Top 10 dog breeds in India

Top 10 Dog Breeds Kept as Pets in India

top 10 dog breeds which we keep in India as pets range from small Spitz(many mistaken as Pomeranian ) , then medium breeds i.e. our all time favourite Labrador , german shepherd to large breeds like big boy Rottweiler . So now lets try to tell you the countdown and you will be suprised to know our top no. 1 . So read till end we will read about why people love each breed, describing their characteristics, and providing information on their origins and arrival in India.

1. Indian Desi Dogs:

Indian Desi dogs, also referred to as Indian Pariah dogs or street dogs are adored for their resilience, adaptability and unwavering loyalty. Many people opt to adopt them due, to their low maintenance nature, health and their unique charm. These dogs come in shapes, sizes and coat colors. Quick learners they make wonderful additions to families and prove to be loyal companions. Having been a part of culture for centuries Indian Desi dogs are among the dog breeds in existence. They are descendants of dogs and have successfully adapted to various environmental conditions, over time.

Why People Love Them: Indian Desi dogs, also known as the Indian Pariah dogs or street dogs, are beloved for their resilience, adaptability, and loyalty. Many people choose to adopt them because they are low-maintenance, often healthier, and have a unique charm.

Description: Indian Desi dogs come in various shapes, sizes, and coat colors. They are known for their intelligence and are quick learners. They make excellent family pets and loyal companions.

Origin in India: Indian Desi dogs have been a part of Indian culture for centuries, being some of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They are descendants of indigenous Indian dogs and have adapted to various environmental conditions over time.

2. Labrador:

Why People Love Them: Labradors are famous for their friendly and outgoing nature. Always looking for attention and always hungry. They are extremely loyal, easy to train, and great with children, making them one of the most popular choices for families. This breed is used at Airports , Railway stations and Banks like here we have our customers as Labradors of RBI Lucknow which is near our shop in Gomti Nagar.

Description: Labradors are medium sized dogs with a short coat that comes in four standard colours: black, yellow, off-white and chocolate. They are playful, energetic, and intelligent, making them excellent working dogs as well. Because of there love for eating they tend to ge obese (fat). And like Golden Retrievers, our Labs also love water. They best like to play fetch. As they They can be easily kept on home diet and that is best for them.

Origin: Labradors originated in Newfoundland, Canada, and were initially used as water dogs for retrieving fishing nets. They came to India during the British colonial period and have since become a staple in Indian households.

3. Golden Retriever:

Why People Love Them: Golden Retrievers recently seen in Akshay Kumar movie “Entertainment” are known for their gentle and friendly temperament. Tails always wagging . By the way I too have golden named “Buffy” , you can see his video on our channel on Youtube. They are intelligent and adaptable, making them great companions for families, loved by kids. They are active and always hungry 😊.

Description: Golden Retrievers are medium sized dogs with a beautiful golden-colored coat. Coats color vary in shades of Golden like light , normal or dark golden . And like many other breeds they too are American (thin and more active) and British (Broad and heavy). They are well-balanced, friendly, and affectionate dogs that excel in various roles, including being therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. They just love water.

Origin: Golden Retrievers were developed in Scotland during the 19th century. They were introduced to India primarily as pets and have gained immense popularity for their loving nature and intelligence.

4. German Shepherd:

Why People Love Them: German Shepherds commonly known as GSD are renowned for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts. They make excellent Guard dogs and are beloved for their devotion to their owners. Unlike our previous two Retrievers GSD are not much friendly to strangers.

Description: German Shepherds are medium sized dogs with a strong and muscular build. They have a double coat and are often seen with a black and tan coloration. Total 3 variations as per coat 1. Single Coat small hair short coat, 2. Double coat medium 3. Double Long coat which has angulation at back legs. They are highly trainable and excel in roles such as police dogs and search and rescue dogs. GSDs are very good for attack training .

Origin: German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century and were brought to India during the colonial era. They are valued for their versatility and have found roles in various fields, including security and law enforcement.

