics | German shepherds are agile and strong, with square heads and erect, pointed ears. They have long, bushy tails, and their coat colours could range from tan with a black saddle to solid black or even white. They have a medium-length double coat prone to excessive shedding. |
| Group | Herding Group |
| Temperament | Intelligent, self-assured, obedient, protective, alert and active dogs |
| Exercise | German Shepherds are active and athletic and hence, need a lot of exercises to ensure mental and physical wellbeing. |
| Grooming | Since German Shepherds are prone to shedding, daily brushing (twice a day during shedding season) can help reduce the amount of hair that might end up sticking to your furniture. They require baths as well, once every 10 to 15 days. Their nails must be cut regularly; otherwise, they may cause pain and other issues. |
| Health conditions | Dogs of this breed must be screened for conditions such as degenerative myelopathy and elbow and hip dysplasia. They can also experience bloating or swelling of the abdomen, which can be life-threatening if not detected at an early stage. |
| Food Doggie Dabbas Recommends | High-Value Training Treats, Sardine Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, |
| Fresh Meals | Mutton & Parsley, Chicken & mint, Fish & dill, Chicken & pumpkin, Chicken Jerky, Liver it Up, Fish Ferky. |
Great Dane
For someone who is into large dogs, the Great Dane breed is a perfect choice. Not only are they affectionate companions, but they are also fierce and alert home guardians. Dogs of this breed are among the tallest in the world. In fact, a Great Dane named Zeus was the tallest dog to walk the planet!
A Brief History - The Great Dane is of German origin and has been around for over 400 years. Coming from mastiff-like dogs, Great Danes were known for their ability to hunt wild boars. They were mainly assets of the nobility and were used for sport and the protection of carriages and estates.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Height | 29 to 33 inches |
| Weight | 60 to 90 kilograms |
| Characteristics | Great Danes are characterized by long, muscular bodies with strong necks. They have tails of medium length and are light to medium shedders. |
| Group | Working Group |
| Temperament | Friendly, reserved, confident, docile, gentle and devoted |
| Exercise | Great Danes require exercise on a daily basis, but the intensity of activity must be age-appropriate. Puppies should not be exercised rigorously as this can harm their nimble, growing joints. They must be exercised outdoors, on proper ground. Limiting physical activity to marble or tiled flooring can negatively impact them in the long run. |
| Grooming | Dogs of this breed have a smooth coat and are not prone to shedding. Brushing on a weekly basis can help reduce the amount of shedding. They only need a bath occasionally, and their nails must be maintained short, or it can cause difficulty in moving and pain. |
| Health conditions | Great Danes are highly susceptible to bloating or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), which can be life-threatening. To combat the severe effects of GDV, many owners do consider prophylactic gastropexy surgery, if directed by the vet. This breed must also be screened for hypothyroidism, cardiac diseases and hip dysplasia. |
| Food Doggie Dabbas Recommends | Chicken Jerky, Fish Ferky, Berryblast Cheese Jerky, Blueberry Chicken Jerky, Chicken & Pumpkin, Cottage Cheese & Carrot, Fish & Dill, Mutton & Parsley, Sardine Oil, Hemp Seed Oil |
Beagles
Derived from the French word Beguele, beagles are among the most adorable and popular breeds globally. They are small, compact dogs and are the perfect companion and family dogs, making them rank high in the list of cutest dog breeds in the country.
A Brief History - Beagles descended from hounds and were used mainly for hunting purposes due to their small size. A variety of beagles known as 'pocket beagles' were carried by hunters in their coat pockets because they could hunt down rabbits, jackals and pigs easily.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height | 19 to 22 inches |
| Weight | 10 to 15 kilograms |
| Characteristics | Beagles are muscular dogs with slightly domes skulls, long tails and squarish muzzles. |
| Group | Hound Group |
| Temperament | Friendly, reserved, confident, docile, gentle and devoted |
| Exercise | Beagles require a lot of exercise, at least a minimum of one hour a day. Furthermore, helping your beagle exercise with company (such as a canine or a human being) is suitable for their mental and emotional health. Beagles also require mental stimulation in the form of sniffing games and giving them new toys is also necessary to maintain good health. |
| Grooming | Beagles have a smooth double coat and shed only moderately throughout the year. Weekly brushing can help remove the loose hair and promote hair growth too. They don't require frequent baths, and their nails too must be trimmed regularly to avoid pain and discomfort. |
| Health conditions | Beagles are highly susceptible to conditions such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, luxating patella and hypothyroidism. Their ears must be cleaned on a weekly basis to prevent infection, and their teeth should be brushed regularly. |
| Food Doggie Dabbas Recommends | High-Value Training Treats, Fresh Meals - Chicken & Pumpkin, Chicken & Mint, Fish & Dill, Mutton & Parsley, Cheese Jerky, Sardine Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Freshibble |
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in India. Initially used by the royalty of India decades ago, today, dogs of this breed are invaluable assets to dog fanciers in the country and are one of the best dog breeds for families in India.
