Top 20
Top 20 Dog Breeds In India: Most Loyal & Intelligent Animals
The most popular, tamable dog breeds in India are plenty – one reason being most of us have compassion towards these animals. Out of many animals which can legally be domesticated by humans, dogs are the most preferred choice, followed by cats and birds, of course. Though excluding those animals that are typically used in livestock, farming, poultry, and alike.
Love for Pets and Sharing Your Home With Them
While some people may not be fond of animals and pets, there are others that love to have pets in their homes. This has been going on for centuries since dogs and cats were domesticated by people all around the world. These pets were kept in homes (or in front yard/backyard), fed good food, and groomed.
Over the course of time, pets are also given medical treatment at veterinary clinics and hospitals, and their doctors are called veterinarians, or simply, vets. Nowadays, many veterinary clinics also provide a wide selection of accessories for pets, which generally include bedding, neck collar (with or without tags), leash, winter jacket, grooming equipment, hygiene spray, nail-cutter, and a wide range of toys to play with.
Did You Know?
Dogs will often, break things in your house. But, they will never break your heart.
Today, we can find more than 300 breeds of dogs, which are available as pure and cross-breed dogs. Also, each breed of dog has unique characteristics which make them special. However, do note that, unlike humans, most animals, including dogs and cats, have a short life span, i.e., they may not live for more than 20 years.
Important Things to Know Before Keeping Pets at Homes
There are, of course, a couple of important things that must be taken into consideration when keeping pets at home. Generally speaking, animals are wild in nature, and they’re habituated to the wilderness around them. Also, the different dog breeds will behave differently. So, there are a few things that should keep in mind.
These are stated as follows:
(i) Most breeds of dogs have a tendency to eat whatever food comes their way. They may sometimes, also tend to over-eat. So, monitoring the type and amount of food given to them is absolutely necessary.
(ii) Dogs will need thorough house training (including potty training), and it may take several weeks to fully train some breeds of dogs. So, it is necessary to stick to a rigorous training process every day.
(iii) Some dogs are primarily kept as protection or guard dogs. However, there are other breeds as well, which are not trained to be guard dogs because they’re usually friendly to everyone they meet. So, it is necessary to weigh your preferences and choose the right dog breed for your home.
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Let us now take a look at some of the most popular dog breeds in India that people are fond of keeping in their homes.
List of 20 Popular Dog Breeds that People Love to Domesticate in India
Here is a list of the twenty most popular dog breeds in India (sorted in alphabetical order) that are preferable pets and can be legally domesticated. Whether you need a friendly companion or for the security of your home, children, and family, these common dog breeds will serve you well.
1. Bakharwal
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: Black, Brindle, Fawn, Sand, and White
Characteristics: Loyal, Brave, Protective
Life Span: Up to 12 years
The Bakharwal is an indigenous breed of dog of Himalayan origin and was bred exclusively by a nomadic group called Gujjars. This breed of dog was mainly used for protecting their livestock from predators, like wolves and bears, etc. This breed traces its origin to the Pir Panjal mountain range of the Himalayas.
Bakarwal is a medium to large size breed of dog. They are athletic, vigorous, and a typical mountain breed with a fluffy coat and plummy tail that gives them a majestic appearance. Bakarwal is a breed that matures slowly, with only 3-4 pups littering once a year. They are not really active indoors and need regular exercise outdoors. However, this breed of puppies is very active and might have the tendency to wander off or escape. They prefer cold climates.
2. Beagle
Best For: Family Pet
Colour Options: Mix of Brown, Black, and White
Characteristics: Determined, Excitable, Amiable, Gentle
Life Span: Up to 15 years
Beagles are known for being gentle, especially with children. They are fun-loving and energetic, too, which also makes them great family dogs. Beagles are extremely friendly and intelligent dogs. They’re the most adorable and one of the preferred pet dog breeds worldwide.
This breed of dog usually grows up to a maximum height of 15 inches. They are small to medium-sized dogs, and often, are used as sniffer dogs in airports because of their strong sense of smell. This breed of dog is available in a mixture of three colors – brown, black, and white.