5. Beagle:

Why People Love Them: Ahhhh Beagles are one of the naughtiest breed and hyper active. Beagles are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them great companions for families and individuals. They are curious and playful which adds to their charm.

Description: Beagles are two types small 7-11kg and medium 10-17kg sized dogs with a distinct hound appearance. Beagles have very long ears, so during puppy age when giving wet food, don’t forget to clean ears regularly. Beagles are of tri-colour brown, black and white and some are two colour also like lemon white. All beagles have their tails white at end. They have short, dense coats and expressive eyes. Beagles are excellent scent hounds and are often used in detection work. In old cartoon during 80-90 we had a cartoon character Droopy, Master Detective it was Basset Hound.

Origin: Beagles have their origins in England, where they were developed as hunting dogs. They were introduced to India due to their adaptability and affectionate temperament.

6. Pug:

Why People Love Them: Pug in India is called Vodafone dog as it become popular due to TV ad during year 2003 . Cheeka named Pug become overnight star because of song “You and I”, where a pug dog follows a girl , brings her socks etc. So Pugs actually have that quality , they follow there Human , more than any dog breed Pugs are obessed with their humans , Yes and big Yes they follow you as shown in ads, they do that . Pugs are cute but the need help as short nose , bulling eyes and wrinkles , so cleaning is needed almost everyday that too twice.

Sensitive skin so if giving grains like Roti check for allergy , Grain allergy is common in dogs . Pugs have small teeths don’t do teething much also there voice (bark) is low … basically low audio …like some old person coughing. Pugs are cherished for their amusing and affectionate personalities. They have a charming and comical appearance that wins the hearts of many dog enthusiasts. Ooh and the can make u their slave by just giving cute looks … ha ha

Description: Pugs are small dogs with a distinctive wrinkled face and a curly tail. They have a short coat that comes in fawn or black colours. Pugs are known for their playful and friendly nature, making them excellent indoor companions.

Origin: Pugs have a long history, with their roots in China, where they were bred as companion dogs for Chinese emperors. They arrived in India as a result of trade and have since become popular due to their adaptability to apartment living.

7. Pomeranian / Spitz:

Why People Love Them: Pomeranians and Spitz are two different breeds but we have kept them together because most people call them Pom or Pomeranian although 90% are actually Spitz which mostly White and medium size and long face whereas actual Pom or Pomeranian are small or toy breed and short face and coat hairs is more fluffy , hairs grow outward not oblique. Breeds are appreciated for their compact size, fluffy coats, and lively personalities. They make great companions for those living in smaller spaces.

Description: Pomeranians and Spitz breeds are small-sized dogs with a fluffy double coat. They have a fox-like appearance with perky ears and a curled tail. They are known for their alertness and vibrant personalities.

Origin: Pomeranians are a distinct breed originating from the Pomerania region in Europe, while Spitz breeds encompass various Nordic and Arctic dogs. They were introduced to India by European colonists and have become favorites for their charming looks.

8. Lhasa Apso/ Shih Tzu:

Why People Love Them: Lhasa Apsos , Shih Tzu difference is mainly face …. Apso have long face whereas Shih Tzu have short face both are loved because of small size and appearance which is because of their beautiful long hairs. Coat hairs keep growing over a period of 2-7 months during puppy stage. So very important to brush coat daily and clean area near eyes, as it gets wet and dust accumulates. Cut hairs near eye occasionally to keep eyes clean , check poop area specially when doing semi solid poop as it gets stuck to fur . U can tie their hairs to keep them falling over eyes or even get haircut from groomer better if u practice urself from puupy stage when puppy is 1-2 months old. They are well-suited for people who enjoy a more independent yet loving companion.

Description: Lhasa Apsos and S Tzu are small dogs with a luxurious, long, double coat that often covers their eyes. They have a dignified and alert demeanor and are known for their watchdog abilities.

Origin: Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzu hail from Tibet, where they were revered as temple guards and companions for Tibetan monks. They found their way to India through trade and have gained popularity for their unique appearance.