A Brief History - Primarily bred to be a bird-dog, to hunt waterfowl, golden retrievers were a result of crossing spaniels, setters, Newfoundland and maybe even a bloodhound. The amalgamation of these breeds resulted in the creation of a water-loving, strong swimming dog that could track wounded prey and crippled birds.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium to large |
| Height | 21 to 22 inches |
| Weight | 25 to 29 kilograms |
| Characteristics | Golden retrievers have fur coats whose colours are usually golden, light-golden, and cream. Their coats are water-repellent and can be either wavy or flat. They also have feathering on the neck, legs, and thighs, with a broad and robust head. |
| Group | Sporting Group |
| Temperament | Intelligent, kind, trustworthy, confident, friendly, reliable |
| Exercise | Golden retrievers need plenty of exercise. Getting them to accompany you on hunting trips, long runs and bike rides can help meet their exercise requirements quickly. Grooming - Dogs of this breed moderately shed their hair on a continuous basis. Daily brushing (twice during shedding season) can help remove the dead hair floating around in your home. Baths often help to loosen dead hairs, and golden retrievers need frequent baths to keep clean. As with all breeds, their nails need to be kept short to prevent any discomfort. |
| Health conditions | Golden retrievers need to be screened for elbow and hip dysplasia, retinal atrophy, and heart diseases such as subvalvular aortic stenosis. Their ears and teeth also need to be checked often for signs of infection. |
| Food Doggie Dabbas Recommends | High-Value Training Treats, Jerky Treats, Fresh Meals |
Pug
Named after the Latin word meaning 'clenched fist,' these big dogs in little bodies are among the most charming, which has elevated their popularity in India.
A Brief History - Pugs have existed ever since 400 B.C. They originated from China and were mainly bred for being companions to the royalty. Pugs even kept Tibetan Buddhist monks company, and Chinese emperors valued them so much that they even employed guards to protect them. In India, Hutchinson Essar's (a cellular network) advertisement campaign featured Cheeka - a pug, which helped the popularity of pugs in the country soar. The advertisement led to the increase in demand for pugs in India, and the trend has sustained ever since.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Height | 10 to 12 inches |
| Weight | 6 to 10 kilograms. |
| Characteristics | The most noticeable feature of pugs are their small, clenched up and wrinkly face and curled tails. The breed has a fine, glossy coat that comes in various colours, most often light brown or black, and a compact, square body with well-developed muscles. |
| Group | Toy Dog |
| Temperament | Charming, playful, docile, clever, friendly, loving |
| Exercise | Pugs require a moderate level of exercise, such as play sessions and walks in a park. Pugs cannot tolerate hot weather and thus, must not be subjected to strenuous activity when the temperature is high outdoors. |
| Grooming | Dogs of this breed have a smooth, glossy coat that does not shed too much. Weekly brushing is enough to separate loose hairs. They don't have to be bathed frequently, and their nails must be trimmed in order to avoid any type of discomfort. When we speak of pugs, it is important to pay attention to the rolls of their skin. Pugs must be carefully dried after baths to keep their skin folds clean and prevent infections. |
| Health conditions | Pugs are susceptible to hip dysplasia, stenotic nares, corneal ulcers and dry eyes. Due to their flat faces, they also face breathing issues such as reverse sneezing, especially in hot and humid weather. |
| Food Doggie Dabbas Recommends | Jerky Treats, Supplements, Fresh Meals |
Pomeranian
This dog breed is one of the most unique in India. Known as the favourite of Germany's Queen Victoria, this breed is a popular choice for a loyal and lively addition to families in India.
