The Indian Pariah Dog is a fascinating breed that's been a part of Indian culture for thousands of years.
This ancient dog is also known as the Indian Street Dog or the Desi Dog, and it's a testament to the country's rich history and diversity.
The Indian Pariah Dog is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors.
It's an adaptable breed that can thrive in a wide range of environments, from urban cities to rural villages.
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The Physical Appearance
Indian Pariah dogs are medium-sized, with adult males ranging in 20 – 25 inches height and 20 – 30 kgs weight.
They have a short, but dense double coat that ranges from fawn to dark brown color, sometimes pied with black or white.
Their long and straight forelimbs and slightly curved hindlimbs allow them to run really fast in short trots.
Adult females are a few inches shorter and few kilos lighter than males.
Their eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown in color.
They have a medium-sized, wedge-shaped head, a long, pointed muzzle that’s usually darker than the rest of the body.
Their ears are held firm and erect – broad at the base and pointed at the tips.
The tail is curled, held high in the excited state, wags vigorously on spotting a friend.
Long coats, drooping ears, short muzzle, light-colored eyes, pure white or dalmatian-like spotted coats are considered faults.
Indian Pariahs have a medium-built body covered in a double coat, with the undercoat being much softer than the coarse upper coat.
They come in a variety of colors, although the solid fawn color is most common among them.
Their medium-sized tail has a slight curve at the tip but stands straight when these little ones are excited.
Indian Pariahs generally have a lean body structure and can grow muscular when provided with moderate exercise regularly.
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The Personality of
The Indian Pariah dog is a highly intelligent breed that picks up training commands quickly, but gets bored easily and needs mental stimuli.
They're extremely social animals that thrive in packs and are great with children and other pets, but require early socialization to avoid anxiety and distrust.
Indian Pariahs are naturally territorial and protective of their family, often exhibiting signs of aggression when confronted by new people or strangers.
They're a very active breed that requires regular exercise, such as long walks, runs, or swims, to prevent destructive behavior.
These dogs are modest eaters but can easily turn fussy if overfed, leading to behavioral problems like selective eating.
Their evolution has made them extremely alert and cautious, often barking at the slightest doubt, making them a great watchdog but potentially noisy for apartment dwellers.
They're highly trainable, but their independent nature means they don't respond well to repetitive dog games like fetch and need constant mental stimulation.
Indian Pariahs are perfect for families with large houses and open spaces, but can adapt to apartments with a terrace or nearby parks.
Are They Adaptable?
The Indian Pariah Dog is incredibly adaptable, with a history of thriving in the Indian subcontinent for centuries.
Their short fur coat makes them well-suited to the hot and humid conditions of the plains, and they're also comfortable in the cooler regions of the north.
In terms of temperature, they can easily live within a range of 10-50 degrees Celsius.
Indian Pariahs are intelligent, social, and alert, making them quick to adjust to their surroundings.
They're equally vigilant and watchful, which is why they have a history of working as guard dogs for the Indian police.
Here are some key characteristics that make them adaptable:
- They can handle extreme weather conditions.
- They're comfortable in a variety of temperatures.
- They're intelligent and social, making them easy to train.
- They're vigilant and watchful, making them effective guard dogs.
Grooming and Maintenance
Indian Pariahs have little to no requirement for grooming.
They shed very little hair, which makes them a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer a low-maintenance pet.
Bathing them once a month should be enough as a general rule, as they don't have a distinct body odor.
Their short fur doesn't need frequent brushing, making them easy to care for.
Health and Diet
A balanced diet is essential for Indian Pariah Dogs at all stages of life. They need high-quality food rich in protein and essential nutrients, especially during their rapid growth and development as puppies.
Indian Pariah Dogs are a naturally evolved breed with very few health concerns. They thrive with minimal maintenance in suitable climates.
A well-balanced diet is crucial for Indian Pariah Dogs, with different needs at different stages of life. Adult dogs need a diet with appropriate portions of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to maintain their energy levels and overall health.
Here's a quick rundown of their dietary needs:
- Puppy: High-quality puppy food rich in protein and essential nutrients
- Adult: Balanced diet with protein, fats, and carbohydrates
- Senior: Lower in calories but higher in fiber and supplements
Their genetic makeup is also a plus, with very little risk of genetic health ailments like hip dysplasia due to a lack of inbreeding.
Common Health Problems
INDogs are a relatively healthy breed with minimum to no genetic disorders, thanks to their natural evolution and large gene pool.
They rarely suffer from common health issues like hip dysplasias and cancers that affect artificially inbred dogs.
Their average lifespan is 13 to 16 years, which is impressive, especially considering they breed once a year and may deliver a litter of 6 – 8 pups each season.
Most of their deaths occur due to accidents, starvation, or harm from humans, rather than genetic health issues.
Their natural selection process ensures that only the fittest survive and get to extend their race, reducing the likelihood of genetic defects.
In fact, genetic health ailments like hip dysplasia are extremely rare in INDogs, thanks to their lack of inbreeding.
Diet by Life Stage
Diet by Life Stage is a critical aspect of Indian Pariah Dog care.
Puppies need high-quality puppy food rich in protein and essential nutrients to support their rapid growth and development. This is crucial for their overall health and well-being.
Adult dogs require a balanced diet with appropriate portions of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to maintain their energy levels and overall health. A well-balanced diet can make a huge difference in their quality of life.
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Senior dogs need a diet lower in calories but higher in fiber and supplements to support joint health and overall well-being. This can help alleviate common age-related issues and keep them comfortable.
Here's a quick rundown of the dietary needs of Indian Pariah Dogs at different life stages:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a dingo and an Indian pariah dog?
Dingoes are wild dogs native to Australia, while Indian Pariah dogs are domesticated and adapted to local conditions in India. The main difference lies in their behavior, appearance, and temperament, which are more variable in desi dogs.
Are Indian Pariah dogs wild?
Indian Pariah dogs are not entirely wild, but rather a mix of domesticated and feral characteristics, living on the outskirts of human settlements. They are often referred to as "half-wild" due to their unique adaptation to living in close proximity to humans.
What is the lifespan of a pariah dog?
The average lifespan of a Pariah dog is 11-14 years. With proper care, they can live a long and healthy life.
What does "pariah dog" mean?
A pariah dog is a stray or feral dog that lives near human settlements, often surviving on its own. Originating from the term "pariah," meaning outcast, these dogs are typically shunned by society and fend for themselves.
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