Indian Street Dog Breed: Origins, Characteristics, and Care

The Indian Street Dog breed has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. They originated from the dogs brought by ancient traders and invaders from the Middle East and Central Asia.

These dogs were initially used for guarding, hunting, and companionship. Over time, they adapted to the local climate and environment, developing into the robust and resilient breed we know today.

One of the distinctive characteristics of the Indian Street Dog is their ability to thrive in harsh conditions. They can survive with minimal food and water, making them well-suited to life on the streets.

Their short coats come in a variety of colors, including fawn, black, and tan.

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The Indian Street Dog breed is a unique and fascinating mix of various breeds.

They are often a mix of local breeds such as the Pariah Dog and the Desi Dog.

These dogs are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, from rural areas to urban streets.

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They are generally medium-sized dogs with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.

Their intelligence and resourcefulness make them a popular choice as working dogs, guard dogs, and even family pets.

Their loyalty and affection towards their families are renowned, making them a beloved companion for many Indians.

The Indian Pariah dogs have been around for approximately 12,000 to 15,000 years, dating back to the Neolithic times.

Their exact origin is unknown, but they've been a part of human civilization ever since. The term "Pariah" is derived from the Tamil word paraiyar, which translates to "social outcast".

The Indian Pariah dogs have been used as hunting companions by several tribes across the country for years.

They've been celebrated in various sculptures and paintings throughout history, and are an integral part of Indian mythology and folklore.

The Indian Pariah dogs are one of the only breeds of dogs that originated out of Natural Selection, not selective breeding.

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They've evolved over time to develop characteristics that were essential for their survival in their local environment, making them part of the primitive group of dog breeds.

Their close resemblance to primitive breeds from other continents, such as the Australian Dingo and the Canaan Dog of Israel, is astounding.

These breeds evolved naturally in different parts of the world, with no genetic mingling, yet they share striking similarities.

The Pariah breed is one of the oldest known indigenous dog breeds, with a history dating back to the Neolithic times, around 12,000 to 15,000 years ago.

They're a result of natural selection, not selective breeding, which means they've evolved over time to develop characteristics essential for their survival in their local environment.

Indian Pariah dogs are medium-sized, with adult males ranging in 20-25 inches height and 20-30 kgs weight, while females are a few inches shorter and lighter.

Their double coat boasts tan, fawn, or brown shades, with a short, dense undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat.

They have a wedge-shaped head, a long, pointed muzzle, and almond-shaped dark brown eyes, with ears held firm and erect.

Their tail is curled, held high in the excited state, and wags vigorously on spotting a friend.

Indian Pariahs are extremely social animals, but they need to be socialized early to avoid developing anxiety and distrust among other humans.

They're naturally territorial and protective of their family/pack, making them good guard dogs due to their territorial nature.

Their diet is modest, and they can eat and survive on almost any food, but overfeeding can lead to behavioral problems such as selective or picky eating.

Indian Pariahs are very active breeds and thrive on regular exercise, requiring at least two daily walks and engaging activities to expend their energy.

They're easily trainable but get bored quickly, so they constantly need mental stimuli and love exploring new things, smells, and experiences.

Their evolution has made them extremely cautious and alert of their surroundings, making them a perfect watchdog, but this habit may cause trouble for apartment dwellers due to excessive barking.

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The Kombai or Combai is an Indian dog breed with a rich history, dating back to the 9th century. They originated in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

These dogs have a distinctive appearance, with a square-bodied muscular build and a tan or brown coat. Their signature black muzzle houses powerful jaws.

Kombai dogs need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, making them best suited for large, non-urban settings where they can roam and explore freely.

The Jonangi is a unique breed from Andhra Pradesh that's known for its hunting and herding skills.

These dogs are naturally protective and good at combat.

They don't bark like most dogs, but instead yodel, which is a pretty interesting trait.

The Jonangi comes in a variety of coat colours, including white, black, grey, brindle, and spotted.

Friendly but difficult to train, this breed requires patience and consistency.

High energy levels mean Jonangis shouldn't be kept in apartments, where they'd get bored and restless.

Sadly, this breed is dying out, making it harder to find one.

The Kanni or Chippiparai is a rare Indian dog breed from Tamilnadu that was bred by royal families to hunt wild boar and deer.

These dogs are extremely agile due to their long legs, elongated muzzle, arched back, and long tail.

They come in single-colored coat varieties like reddish brown, black, or fawn, which are called Chippiparai, and mixed coat varieties, which are called Kanni.

Kanni or Chippiparai dogs need tons of exercise and stimulation, which is typical of hunting breeds.

They are robust and resilient against most diseases, making them a great choice for active owners.

They thrive in warm climates, which is essential for their overall health and well-being.

Once they build trust, they are friendly and extremely faithful, making them loyal companions.

However, they have a tendency to attack smaller animals, so they're not suited for apartments with small pets.