A Brief History - Pomeranians are descendants of Arctic dogs, and back in the day, they were much bigger than what they are today and could work in harsh, cold conditions. They were mainly used as sledge and load-carrying dogs as well as herding sheep. They were named after the region - Pomerania, where they were bred as the small size that we are accustomed to today.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Height | 10 to 11 inches |
| Weight | 2 to 5 kilograms. |
| Characteristics | Pomeranians have fluffy double coats and foxy faces with alert, prick ears. The body shape is squarish, and their tails curl up and over the back. They also have a thick mane around the neck. |
| Group | Toy Dog |
| Temperament | Intelligent, playful, sociable, docile, alert, charming |
| Exercise | Pomeranians need a moderate level of movement, and they enjoy running, playing and going for walks. Furthermore, it is vital to keep them undercover as they can easily be misunderstood as rabbits or squirrels by large, predatory animals due to their small size. |
| Grooming | Pomeranians are highly susceptible to shedding and need to be brushed frequently to maintain their beautiful coat. Finding a groomer to bathe, cut nails, brush the teeth and groom the ears of these dogs is highly recommended. |
| Health conditions | While Pomeranians are generally healthy dogs, they should be screened for health conditions such as luxating patellas, collapsing tracheas, seizures and alopecia. |
| Food Doggie Dabbas Recommends | Jerky Treats, High-Value Training Treats, Fresh Meals, Freshibble |
Shih Tzu
Also known as Chrysanthemum Dog or a Chinese Lion Dog, the demand for and availability of Shih Tzus in India has increased over the years, mainly because they are great companions.
A Brief History - Shih Tzus originated from Tibet and were regarded as symbols of royalty. They were even exchanged as gifts among Chinese and Tibetan royalty. Shih Tzu means 'Little Lion,' in Mandarin, named after the God of learning, who travelled with a miniature lion dog that could transform into a large-sized lion.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Height | 9 to 10.5 inches |
| Weight | 4 to 7.5 kilograms. |
| Characteristics | Shih Tzus have a dense, long coat of fur. They also have a heavy volume of hair on their head. Shih Tzus can be found in solid colours such as brown or white. They have a muscular build with a deep, broad chest region. |
| Group | Toy Dog |
| Temperament | Affectionate, independent, playful, sociable, loyal, alert |
| Exercise | Shih Tzus require minimal levels of exercise, such as short walks on a daily basis and indoor playtime. |
| Grooming | Shih Tzus require daily brushing as they have long coats of hair (which is why they are also known as hypoallergenic dogs). A bath every 10 - 15 days can help keep the breed clean. To protect the eye and avoid irritation, the hair on the head must be trimmed or tied into a topknot. Their ears must be cleaned, and nails must be trimmed on a regular basis as well. Professional grooming is often necessary to take care of such needs. |
| Health conditions | Shih Tzus are prone to health conditions such as hip dysplasia and cataracts, retinal atrophy and even corneal dryness and should be screened for the same. |
| Food Doggie Dabbas Recommends | Sardine Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Fresh Meals, Jerky Treats, Non-Veg lover bundle. |
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky wins the contest for India's most unique dog breed. It is a blue-eyed wonder, and its popularity in India has tremendously increased over recent years. They are classic Northern dogs with in-built winter wear, making them ideal for cold temperatures.
A Brief History- The Siberian Husky was bred in Siberia, primarily for being a companion, guard and sledge dog. Their popularity grew when they were used in transporting antitoxins to Nome, Alaska, to combat the diphtheria epidemic.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium-Large |
| Height | 19 to 23 inches |
| Weight | 20 to 35 kilograms. |
| Characteristics | Siberian huskies have thick manes with a medium-length double coat that can withstand temperatures as low as -75F. They can be found in black to pure white shades, and sometimes even red and white. They have erect ears, straight necks and a level topline. |
| Group | Working Group |
| Temperament | Intelligent, Friendly, Gentle, Alert, Independent, Stubborn |
| Exercise | Huskies are athletic dogs and have a high exercise requirement. Being a member of the working group, their physical and mental health can be assured by allowing them to regularly exercise. |
| Grooming | Siberian huskies are double-coated dogs and hence, are prone to excessive shedding. They need to be brushed daily. They will also shed their double coat which can lead to very heavy shedding. During this time, a de-shedding tool is recommended. They are remarkably clean animals and don't require frequent baths either. Their nails, like any other breed, must be small to prevent pain and discomfort. |
| Health conditions | Dogs of this breed and naturally healthy. However, they can be susceptible to health issues such as juvenile cataracts and hip dysplasia. |
| Food Doggie Dabbas Recommends | High-Value Training Treats, Sardine Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Non-Veg Fresh Meals, Non-Veg lover bundle. |
Dachshund
This sausage-shaped dog is definitely a head-turner! Dachshund's lively and playful character, short coat, and small size make this dog easy to maintain and apartment-friendly.
