How many of us know the difference between a land race and a breed? The indian dogs that we find in our streets ( Pariah and Pye dogs) are not breeds. Breeds are bred by humans for a purpose. The Mudhol hound, Rajapalayam, Chippiparai are breeds and they serve a definite purpose. But when it comes to the Indian pariah dogs, who we usually call the street dogs, they evolved naturally to live among human beings. They live in the streets and they naturally feed from every home in the streets. They are the guardians of the street. Indian dogs should not be chained. They should be allowed to roam freely. If they want to come inside the house, they can be allowed. But do not tie them, chain them or put them in an enclosed territory. That would be detrimental to their health because they are supposed to be free.
However ever breeds can be chained and kept inside an enclosed territory. The Indian dogs evolved through the survival of the fittest model and hence they don’t have any common health issues that we see in breeds. Each dog breed has a specific health issue. But the Indian dog has a strong immune system. They can never be treated like your Dobermann, German shepherd, Dalmatian and the like.
As of 2020, there are around 25 indigenous dog breeds in India. Back in the 18th century a Frenchman by the name who visited India identified 50 distinct dog breeds in India, including the Lut ( a blue colour dog). Today many Indian dogs have vanished without a trace because we have not given them much importance. We go after imported breeds. Importing a Saint Bernard to the hot and humid climate of India is a torture to that dog breed. Can you image wearing sweater and standing in +40 degree hot summer, the whole day? That is how those dogs will feel when you import them to hot places like India.
Indian dogs are underestimated big time too. In recent times, the Uttarakhand Police inducted stray dogs and trained them and to their surprise these mongrels outperformed the Labradors and the German Shepherds. Another classic example is the recruitment of a stray dog by the Kolkatta police. They named her Asha and started training the dog. Now Asha is the pride of he Kolkatta police and is an expert in sniffing explosives. Her handler tells, “She is a very obedient dog and follows commands like stay, refuse food to the Trainer. Asha is certainly an asset to our squad. In fact, in some exercises, she performs better than her peers. Her agile body makes crossing hurdles and jumping as high as six feet effortless for her. The other dogs can manage about three feet. She is also our fastest runner!”
One of the main reasons for the Indian dog not getting its due recognition is because of the fact that the American Kennel Club (AKC) has not recognised the Indian dogs.The American Kennel Club recognises a breed only if there is a strength of 300 to 400 dogs in about 20 American states. It is also stated that there needs to be a recognised and established breeding club with owners and qualified breeders for the dog. The Labradors and the German Shepherds are recognised by them and that is why the craze for such breeds is high in India too.
The Indian dogs may not have been recognised by the AKC. But they are much stronger and wiser compared to their luxurious counterparts.If you are a dog owner, take good care of your dog, what ever be the breed. If you find a mongrel on the street, do not pelt them; but pet them. Ruffle their fur and make sure to keep them safe from ticks. Give them a good bath periodically. Use dog care accessories like Tickfree and keep your dog safe and healthy.