With proper exercise and care, the Kanni or Chippiparai can make a wonderful addition to an active family.

The Pandikona is a primitive hunting breed from the Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. It's one of the lesser known dogs in India.

This breed is typically bred by shepherd families in the region, and they're known for being independent. They have a medium sized muzzle and large pointed ears that droop at the tip.

The Pandikona comes in a variety of coats including fawn, white, cream, black or patchy. They need exercise and lots of space to run.

They're hardy and easy to care for, having survived in the wild. They can get on moderately with humans, but not so with other dogs.

The Bully Kutta is a large and muscular dog breed that's been around since the 16th century.

They're commonly found in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, where they're used for hunting and guarding.

These dogs have wrinkled skin, small ears, and can have white or patchy coats.

They need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy, or they might become destructive in enclosed environments or small spaces.

They're not exactly the friendliest dogs, and can be quite ferocious.

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The Rampur Greyhound is a hunting dog that originated in Rampur, bred to kill jackals and big cats like lions, tigers, and leopards.

These dogs have an amazing endurance and are a mix of English Greyhounds and Afghan Hounds.

Their lean, muscular build makes them excellent runners, thanks to their flexible webbed toes.

They need space to exercise and run around, so apartments aren't the best fit for them.

They're very friendly with humans, but do require moderate training to socialize with other dogs.

Once you gain their trust, training is easy.

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The Indian street dog breed, also known as the Indian pariah dog, has a unique physical appearance that's adapted to its environment.

Medium-sized dogs, with adult males ranging from 20 to 25 inches in height and 20 to 30 kgs in weight, are a common sight.

Adult females are slightly shorter and lighter, making them a great choice for families with smaller living spaces.

Their short, dense double coat comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, dark brown, and pied with black or white markings.

Solid black Indian pariah dogs are rare, but you may spot some with white markings on their undercoat, limbs, and tail.

Their long and straight forelimbs, combined with slightly curved hindlimbs, make them agile and fast runners.

A medium-sized, wedge-shaped head with a long, pointed muzzle and clean scissor bite is a distinctive feature of this breed.

Their almond-shaped, dark brown eyes and broad, erect ears add to their alert and intelligent expression.

Their curly tail is a fun feature, held high in excitement and wagging vigorously when they spot a friend.

While long coats, drooping ears, and short muzzles are considered faults, a well-groomed Indian pariah dog can make a beautiful and loyal companion.

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Indian street dogs are often found with a mix of breeds, which can make them prone to certain health issues.

Their ears can be prone to infections due to the dirty environment they live in.

Their digestive system can be sensitive, making them more likely to get diarrhea or other stomach issues.

They are generally a hardy breed, but they can be susceptible to diseases like parvovirus and rabies.

Their short coats make them well-suited to India's hot climate, but they may need extra care to stay cool in the summer.

As an Indian street dog owner, it's essential to understand their unique needs and characteristics. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in various living situations.

Their intelligence and resourcefulness make them great problem-solvers, but they also require consistent training and socialization. This can be achieved through positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding good behavior with treats and praise.

One key aspect of parenting an Indian street dog is establishing a routine, which helps them feel secure and develop good habits. A consistent daily schedule can include regular feeding times, exercise, and playtime.

As a parent, you may have encountered stray dogs in your neighborhood, but did you know that most of them are not purebred Indian Pariahs? India accounts for the largest population of stray dogs in the world.

The term "Indian Pariah" is often misused to describe these urban free-ranging dogs, when in fact they're mostly mixed-breed dogs or urban landraces similar to the Indian Pariah. They're often colloquially called 'the Indies'.

Mongrelization, or the mating of a primitive dog breed with a pedigree breed dog or another mixed-breed dog, is a significant threat to the Indian Pariah Dog breed. This process is happening right in front of our eyes, and it's essential we acknowledge it.

Our love for foreign and exotic breeds, a probable byproduct of British colonization, has led us to neglect and condemn our very own INDogs. It's time to recognize the Indian Pariah as a standard breed to preserve and flourish this smart, intelligent, and versatile specimen of heritage.

Setting clear boundaries is crucial for a child's emotional well-being. This helps them develop self-discipline and responsibility.

Research shows that children who have clear boundaries tend to have fewer behavioral problems and better relationships with their peers. By setting clear expectations, parents can avoid power struggles and create a more harmonious home environment.

A consistent routine helps children feel secure and develop a sense of predictability. This can be as simple as having a daily schedule for meals, homework, and bedtime.

Establishing a bedtime routine can be particularly helpful for young children, as it signals to them that it's time for sleep. This can include activities like reading, storytelling, or singing lullabies.

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for encouraging good behavior in children. By praising and rewarding good behavior, parents can encourage their children to repeat the behavior in the future.

Studies have shown that children who receive positive reinforcement tend to have higher self-esteem and are more likely to engage in prosocial behavior.

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