They have very short hair and a hard coat of medium length.
3. Boxer
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: Brown, Black, and Off-white
Characteristics: Devoted, Loyal, Bright, Fearless
Life Span: Up to 12 years
Boxer breed of dogs is known for their energy-filled nature. This dog’s inherent patience and protective nature have earned it a reputation as a great dog with children. They can be found in colors like brindle, fawn, and white. Their short and shiny coat requires very little grooming. They can grow up to a height of 25 inches.
Boxer dogs are also known for their strength and agility. They make good watchdogs for families. While they show patience and playfulness towards children, they respond aggressively to anything that threatens their loved ones.
4. Cocker Spaniel
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: Golden
Characteristics: Friendly, Active, Loyal, Alert
Life Span: Up to 14 years
Cocker Spaniel is a cross-breed of two different breeds, which are the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. This breed of dog originated from the United Kingdom, where they were bred mainly as hunting dogs. They are sometimes, also known as cockers. This dog breed has a medium-sized body, and thus, they are easy to tame in homes.
The Cocker Spaniel dog breed can easily adapt to families and children. They feature a medium-length silky coat that is slightly wavy and flat. The breed comes in multi-colors and has few or many lines on its body.
5. Dachshund
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: Mix of Brown and Black
Characteristics: Playful, Lively, Friendly, Clever, Alert
Life Span: Up to 16 years
This breed of dog can be found in various sizes and colors. They are among the most preferred dogs in the Indian household because of their unique appearance. They are short-legged and have long tails. The lively and playful nature of the dachshund, short coat, and small size make this dog easy to care for and friendly to the apartment. The breed is available in two different sizes: miniature and standard. It is known that the smaller size of the dog is miniature. They have a loud voice because of this these dogs can be ideal home watchers.
Dachshund means “badger dog”. Dogs of this breed were so named because of their ability to hunt badgers. They were divided into two categories depending on the size. The first category contained standard-sized dachshunds that hunted wild boars and badgers, while the second category consisted of miniature badgers that mainly hunted hares and foxes.
6. Dalmatian
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: White with black spots
Characteristics: Energetic, Sensitive, Active, Outgoing
Life Span: Up to 13 years
Dalmatian is a unique dog breed that is known for its black spots on a white coat. This breed of dog is smart, playful, and active, and they make for a very friendly family pet. They can also be trained to be great hunting dogs, especially for those individuals who love to go on outdoor adventures.
These days, you get to see less of this breed as most people prefer other common breeds. Nonetheless, the Dalmatian breed of dogs is still loved and kept as family pets. They can also make for helpful watchdogs if proper training is given to them.
7. Doberman
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: Brown and Black
Characteristics: Fearless, Alert, Confident, Energetic
Life Span: Up to 13 years
The Doberman breed of dogs is most preferably kept as guard dogs because of their fearless nature. They have very short tails. They are known for their agility, speed, and intelligence. After training, they can be really socially oriented and loving. On the other, when trained for protection, these dogs can be ferocious and keep trespassers at bay.
However, keep in mind that if not tamed properly, Doberman dogs could be dangerous and may attack their owner/master.
8. German Shepherd
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: Mix of Brown and Black
Characteristics: Loyal, Obedient, Watchful, Courageous
Life Span: Up to 13 years
German Shepherds are among the most common breeds of dogs that are also considered to be very intelligent and fearless. They are smart and intuitive. They are mostly used as guard dogs, especially for police and military work. However, since German Shepherds can be trained well, they are also domesticated as pets in homes.
In India, many folks are fond of the German Shepherd breed of dogs. You will often, find this breed in many homes when you walk past by the neighborhoods.
Their qualities make them a preferred choice, both as guard dogs and family dogs.
9. Golden Retriever
Best For: Family Pet
Colour Options: Golden and Off-white
Characteristics: Friendly, Reliable, Kind, Intelligent
Life Span: Up to 15 years
Golden Retriever is another popular dog breed in India. They are easy to train and have a very pleasing demeanor. They are very popular with people as pets due to their loving and obedient nature. This breed of dog is very intelligent, can be trained well, and excel in competitions.