A Brief History - Dachshund means 'badger dog.' Dogs of this breed were named so due to their ability to hunt badgers. They were divided into two categories on the basis of size. The first contained standard-sized dachshunds that hunted wild boars and badgers, while the second category consisted of miniature badgers that mainly hunted hares and foxes.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium-Large |
| Height | 5 to 9 inches |
| Weight | 3 - 12 kilograms. |
| Characteristics | Dachshunds have very long bodies and short legs. They have broad foreheads, long and pointed noses, floppy years, curved tails and deep chests. |
| Group | Hound Group |
| Temperament | Playful, Friendly, Lively, Alert, Independent, Stubborn, Clever |
| Exercise | While dachshunds are small in size and might appear to not need much exercise, they actually do! They need regular exercise to stay fit and develop strong muscles to protect their back. Avoid allowing your dachshund to run up and down the stairs or hop on and off furniture, as this can lead to injury. |
| Grooming | Dachshunds don't shed excessively. Smooth-coat dachshunds don't require brushing as often as long-haired ones do. Like other breeds, the nails must be kept short. |
| Health conditions | Due to their long backs, dachshunds are prone to disc damage (intervertebral disc disease or slipped disc). Hence, they should be allowed ample amounts of exercise to prevent this type of damage and obesity. They are also susceptible to ear infections if they aren't maintained properly. |
| Food Doggie Dabbas Recommends | Jerky Treats, Sardine Oil, Hemp Seed Oil,Fresh Meals, Freshibble |
Indies
Image source: Resqct
Indies, also known as Pariah dogs, are native to the Indian subcontinent. They are often used as guard dogs or police dogs. It is a naturally evolved breed and can be found commonly across India. At present, they are popular choices for adoption within the country.
A Brief History - This breed is found all over South Asia, and while its exact origin is unknown, evidence suggests that these dogs have been around for over 12,000 years now. They were used as hunting companions by several tribes across the country and can be found in Indian art, culture and heritage in sculptures, paintings and folklore.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height | 20 - 25 inches |
| Weight | 12 - 20 kilograms. |
| Characteristics | Squar-ish or rectangular built, short double coat, with a soft undercoat and thick overcoat. They have erect ears and a curled tail. Most commonly occurring colours include light and dark browns, white, black, and reddish-brown. |
| Temperament | Friendly, Protective, Playful, Loving, Territorial, Intelligent Exercise - Indies require regular exercise for their physical and mental well being. They should be taken for walks, runs and even swims. Without adequate amounts of activity, they might resort to destructive behaviour. Furthermore, they even require mental stimulation, and hence, sniffing games should be played with them frequently. |
| Grooming | Dogs of this breed shed very little and need little attention when it comes to grooming. They don't have sharp body odours, and an occasional bath is more than enough. While they are well suited for tropical temperatures, they might not do well under extreme heat or cold environments. Their nails must be trimmed to avoid pain and discomfort. |
| Health conditions | This breed is one of the healthiest, with little to no genetic disorders. Conditions such as hip dysplasia are rare. |
| Food Doggie Dabbas Recommends | Chicken Jerky, Fresh Meals, Training Treats, Sardine Oil |
FAQs:
Which dog food is famous in India?
Boiled chicken and rice and milk with roti are popular choices of dog food in India. Those who do not prefer home-cooked diets are usually given kibble. However, feeding your dog rice and chicken over an extended period of time might not be ideal, as dogs require food that is high in protein. For more information on the same, click here.
Which dog breed is better for a family in India?
For dog lovers and prospective puppy adopters in India, the popular dog breeds include labradors, golden retrievers, pugs and pariah dogs. Siberian huskies should be avoided, given that they are made for the cold weather, and the tropical climate in India might be harmful to them.
Which is the best suited small breed dog in India?
Shih Tzus, Indian Spitzs, pugs, dachshunds and Yorkshire terriers can be excellent choices if you are looking for a small dog that is easy to take care of and apartment-friendly as well.
Which is the longest living dog breed suitable for India's climatic conditions?
Indian pariah dogs (or street dogs), beagles, golden retrievers and chihuahuas are among the longest living dog breeds, with reference to their compatibility with the Indian tropical climate.
Which is the best dog breed for a pet in the metro cities in India?
Metropolitan cities often have small apartments, which don’t come with a lawn or ground. In such cases, the best dog breeds for dog lovers in metro cities in India would definitely be pugs, dachshunds, beagles, retrievers and even poodles. These breeds, however, need a lot of exercise and so, they should only be kept in an apartment, provided that they can be taken outdoors daily for exercise and mental stimulation games, for at least two hours.
Which dog breed is suitable for North Indian Climate?
Bhakarwal dogs, Rampur greyhounds, and Bully dogs are among the most popular types of dogs, suitable for the Northern part of India.
Which dog breed is best for apartments in India?
For apartments in India, the best dog breeds for families would definitely be pugs, dachshunds, beagles, retrievers and poodles, Indian spitzs, and even pariah dogs. These breeds, however, need a lot of exercise and hence, should only be kept in an apartment, provided that they can be taken outdoors daily for exercise, mental stimulation and so on, for at least two hours.