10 most popular dog breeds in India

Thinking of getting a dog and not sure which one would be a perfect fit? Getting a dog should be a careful decision, and includes a range of factors. For example, is your whole family ready for a dog? Are you looking for a family dog or a guard dog? What is the climate where you live? Do you have enough time and money to take care of your pet?

But if you’ve answered all these questions and are just not sure which dog may be right for your lifestyle and family, here’s a listical to help you decide. We present to you, in no particular order – the 10 most popular dog breeds in India.

1. Labrador Retriever

Ah, no list is complete without this beloved. The labrador is a favourite among Indian families: they are energetic, enthusiastic, crazy loyal and deeply loving. If you’re looking for an involved and passionate member of the family, look no further. They’re energetic, so make sure you have time to give them plenty of exercise and play with them. If you love hiking as a family, then this dog is a perfect fit.

2. Pugs

Made popular by the adorable Vodafone ads, pugs are delightful pets to have to home. They’re small, so they’re easy to handle by children and elder members of your family. They’re easy-going and not very energetic so they won’t need too much exercise, which is perfect for a more laid-back household. Be warned: pugs love food. Don’t overfeed them or – horror of horrors – feed them scraps from the table, because they pick up bad habits quickly.

3. Beagles

Beagles are excellent family dogs – they’re loving and affable, and take well to large families. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they’re curious and intelligent and it is very easy to train them. ‘Merry’ is the word most often used to describe them. With long floppy ears and brown doe eyes, it’s no wonder that this dog has been melting hearts all over India.

4. Cocker Spaniels

‘Lady’ in ‘Lady and the Tramp’ is a cocker spaniel and that animated film made this breed famous. Cocker spaniels have a beautiful coat, with long and delicate ears that are soft to the touch. Cocker spaniels are loyal and will often follow members of the family around. They love large households; they’re eager to bond and to please, and they get along with people of all ages. If you live in the hotter parts of India, make sure you get a ‘puppy cut’ for this breed; this will keep their coat short and make the summers tolerable.

5. Great Danes

This is one of the tallest dog breeds. According to world record, the tallest Great Dane measured 44 inches from paw to shoulder. Despite their size, these dogs are excellent family dogs because they’re unbelievably gentle – so gentle, in fact, that they’re often called ‘gentle giants’. Slow and regal, these pets love physical affection from their owners and get along well with other dogs.

6. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are traditionally guard dogs, and you often see them working alongside the police force. They can be aggressive and dominant, which is in line with their guarding instinct. Well-socialised dogs of this breed, however, get along well with other pets and family members. They’re intelligent, quick to learn, and able to take care of themselves. All they need is a bit of guidance and you have a strong and loyal pet.

7. Indian Pariahs

Indian Pariahs, also known as Desi Dogs or Indian Pye Dogs, are the most common breed in the Indian subcontinent. If you’re looking to adopt a stray (which you should), then this is the breed you’ll have at home. They adapt well to any Indian weather, as they’re native to the subcontinent; they’re also hardy, which means fewer visits to the vet. They often have large pointed ears and doe eyes, which make them look elegant and regal. They’re alert and social and will bond with all members of the family.

8. Golden Retrievers

This is one of the most popular dog breeds around the world, thanks to their beautiful appearance and personality. Golden retrievers have a luscious coat that’s soft to the touch, and that will need to be maintained. They’re affable, intelligent and quick to pick up instructions, which makes them easy to train. They’re excellent family dogs because they’re so loving and eager to please. Remember, this breed needs exercise, so make sure you have spaces around you where you can play a game of fetch or take them swimming. As long as they are exercised in the outdoors, golden retrievers work well in all environments, be that a farm or a city.

9. Boxers

Traditionally, boxers were bred as hunting dogs. They’re extremely intelligent and can often have a mind of their own – you may need to be patient as their trainer to get them to listen to instructions. Otherwise, these dogs are loving, affectionate and very loyal to their family. They love fun, and would be up for any adventures.

10. German Shepards

This breed may be the last on our list, but it’s definitely not the least loved. German Shepards are powerful and energetic dogs with a beautiful two-toned colouring. They love exercise and bond closely with their families. They are also good guard dogs, which make them an excellent choice for those looking for both a guard dog and family dog. They’re traditionally work dogs and work in the police force, disability assistance or search and rescue. Most noticeably, though, a German Shepard is extremely intelligent; in fact, they’ve been specifically bred for this trait. They pick up tasks easily and almost always follow instructions, which accounts for their popularity among pet parents.