From Rajapalayam to Pariah: 8 of India's most legendary native dogs
More and more people are starting to notice India’s native dogs, the ones that have lived alongside us for generations. While foreign breeds often get all the attention, these dogs have been part of everyday life for centuries. They have protected homes, traveled with families, adapted to different climates, and remained loyal through all kinds of changes. From the mountains in the north to the forests and plains in the south, they have been our companions, workers, and guardians.
What makes them special is not just their loyalty, but how well they have adapted to their surroundings. Some are built for herding, others for hunting or guarding, and many know how to survive on their own in the wild. They are strong, smart, and deeply connected to the places they come from.
Today, more pet lovers are realizing just how important these breeds are. Learning about them helps us appreciate the long history India shares with its dogs and shows that our bond with animals has always been simple, practical, and heartfelt. These dogs are part of our heritage, and their stories are just as amazing as any other breed in the world.
Mudhol Hound
Also known as the Maratha Hound, Pashmi Hound, Kathewar Dog, or Caravan Hound, the Mudhol Hound was a companion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, according to historical accounts. A famous story mentions Waghya, a dog who leapt into Shivaji’s funeral pyre, commemorated with a statue near Raigad Fort. They live 10–15 years, stand 25–26 inches tall, and weigh 22–28 kg. Very active and intelligent, they are suited for work and activity.
Kombai
From South India, the Kombai has a reddish-brown coat with a black muzzle. They live 13–14 years, stand 25–28 inches tall, and weigh 15–25 kg. Loyal, energetic, and active, they are perfect for families who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Rampur Greyhound
Once kept by Maharajas and Nawabs in North India, the Rampur Greyhound was mainly used for hunting. One of India’s largest breeds, they live 10–12 years, stand 22–30 inches tall, and weigh 23–32 kg. Calm, gentle, and loving, they make great family pets.
Gaddi
The Gaddi is a mastiff-type breed developed by a Himalayan tribe of the same name. Originally used for herding, they are now also employed as guard dogs. They live 10–12 years, stand 20–25 inches tall, and weigh 35–45 kg. With thick fur for cold climates, they are calm, intelligent, and gentle.
Bakharwal
Found in Northern India, the Bakharwal is an ancient breed used for herding. Over time, their numbers have declined, and they are now nearly endangered. They live 10–12 years, stand about 30 inches tall, and weigh 70–90 kg. Territorial and protective, they are strong and dependable guard dogs.
Indian Pariah Dog
The Indian Pariah Dog is one of the oldest breeds in the world, believed to have existed for thousands of years. They typically live 13–14 years, stand 27–32 inches tall, and weigh 20–30 kg. Active, playful, and protective, they make excellent family companions.
Rajapalayam
The Rajapalayam is a pure Indian sighthound. Historically, they were used in the army against British cavalry and are still employed by the Indian army on the J&K border. Their lifespan is 10–12 years, height 25–30 inches, and weight 30–45 kg. Affectionate and devoted, they make excellent family dogs.
Chippiparai
Originally bred for hunting, the Chippiparai later became a companion of royalty. They were used to hunt deer, hare, and boar and are mostly found around the Periyar Lake region. They live 12–15 years, stand 31–38 inches tall, and weigh 15–20 kg. Loyal, strong, and independent, they make reliable guard dogs.
Disclaimer: The details in this article are based on information from online sources and historical records. Lifespan, height, weight, and temperament of these dog breeds may vary depending on individual animals and their living conditions.
Images: Canva (for representative purposes only)
What makes them special is not just their loyalty, but how well they have adapted to their surroundings. Some are built for herding, others for hunting or guarding, and many know how to survive on their own in the wild. They are strong, smart, and deeply connected to the places they come from.
Today, more pet lovers are realizing just how important these breeds are. Learning about them helps us appreciate the long history India shares with its dogs and shows that our bond with animals has always been simple, practical, and heartfelt. These dogs are part of our heritage, and their stories are just as amazing as any other breed in the world.
Mudhol Hound
Also known as the Maratha Hound, Pashmi Hound, Kathewar Dog, or Caravan Hound, the Mudhol Hound was a companion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, according to historical accounts. A famous story mentions Waghya, a dog who leapt into Shivaji’s funeral pyre, commemorated with a statue near Raigad Fort. They live 10–15 years, stand 25–26 inches tall, and weigh 22–28 kg. Very active and intelligent, they are suited for work and activity.
Kombai
From South India, the Kombai has a reddish-brown coat with a black muzzle. They live 13–14 years, stand 25–28 inches tall, and weigh 15–25 kg. Loyal, energetic, and active, they are perfect for families who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Rampur Greyhound
Once kept by Maharajas and Nawabs in North India, the Rampur Greyhound was mainly used for hunting. One of India’s largest breeds, they live 10–12 years, stand 22–30 inches tall, and weigh 23–32 kg. Calm, gentle, and loving, they make great family pets.
Gaddi
The Gaddi is a mastiff-type breed developed by a Himalayan tribe of the same name. Originally used for herding, they are now also employed as guard dogs. They live 10–12 years, stand 20–25 inches tall, and weigh 35–45 kg. With thick fur for cold climates, they are calm, intelligent, and gentle.
Bakharwal
Found in Northern India, the Bakharwal is an ancient breed used for herding. Over time, their numbers have declined, and they are now nearly endangered. They live 10–12 years, stand about 30 inches tall, and weigh 70–90 kg. Territorial and protective, they are strong and dependable guard dogs.
Indian Pariah Dog
The Indian Pariah Dog is one of the oldest breeds in the world, believed to have existed for thousands of years. They typically live 13–14 years, stand 27–32 inches tall, and weigh 20–30 kg. Active, playful, and protective, they make excellent family companions.
Rajapalayam
The Rajapalayam is a pure Indian sighthound. Historically, they were used in the army against British cavalry and are still employed by the Indian army on the J&K border. Their lifespan is 10–12 years, height 25–30 inches, and weight 30–45 kg. Affectionate and devoted, they make excellent family dogs.
Chippiparai
Originally bred for hunting, the Chippiparai later became a companion of royalty. They were used to hunt deer, hare, and boar and are mostly found around the Periyar Lake region. They live 12–15 years, stand 31–38 inches tall, and weigh 15–20 kg. Loyal, strong, and independent, they make reliable guard dogs.
Disclaimer: The details in this article are based on information from online sources and historical records. Lifespan, height, weight, and temperament of these dog breeds may vary depending on individual animals and their living conditions.
Images: Canva (for representative purposes only)
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