We’ve already taken a look at almost every Native exotic dog breed in India in this blog. However, there are some dogs that caught my eyes and wanted me to write this article, so I’m doing exactly that. These are my picks for the Top 10 Cute Dog Breeds Native to India.
1. Indian Spitz
The Indian Spitz almost looks similar to a Pomeranian. Even people in India mistake the Indian Spitz for a Pom; however, there are differences, and most importantly, they are different. Indian Spitz is available in two different versions:
- Bigger or Greater Indian Spitz
- Smaller or Lesser Indian Spitz
Apart from the size between the two versions, they’re basically the same without any other differences.
This breed stands out with its fluffy pure white coat, beautiful fox-like ears, and blueish eyes.
The Indian Spitz was one of the popular breeds in India, But these days, the Indian Spitz has lost a lot of love due to the country prioritizing more on Foreign breeds.
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2. Gaddi Kutta
Gaddi Kutta is a Mountain Dog originating from the Northern Region of India. These are massive mastiff-type dog breeds and can be primarily found in the Himalayan region.
Gaddi Kutta looks mostly similar to a Tibetan Mastiff, and this breed is also known as Indian Panther Hound, Himalayan Sheepdog, Mahidant Mastiff, and Bhutia.
This breed is fluffy, with a solid mane and a thick undercoat, amber-colored eyes; there is something unique about the breed.
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3. Tangkhul Hui
This breed is known for its hunting abilities and can be seen in the Ukhrul district in Manipur State. However, even in these places, the Tangkhul Hui is extremely rare.
Tangkhul Hui is also known as Awang Huijao.
The Tangkhul Hui is a very obedient and intelligent dog breed, plus is a very friendly breed; because of their obedience to the owners, these dogs make excellent guard dogs.
The eyes of a Tangkhul Hui are yellow colored with an almond-shaped look to them, which I haven’t seen in many dog breeds.
According to Indian mythology, this breed evolved from Asiatic black bears centuries ago, and by the looks of it, the muzzle of this breed closely resembles an Asiatic black bear.
However, today this breed is considered to be in an endangered state.
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4. Kumaon Mastiff
Also known as the Cypro Kukur is a very ancient Molosser type breed. This dog originated from Uttarakhand State.
Kumaon Mastiff is considered as one of the best guard dogs in India and is especially known for its abilities in guarding and protecting livestock.
These dogs have massive strength. With their sizable muscular body, the breed is considered a force.
Kumaon Mastiff too, has almond-shaped eyes, with hanging ears and a long tail.
However, like other Indian dog breeds, the Kumaon Mastiff is in danger of extinction.
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5. Rajapalayam Dog
Also known as Poligar Hound, it is a sighthound that originates from the southern region.
The Rajapalayam Dog is great for both working and guard dogs but was mainly bred to hunt wild boars and other smaller prey.
This breed is one of the well-known dogs in India. Also, this dog has been featured on postage stamps in India.
What makes this breed cute is its pink nose, which matches perfectly with its pure white coat; this dog is a beauty. Some Rajapalayam Dogs even have gold-colored eyes, which is stunning.
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6. Mudhol Hound
This breed too is a sighthound breed, also known as a Caravan hound.
Mudhol Hounds are very loyal to their masters and thrive for human companionship; these dog breeds are considered one of the most healthy dog breeds out there.
The most exciting thing about this breed is its vision. The Mudhol Hound has a 270-degree field of view, which is great.
Mudhol Hound is a muscular dog with a long neck and legs, their ears hang, the eyes are shaped oval and come in light or dark colors, and not to mention their powerful jaws.
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7. Bully Kutta
Stephany Ruso [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Bully Kutta was bred to fight animals such as bears and wild boars; with their muscular body and stocky heads, they’re very much able to do so, they are also considered as working and hunting dogs.
This dog is common in India and Pakistan even today.
The Bully Kutta also rarely comes with a red nose and yellow eyes.
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8. Vikhan Sheepdog
The Vikhan Sheepdogs were mainly bred to protect livestock, but this does not mean they are short on other activities; with their incredible stamina, they are great dogs for hunting. Also, these dogs make perfect guard dogs.
It is also said that they could run as fast as a Leopard.
These dogs are quick learners too, and are very territorial, and must be trained at an early age.
Vikhan Sheepdog is a muscular dog with fantastic agility, and These dogs are also called “Giant Rough Collie” for the fact that the coat of the dog is used as a wool substitute in Pakistan.
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9. Bakharwal Dog
The Bakharwal Dog is also called Kashmir Mastiff, Kashmir Sheepdog, Gujjar Watchdog.
These breeds originated in Jammu and Kashmir state by the Gujjar Tribe; the Bakharwal Dog is very strong, which is why they’re great at protecting livestock. In fact, they’re also village protectors.
Bakharwal Dogs have this fluffy coat with a roly-poly tail going all the way back to their upper body, which gives them a nice look.
However, the Bakharwal Dog sadly is on the brink of extinction.
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10. Taji (Or Tazi)
The Taji is a dog with excellent athleticism, which is very much capable and mainly used for taking down animals like gazelles, foxes, bears, marmots, and wildcats.
These sighthounds, considered very loyal and affectionate, also thrive for owners’ affection.
However, today it’s near impossible to even find one Taji in India, and it is also said that they’re on the brink of extinction.
Russia has its counterpart for this breed named the “Russian Taji,” which is larger and has many furs compared to the Indian Taji.
Because of the extreme rarity of this breed, I couldn’t find any other information.
Conclusion
There is a chance that many of the breeds in this list might go entirely extinct in the next year or two, and thinking of saving them now is a bit too late.
However, even though these dogs may not be eye-catching as the typical foreign dog breeds, these are the few which I thought deserved this title.
Anyways I hope this article was informational for you and if you want a thorough knowledge about these breeds and many other native Indian breeds with their history and more.