They are sturdy, good-looking, medium-sized dogs. Their fur is usually straight or wavy outer coat and requires regular grooming. This breed comes in cream and rich golden colors.
They are suitable as family pets. If trained well, they make good watchdogs, too.
10. Great Dane
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: Grey, Brown
Characteristics: Devoted, Confident, Friendly, Reserved
Life Span: Up to 10 years
Great Dane is a large breed of dog. They are one of the tallest dog breeds known in the world. They are gentle and caring, and they make for a really great family companion. They are not only affectionate companions but also ferocious and vigilant house guards.
Great Danes are distinguished by long, muscular bodies with strong necks. They have tails of medium length and are light to medium when it comes to shedding their coat. Dogs of this breed have smooth coats and are not prone to shedding.
11. Gull Terrier
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: White with either Black or Dark Brown spot
Characteristics: Fierce, Loyal, Alert
Life Span: Up to 14 years
The Gull Terrier is a watchdog and is wary of strangers. Their high aggression and intense protective nature make this breed of dog a good protector, both for people and property guardians. This is one of the Indian dog breeds that is known well, especially when it comes to defending their human family to give in their lives.
The Gull Terrier breed is quite good with children and of its immediate human family, but is also known to be aggressive with intruders and is fierce. The Gull Terrier is also known for being very fast, very agile, and smooth on its feet.
12. Indian Mastiff
Best For: Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: Mix of Brown, Black, and White
Characteristics: Aggressive, Brave, Alert
Life Span: Up to 10 years
The Indian Mastiff breed of dog is also known locally as the “Bully Kutta” (meaning a heavily wrinkled dog). They got their name from the word “Bholi” (or bully) which describes their face/body structure. There are about five distinct varieties of the Bully Kutta, each appearing quite different from the others. While they are highly intelligent, it is no surprise that they are also very aggressive. The Bully Kutta breed is an ideal guard dog if you can control them. Despite their reputation as dangerous dogs, they can also thrive in a loving family.
It is a breed of large working dogs originating from the 16th century in the Indian subcontinent. This Indian Mastiff breed of dog is mainly used in hunting and patrol. The breed is common in India.
Mastiffs are large dog breeds known for their size and strength. The colors of the Mastiff coat are different.
13. Indian Pariah
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: Light and Dark Brown, White, Black, and Reddish-Brown
Characteristics: Friendly, Protective, Playful, Loving, Intelligent
Life Span: Up to 13 years
The Indian Pariah dog breed is native to the Indian subcontinent. They are usually used as guard dogs or police dogs. It is a naturally grown breed and can usually be found throughout India. They are currently a popular choice for adoption within the country. Dogs of this breed shed very little and require special attention when it comes to grooming.
This breed is found all over South Asia. They were once, also 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.
The breed is used as a guard dog and a police service dog. The Indian Pariah dog breed has erect ears and a wedge-shaped head. Most street dogs in India belong to the same breed, as they are easy to train. Thus, they are one of the best dogs for homes in India.
14. Indian Spitz
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: White
Characteristics: Kind, Intelligent, Active, Athletic
Life Span: Up to 14 years
This is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. This breed of dog is almost always confused with the Pomeranian dog breed because of their similarities in appearance. For instance, they have a short height and are of clear white color with dark eyes, small, pointed ears, and a furry tail. Also, their furry coat is fairly thick.
They not only look very attractive, but they also make for an ideal pet for Indian families. The Indian Spitz is a versatile, energetic breed that is easy to train and is an exceptional companion. They have a friendly disposition and get along well with children and other tamed dogs.
15. Labrador
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: White, Chocolate Brown, and Black
Characteristics: Friendly, Active, Intelligent, Agile
Life Span: Up to 14 years
Labradors are one of the most lovable dog breeds in the world. In fact, this breed has become so much popular that you can easily spot them in several homes as well as find their use in hunting, security, defense, and military. No wonder, the police, and military prefer this breed that serves their purpose very well.
