The Indian Pariah Dog is a fascinating breed with a rich history. Its scientific name is Canis lupus dingo, also known as Canis lupus familiaris.
This ancient dog has been found in India for thousands of years. The Indian Pariah Dog is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, with archaeological evidence suggesting its existence dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization.
One of the most interesting facts about the Indian Pariah Dog is its adaptability. It has been found thriving in various environments, from rural villages to urban cities.
Take a look at this: Indian Pariah Dog Temperament
Physical Characteristics
The Indian Pariah Dog is a medium-sized breed with a wide range of variability in size.
Their height can range from 51 to 64cm at the shoulder. Adult males typically weigh between 20 and 30 kgs, while females are a few inches shorter and few kilos lighter.
They have a short, dense double coat that ranges from fawn to dark brown color, sometimes pied with black or white. Solid black INDogs are rare.
Their long and straight forelimbs and slightly curved hindlimbs allow them to run really fast in short trots. They have a medium-sized, wedge-shaped head and a long, pointed muzzle that's usually darker than the rest of the body.
Their eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown in color, 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.
Temperament
The Indian Pariah dog is a highly social breed that thrives on interaction with people and dogs. They are naturally alert and territorial, making them great watchdogs.
They need regular socialization from an early age to ensure they get along well with families and children. This socialization is crucial for their development and helps them become well-adjusted adults.
INDogs are highly intelligent and easily trainable, which is a testament to their ability to survive on their own in the wild. They are known to be more intelligent and hardy than many pedigree breeds.
Their intelligence also means they can get bored easily, so they require a diverse and stimulating environment to keep them engaged. This could include regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a varied routine.
Some interesting facts about the breeding habits of INDogs include their annual breeding season between August and January. During this time, their territorial nature is heightened, and they may become aggressive to other males, especially at night.
Here are some key characteristics of the INDog temperament:
Overall, the Indian Pariah dog is a loyal and loving companion that thrives on interaction and stimulation.
Health and Care
The Indian Pariah dog is a relatively healthy breed with a long lifespan of 13 to 16 years under good care.
Their vast gene-pool means that only the fittest survive and get to extend their race, making genetic disorders rare.
This is in contrast to artificially inbred dogs that often suffer from common problems like hip dysplasias and cancers.
The average litter size for INDogs is 6 to 8 pups each season, which is relatively small compared to other breeds.
They breed once a year, which is a natural and healthy process for this breed.
INDogs require minimum to no veterinary expenses except for the standard vaccination routine.
This is a significant advantage for dog owners who want to minimize their expenses on pet care.
Parenting Tips
As parents, we all want to raise happy and well-adjusted children. The Indian Pariah Dog, scientifically known as Canis indica, is a great example of a breed that has thrived in a variety of environments.
One of the key takeaways from our research is that Indian Pariah Dogs are highly adaptable, which is a trait that we can definitely learn from as parents. They can thrive in a range of living situations, from rural areas to urban cities.
If this caught your attention, see: Pariah Indian Dog
To raise resilient children, it's essential to expose them to new experiences and environments, just like the Indian Pariah Dog. This can be as simple as taking a weekend trip to a nearby park or trying a new hobby together.
In addition to adaptability, Indian Pariah Dogs are also known for their strong family bonds. They are highly social animals that thrive on interaction with their pack. As parents, we can learn from their example by prioritizing quality time with our children and fostering a sense of community and connection within our families.
By doing so, we can raise children who are confident, compassionate, and well-adjusted, just like the Indian Pariah Dog.
History and Information
The Indian Pariah dog is an ancient breed that dates back around 4500 years. Archaeological findings suggest that this dog was in existence some 4500 years ago, with a pariah-like dog skull discovered in the ancient Indian site of Mohenjo-daro dating to 2500 BCE.
Worth a look: Ancient Dog Names
The breed was highly valued in ancient times, with cave paintings across the Indian subcontinent depicting pariah dogs. This suggests that the breed has been a part of Indian culture and heritage for thousands of years.
The exact origin of the breed is unknown, but it's believed to date back to the Neolithic times, around 12,000 to 15,000 years ago. This makes the Indian Pariah dog one of the oldest known indigenous dog breeds in the world.
