India’s Science City recently hosted a dog show that boasted style and substance. The event’s organizer, Dr. Rajesh Grover, explained that its purpose was to educate people about the significant role that dogs have played in human culture.
The show’s special guest, Brigadier NR Babu of India’s 38 Infantry Brigade, agreed, adding that the efforts of police and military have been paramount to keeping the peace.
Among the interesting knowledge to come out of this event is that India is home to eight indigenous dog breeds. We rounded up these native breeds in an effort to help further educate and celebrate the history of India’s four-legged friends!
1. Caravan Hound
Also called the Mudhol Hound, the Caravan is best known as a working dog with impressive speed, stamina and grace. They can track a variety of game across rough terrain and are best-suited for an active, outdoorsy lifestyle.
In short, they’re the opposite of couch potatoes like these two.
Although we feel that these have also contributed to humanity in important ways. Who else is going to binge Making A Murderer with you?
2. Rajapalyam Greyhound
The most common appearance for this pup is a white coat, a pink nose, and golden eyes. How cool is that?! Pretty cool, you guys, pretty cool. Like the Caravan Hound, the Rajapalyam is a hunter by instinct, and was predominantly used for tracking wild boar. They were often companions to royalty in Southern India, so they know everybody that’s a somebody.
3. Rampur Greyhound
Another hound! The Rampur seemingly does it all: although initially utilized to control jackals, they can also hunt lions and tigers and leopards and panthers. No big deal.
The Rampur has been bred to run far distances at high speeds with great endurance. All things I have not been bred to do.
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4. Banjara Hound
The Banjara, or Vanjari Hound, has been used for hunting, herding and guarding. Although well-known for its stamina and nose, it’s at risk of interbreeding (which is partly why we’re using this “photo”).
5. Santal Hound
The Santal Hounds are thought to be one of the most OG dog breeds known to India. These free-ranging dogs have not changed much over the years, and closely resemble their original form.
6. Bully Kutta
The Bully Kutta is known for being protective and loyal to their masters, making them a natural guard dog. Intelligent and easy to train, they originated from regions of current-day Pakistan. Their name derives from the Hindi word “bolhi,” which means “heavily wrinkled.” Awww. That’s a pretty cute origin story.
7. Indian Pariah Dog
Sociable, active and vigilant, the Indian Pariah makes a great guard dog. With socialization as a pup, they have been shown to be great with children, and are naturally defensive of their family. They don’t put up with nobody’s poop.
8. Himalayan Sheep Dog
A loyal companion, this active breed is frequently used for herding. They most likely originated in the North India and Nepal region and are known to be stubborn, independent, and smart.
Now that we know a little more about these amazing dogs and their contributions to our society, I can’t help but wonder what my utility is in this world. I don’t hunt. I can’t herd. I’m not a great runner. The only thing I can think of is that I’d make a great guard dog, specifically when it comes to my food.
Not yours. Mine. Boy, it’s a good thing we have dogs — we’re lucky to live in a world with them.