Top 15 Indian Dog Breeds that you Should Know

Someone has rightly said that dogs are more loyal than any other animal. While most of us look for fancy dogs, our country has an array of dog breeds that can be utilized as watchdogs, and if they trend to their best abilities, they will never let you down. In this blog, we have comprised a list of the top 15 Indian dogs that you should know.

List of the Best Dog Breeds in India:

1. Indian Spitz

Classified into the Utility group, the Indian Spitz is one of the best Indian dog breeds. The breed is known to be an ideal pet because of its loyalty. The breed is often called Indian Pomeranian, Elk-Hound, and Samoyed Dogs. It is also one of the most intelligent breeds in India

Weight – 6 to 20 kg

Height – 16 to 18 inches

Lifespan – 10 to 14 years

Colors – White and Brown

2. Bakharwal Dog

The Bakharwal dog is one of the oldest dog breeds that is found in the Northern cities of the country. This breed is used by the Indian police service to find militants across the country. In different parts of the country, they are known by different names such as Kashmiri Sheepdog, Bakarwali Shepherd Dog, Indian Bakharwal Dog, Kashmiri Mastiff, and Gujjar Watchdog.

Weight – 30 to 42 Kgs

Height – 24 to 30 inches

Lifespan – 8 to 11 Years

Colors – Piebald, Black & Tan, Tri-color

3. Chippiparai 

Known to be a sighthound breed of dog, Chippiparai is found in southern parts of the country. It is located in a solid color. This breed is also known as Kanni. Chippiparai were formerly used for hunting small rabbits, deer, and forest pigs. However, with the imposition of the hunting regulation act, this breed is beneficial for show breed, dog racing, and guarding homes. The breed is loyal and famous for its speed.

Weight – 15 to 20 Kg

Height – 31 to 38 inches

Lifespan – 11 to 14 years

Colors – black and tan and black and brown

4. Combai

Next in our list of top 15 Indian dog breeds is Combai, or Kombai is majorly found in the foothills of Western Ghat of South India. The breed of dog is believed to be extremely loyal, powerful, and intelligent. The Combai breed was recognized by the Kennel Club of India and has been represented in many shows, conducted by the Tamil Nadu chapter. The Combai breed is classified as a terrier group for its squarish and balanced structure, gait, and sharp movements.

Weight – 25 to 30 kg

Height – 21 to 25 inches

Lifespan – 12 to 15 years

Colors – Tan and red-brown

5. Bully Kutta

Also known as Indo-Pakistan and Mastiff and Indian Mastiff, Bully Kutta is categorized as a large working dog in India. This breed originated in the 16^th century and is used for guarding and hunting. The bully kutta breed is found to be intelligent, responsive, aggressive, and energetic.

Weight – 60 to 89 Kg

Height – 28 to 44 inches

Lifespan – 6 to 13 years

Colors – Brindle, brown, white, piebald, black

6. Gaddi Kutta

Popularly called Himalayan Sheepdog, Mahidant Mastiff, Indian Panther Hound, and Bhutia, Gaddi Kutta is primarily found in the Himalayan region. This breed was primarily used for hunting. The breed today is used by the Shephards and is known for its intelligence.

Weight – 35 to 45 Kg

Height – 25 to 32 inches

Lifespan – 8 – 15 years

Colors – Black and tan, dark fawn and reddish, black and shadow white

7. Gull Dong

Gull Dong breed is available in some of India and its neighboring countries like Pakistan. The breed can be trained as a pet and is widely used for hunting and dogfighting. In different parts of the country, it is known by different names; some of the common names given by Gull Dong are Bully Gull Terr, South Asian Gull Dong, Indian Gull Dong, and Indian Bull Dog.

Weight – 20 to 39 kg

Height – 18 to 22 inches

Lifespan – 10 to 14 years

Colors – White, white with occasional black spots, black, grey, brindle

8. Jonangi

Jonangi is one of the top dog breeds in India. It is also called Kolleti Jagilam and Jonangi Jagilam. This breed is found in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. This type of breed is utilized for hunting and herding dogs. Though the breed has not been recognized by its kennel club, it has been shown in Andhra Pradesh at many beach festivals.

Weight – 25 to 39 Kg

Height – 18 to 22 inches

Lifespan – 10 to 14 years

Colors – White, white with occasional black spots, black, grey, and brindle

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9. Kaikadi Dog

Known to be a terrier dog breed, Kaikadi was named after the nomadic tribe. This breed is considered to be an ideal watchdog. Kaikadi Dogs are suitable for large and spacious setup. The breed requires less maintenance

Weight – 16 to 18 kg

Height – 23 – 25 inches

Lifespan – 10 to 14 years

Colors – White, black, and tan

10. Mahratta Hound

Often, known as Mahratta Greyhound, Mahratta Hound is one of the top Indian dog breeds. The breed is classified into sighthound-type. Mahratta Hound has originated from Persian or Arabian heritage. The breed is mainly utilized for hunting. 

Weight – 27 to 30 Kg

Height –22 to 30 inches

Lifespan – 1o to 14 years

Colors – Blue and Tan

11. Indian Pariah Dog

Indian Pariah Dog is one of the best Indian dog breeds. It can be tamed at home as a pet. Most of the street dogs found in India belong to the same breed. They are also called INDog, Desi Dog, South, and Asian Pye Dog. The breed is also used by Indian police

Weight – 15 to 30 Kg

Height – 23 to 25 inches

Lifespan –10 to 13 years

Colors – White, black, and brown

12. Rajapalayam Dog

Rajapalayam Dog is a Sighthound Indian dog breed, which is also known as the Poligar hound. The breed is originated in the town of Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu, from where this breed got its name. This breed is characterized as large and working dogs that can be used for guarding purposes.

Weight – 32 to 48 Kg

Height – 25 to 30 inches

Lifespan – 10 to 12 years

Colors – White

13. Rampur Greyhound

This breed is native to sighthound. It is mainly found in the Rampur region from where it has received its name. The breed has short hair and powerful built. Rampur Greyhound has a similar height to Greyhounds. These are available in many colors, including black and gray, and brindle.

Weight – 27 to 30 kg

Height – 12 to 28 inches

Lifespan – 13 to 12 years

Colors – Black, grizzle, mouse gray, and brindle.

14. Banjara Hound

Banjara Hound is commonly found in the country and is one of the top Indian dog breeds. It is also famous as Vanjari Hound. This breed is utilized for hunting the nomadic of Maharashtra. The breed has a good build and can pull down a deer. It is mainly found in the Northern parts of the country.

Weight – 25 to 29 Kg

Height – 26 to 28 inches

Lifespan – 12 to 15 years

Colors – Gray, black and fawn

15. Vikhan Sheepdog

Vikhan Sheepdog is a watchdog, which is also known as Vikhan dog or Vikhan, in many parts of the country. This breed is found in the Northwestern parts of India. It has excellent speed, and thus, it was also used to hunt leopards as well. It has a large, lean, and muscular body.

Weight – 25 to 40 Kg

Height – Around 26 inches

Lifespan – 11 to 14 years

Colors – Black, brown, red, and fawn,

Conclusion:

While most of us like to pet foreign dogs like German Shephard, Bull Dog, Golden Retriever, and others, there are plenty of Indian dog breeds known for their loyalty and have been found ideal watchdogs. In this blog, we have listed the top 15 Indian dog breeds that one should know. Do let us know which is your favorite breed.