Information and Pictures
India has the largest population of stray dogs in the world, with a vast majority being mixed-breed dogs or urban landraces similar to the Indian Pariah.
These dogs are often colloquially called 'the Indies' and may resemble the Indian Pariah, but are more accurately referred to as mutts or mongrels.
The Indian Pariah Dog breed is threatened by mongrelization, or the mating of a primitive dog breed with a pedigree breed dog or another mixed-breed dog.
Our love for foreign and exotic breeds, a probable byproduct of British colonization, has led to neglecting and condemning our very own INDogs.
The Indian Pariah is a smart, intelligent, and versatile breed that deserves recognition and preservation.
About and History
The Indian Pariah dog is an ancient breed with a rich history. It's one of the oldest dog breeds in existence today, dating back around 4500 years.
The breed originated in the Indian subcontinent and has been found in various parts of the region, including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and beyond. Its ancient roots are evident in archaeological findings, such as the discovery of a pariah-like dog skull in the ancient Indian site of Mohenjo-daro.
The Indian Pariah dog has been a part of human civilization for thousands of years, used as hunting companions by various tribes across the country. They've even been celebrated in sculptures and paintings throughout history.
The breed's name "Pariah" is derived from the Tamil word "paraiyar", which translates to "social outcast." However, this is an ironic name for a breed that's been an integral part of Indian art, culture, and heritage.
The Indian Pariah dog is a result of natural selection, not selective breeding, making it one of the only breeds of dogs that have evolved over time to develop characteristics essential for their survival in their local environment. This is in contrast to other breeds that have been bred using artificial selection.
A unique perspective: Indian Bull Breeds
Despite being highly intelligent and easily trainable, the breed was intentionally downplayed during the British Raj by merchants who wanted to sell their foreign breeds within the country. This has led to a decrease in the breed's popularity in India, but an increase in its popularity in the West.
The Indian Pariah dog is a primitive breed, similar to others from around the world, such as the Australian Dingo, the Canaan Dog of Israel, and the New Guinea Singing Dog.
Naming and Identification
The Indian Pariah Dog has a rich history when it comes to its name. It was named after the Pariah tribe of the Madras Presidency during the British Raj in India.
This breed is sometimes referred to as the pye-dog or pie-dog, which is derived from the Anglo-Indian word pye or paë.
In Hindi, the breed is also known as Desi Kutta or Desi Dog, which translates to "native" or "outsider".
The name Desi Dog is a nod to the breed's origins in India, where it's considered a native dog.
Rudyard Kipling, a famous author, referred to the breed as the "yellow pariah dog" in his works.
The Indian Pariah Dog is also known by other names, such as Indi-dog or In-dog, although these names are not as commonly used.
The breed's name is a reflection of its history and cultural significance in India.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pariah dog?
The Indian Pariah Dog is a hardy breed with minimal health issues and low maintenance grooming needs. Its natural evolution makes it a great choice for those seeking a robust and easy-to-care-for companion.
Sources
- Pariah Dogs: 9 Ancient and Wild Dog Breeds (treehugger.com)
- The INDog Project (indog.co.in)
- standard (indog.co.in)
- "Indian Pariah Dogs" (dogwithblog.in)
- "Desi stray dogs are finding loving homes thousands of miles away from the mean streets of India" (qz.com)
- "Indian breed dogs - Indian breed dogs - Indian street dog, dog breed lists" (meramaal.com)
- "INDog, The Indian Pariah Dog Project" (indog.co.in)
- "Why the Indian Pariah is a perfect pet" (telanganatoday.com)
- "Rescued pup trains her way into elite dog squad" (indiatimes.com)
- "Kolkata's stray 'Neri' dog proves herself in the dog squad!" (getbengal.com)
- the original (padsociety.org)
- "Article on the Indian Native Dog in the Kennel Gazette, Kennel Club of India, July 2015 – INDog Project" (indog.co.in)
- the original (padsociety.org)
- 3730590 (nih.gov)
- Pariah Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Indian Pariah Dog Breed Information, Characteristics & ... (dogzone.com)
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