Labradors are also very gentle, and at the same time, very protective of their owners/masters. This is why many people love to keep them as pets in their homes. With a little more training, Labradors are known to not only be your best companion, both indoors and outdoors, they simply make your day.
16. Pomeranian
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: White
Characteristics: Extroverted, Intelligent, Friendly, Sociable
Life Span: 16 years
Pomeranians are known for being the best companion among women and children. They are active and playful. Because of their active nature, they can be kept in homes as watchdogs, too. This breed is available in white color only. They are quite short in height and are a little furry. Most of the time, this breed of dog is pampered by its owners.
The Pomeranian breed of dogs does not require rigorous training as they can adapt themselves quite well. Also, they can be fearless to strangers they meet on the roads while going out on walks.
17. Pug
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: Brown, Black, and White/Off-white
Characteristics: Docile, Clever, Quiet, Charming
Life Span: Up to 15 years
Pugs are known for their peculiar physical features. It is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world. They usually grow up to a height of 13 inches and have very short hair. When given proper training, Pugs can not only adapt themselves to your family members, but if needed, they can also be protective towards your loved ones. So, do not underestimate their short height, they’re also fearless.
This breed of dog is one of the most likable dogs in India, both as family pets and watchdogs. These breed of dogs are very playful and affectionate with children.
18. Rottweiler
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: Brown, Black, and Mix of both colors
Characteristics: Obedient, Steady, Alert, Courageous
Life Span: Up to 10 years
Rottweiler is one of the best dog breeds in Indian families. The breed is known to be a fierce protector and affectionate as well. They have tremendous strength and are exceptionally loyal to their master/owner, which makes them ideal companions for households. However, they have to be socialized and trained in the best way possible from childhood itself.
This dog breed has a short coat and loose hair on a regular basis. Rottweilers have a good diet, make sure you provide the best dog food with ample nutrients. These dogs come in black and tan or mahogany and black colors.
Rottweilers are intelligent, loyal, and strong, and make for good guard dogs, too. They are mostly used for police and military work, but families also keep this breed in their homes these days.
19. Shih Tzu
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: Brown, White, Golden, Grey
Characteristics: Affectionate, Playful, Sociable, Loyal, Alert
Life Span: Up to 16 years
The demand for and availability of the Shih Tzu breed of dogs in India has increased over the years, mainly because they are great companions. The Shih Tzus originated from Tibet and were considered symbols of royalty. They were even exchanged as gifts in the Chinese and Tibetan royal families. Shih Tzu means ‘Little Lion,’ in Mandarin, named after the God of learning, who traveled with a miniature lion dog that could transform into a large-sized lion. Thus, the Shih Tzu breed is also known as Chrysanthemum Dog or Chinese Lion Dog.
Shih Tzus have a dense and long fur coats. They also have a lot of hair on their heads. Shih Tzus can be found in solid colors, such as brown or white. They have a muscular build with a deep, wide chest area.
20. Siberian Husky
Best For: Family Pet and Security/Guard Dog
Colour Options: Mix of White and Grey
Characteristics: Intelligent, Friendly, Gentle, Alert
Life Span: Up to 15 years
The popularity of the Siberian Husky breed of dogs in India has tremendously increased over recent years. They are classic Northern dogs with natural coats to protect them from winter, thus, making them ideal for cold temperatures. The Siberian Husky was bred in Siberia, primarily for being a companion, guard, and sled dog. When they were used to transport antitoxins to Nome, Alaska, to fight the diphtheria epidemic, their popularity grew.
The Siberian Husky breed of dogs has thick manes with a medium-length double coat that can withstand colder temperatures. They can be found in grey to pure white shades, and sometimes even brown and white. They have erect ears, straight necks, and a level top line.
Wrapping Up
The dog breeds mentioned above are the most popular choice among a large section of people in India. They will require adequate training, grooming, and nourishment in order to live healthy and happy life with their owners.