9. Rottweiler:

Why People Love Them: Rottweilers are appreciated for their strength, loyalty, and protective instincts. They are excellent guard dogs and are known for their devotion to their families.

Description: Rottweilers are large and muscular dogs with a distinctive black coat and tan markings. They are confident and powerful dogs with a calm and confident demeanor.

Origin: Rottweilers originated in Germany, where they were used as herding and working dogs. They were brought to India for their protective abilities and have found roles in security and as loyal family protectors.

10. Siberian Husky :

Husky are very vocal dogs they are famous for saying some words like “ Iiii looooouuu uuuu” . Many people demand Blue eyes but all are not born with Blue eyes , some have normal eyes and some have odd eyes. Huskies need daily combing yes daily , THEY SHED A LOT. Husky coat should not be trimmed until and unless some skin issue , specially zero trimming never ever. One of customer for whom our shop is far went to some person who has a Trimmer and calls himself groomer (U need to know about breed for grooming) trimmed hair to zero and all of the body got red rashes because of that.

MYTH about Husky: Can’t keep in hot or humid climate.

FACT: Husky have double coat and very less fat unlike Labs ,so coat insulates this breed from hot and cold both , as it has less fat so don’t feel heat or you can say less than Labraodr or Saint Bernard as both have high fat in body.

Why People Love Them: Huskies are beloved for a variety of reasons, making them one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. Here are some of the key reasons why people adore Huskies:

1. Stunning Appearance: Huskies are known for their striking and beautiful appearance. Their expressive blue or multicolored eyes, thick double coat, and distinctive facial markings make them stand out in any crowd.

2. Friendly and Social: Huskies have a friendly and outgoing nature. But not as friendly as Golden retrievers or Labradors.

3. Energetic and Playful: These dogs have an abundance of energy and love to play. Their playful antics and zest for life make them great companions for active individuals and families. They are especially well-suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

4. Sled Dog Heritage: The history of Huskies as sled dogs in Arctic regions adds to their appeal. People admire their endurance, strength, and ability to thrive in cold climates.

Description: Huskies are medium-sized dogs with a distinctive appearance that sets them apart. Here's a brief description of their key characteristics:

· Coat: Huskies have a thick double coat, which helps insulate them from cold weather. Their coat comes in various colors, with common variations being black, gray, red, and agouti. Their striking blue or multicolored eyes are a hallmark feature.

· Size: These dogs are of medium size, with males typically standing around 21 to 23.5 inches (53 to 60 cm) at the shoulder and females slightly smaller.

· Build: They have a well-balanced and compact build, giving them a graceful and athletic appearance.

· Tail: Huskies have a plume-like tail that is carried over the back.

· Ears: Their ears are medium-sized and triangular in shape.

Origin: Huskies have a rich history that traces back to Siberia, where they were bred by the Chukchi people. They were developed as working dogs for sledding, hunting, and guarding. These dogs played a crucial role in the Chukchi's survival in the harsh Arctic conditions. In the early 20th century, Huskies were brought to North America, where they were further developed and recognized as a distinct breed.

Their history as sled dogs in the Arctic and their unique combination of good looks, intelligence, and friendly demeanor make Huskies a popular choice for those who appreciate their exceptional qualities and the heritage they bring with them. While they do require active and attentive owners due to their high energy levels and independent nature, Huskies are deeply loved by those who welcome them into their homes.

In conclusion, the choice of a dog breed as a pet in India is influenced by various factors, including the breed's characteristics, temperament, and historical presence. Space and time as per breed activity level . You can leave a message to discuss as per your condition of time , money and family size. Each of these top 10 breeds has found a special place in the hearts of Indian dog lovers.

Preferred dog should always be Indian Desi dogs due to best adaptability of our weather and food too. The dog living in our colony is Motu who sits outside our shop Way2Pets in Gomti Nagar , he is currently 16-17 years as he was 3-5 years when we started that is end of 2012 .

Motu our community dog age around 16-17 years. Best dog is our own Desi Indian Dogs.