Top Dog breeds in India 2021. Popular dogs in India

Our list of top dog breeds in India evaluates and ranks each dog breed on the below parameters.

1. Adaptation to Indian climatic conditions
2. Average annual cost in India
3. General health
4. Breed’s popularity in India

The reader should note that no official census exists in India to determine a dog breeds popularity. This article aims to guide first-time dog owners to choose the best and most appropriate dog for their family. This article also tries to answer frequently asked questions such as.

1. What breed of dog should I choose?
2. How much does a dog cost in India?
3. Which are the top dog breeds in India?
4. Which dog breeds are best for first-time dog owners?

A brief history of dogs in India

Dogs have always been a part of Indian society. The history of the domestic dog in India dates back to thousands of years. Archaeological excavations in ancient sites in India have revealed Indian Pariah dog skeletons dating back 4,500 years. The Pariah dog is the first Indian dog. The Indian Pariah dog is a loyal, intelligent, and courageous dog.

The stray dog that we meet on our roads has its roots in the Indian Pariah dog but is a mixed breed. The original Pariah dog is rare. They exist only in remote villages in India.

India is one of the world’s most ancient civilizations. Experts believe there are only 25 indigenous dog breeds in India today. They say approximately 25 out of 50+ native Indian dogs have now become extinct. A couple of decades ago, the list of top dog breeds in India would have had the Rajapalayam, Kanni, Chippparai, Kombai, Rampur Hound, and Himalayan sheepdog. Today, the list of top dog breeds in India features just three native Indian dog breeds. All the others are foreign dog breeds.

What is the importance of the list of top dog breeds in India?

Today in India, hundreds of breeds of dogs are available. Most of these dogs have specific requirements. Our goal with this list is to empower you with accurate information about different dog breeds available in India. Choosing the best dog breed for you depends on multiple factors such as,

1. The purpose (guarding/family pet)?
2. Your experience with dogs
3. The space available for them 
4. The time that you can spend with your dog and so on

Hence, it is essential to make your decision on a sound understanding. An uneducated choice such as a first-time dog owner living in an apartment choosing a Rottweiler can have devastating consequences for both the dog and the family.

List of most popular dogs in India

Labrador, the top dog breed in India

Breed Description

Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in India. Labrador is a large breed who are excellent companions, loyal, gentle with family, and intelligent. They are a wonderful breed of dog!

Labrador Retrievers are also popular in many countries like the USA, UK, and countries in the EU. Labs is a gun dog and, to this day, used extensively as a hunting dog. Their ability to retrieve shot waterfowl has earned them the name Labrador Retriever.

Labradors are also very trainable dogs and are excellent disability assistance dogs. They are excellent swimmers and love being in the water. The Labrador’s coat is dense and medium in length. They are easy to maintain. Labs generally are a very healthy breed of dog with very few health issues.

Labradors in India are a common sight, and almost everyone adores a Labrador. They are gentle, playful, and loyal dogs. However, Labradors is not a good guard dog. They tend to look at all humans as friends. Labs require extensive exercise to keep them in top shape.

We chose Labrador as the top dog breed in India due to its popularity and also its adaptability to India. However, we want to raise awareness in the hope that one day, a native Indian dog will take its place as the top dog breed in India.

Labrador Retriever Price

Interesting facts about the Lab

• Labs are the most popular breed of dog in the US, the UK and Canada
• This dog has its origins based on St. John’s water dog
• Labs are gun dogs. They are used to retrieve shot waterfowl from lakes and rivers
• Labs are from Newfoundland

German Shepherd Dog/Alsatian/GSD

Breed Description

German Shepherds are one of the top dog breeds in India. German Shepherds are intelligent and courageous dogs. GSDs excel in herding/shepherding tasks. They are a working dog, hence require open spaces for them to play. The German Shepherd dog is also a great guard dog, often part of K9 units as a police dog.

GSDs occur in two-color patterns with minor variations. Tan/Black and Red/Black are the two well-known color patterns. GSD also occurs in rare colors such as sable, white, and panda.

The modern GSD, with its sloping topline, has deviated from the original German Shepherd. We encourage our readers not to choose a GSD based on its sloping topline. This abnormal posture bends the spinal cord and causes the dog to suffer from hip and joint ailments such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.

There are two distinct lines of German Shepherds seen in India. The more common show line with its sloping topline and the rare working line.

GSDs also require constant attention and care, hence we don’t recommend GSD as your first dog. GSD’s with their dense coat requires extra care during the hot Indian summer months.

German Shepherd price

Interesting Facts about German Shepherd

• The present-day German Shepherd looks significantly different from the original.
• German Shepherd plays multiple roles such as a family dog, police dog, hunting dog, working dog, therapy dog, and a pet dog.
• GSDs are a top dog breed in India and also in many countries.
• Adolf Hitler was particularly very fond of German Shepherds. He owned a GSD named Prinz.

Indian Spitz/Pomeranian

Breed Description

Indian Pomeranians (not to be confused with the dog from Poland) are the third most popular dog breed. Once, the Indian Spitz was a common sight all across India. With the introduction of foreign dog breeds, there is a notable decline in this breed’s popularity.

Indian Spitz is not a native breed to Indian. There is no clear evidence of how this breed of dog entered India. Indian Spitz has its origins in German Spitz and is probably introduced by the British in India.

Kennel Club of India considers Indian Spitz as a separate breed of dog with Indian origin and registers them as a native breed.

Indian Spitz is a small dog with a silky white coat. White is the most popular and commonly seen color, and the brown Indian Spitz is less common. Their small size and lively character make them one of the preferred dog breeds in India. If you live in an apartment and are looking for a small family dog, Indian Spitz is an excellent choice. 

Indian Spitz packs a feisty temperament for its small size. They are aggressive and nippy dogs and will readily use their teeth than other dog breeds. We urge our readers to choose their puppy wisely, avoid picking a nervous/shy puppy.

Indian Spitz Price

Interesting Facts about Indian Spitz

• They are also called as Pomeranian even though Indian Spitz is not related to Pomeranian dog
• Indian Spitz are utility dogs
• They are not a native Indian dog breed, but Kennel Club of India registers them as a native breed
• Indian Spitz has a feisty temperament

Golden Retriever/Golden

Breed Description

Golden Retrievers are a popular dog breed in India. They are a large breed of dogs, excellent companions, loyal, and gentle with kids. Golden Retrievers are very similar to Labrador retriever. They are gun dogs that excel in the retrieval of waterfowls. Goldens are excellent swimmers and love being in the water. They are a long-coated breed of dogs with a dense inner coat and a longer outer coat. 

Golden Retrievers are gentle dogs, and despite their large size, are not a great guard dog. They are one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. They excel as a disability assistance dog, rescue dog, police dog, and sniffer dog.

Golden Retrievers shed their coat and require daily grooming. They have outstanding temperaments and are very patient with kids pulling their ears and tails. Hence, a wonderful family pet.

Golden Retriever Price

Read our post on Golden Retriever price in India to know about Golden Retriever price in all major Indian cities.

Breed	Pet Quality	Show Quality	Yearly cost	Availability	Adaptability to India	Apartment living	Special needs	Country	Health	Size
Golden Retriever	₹12,000	₹40,000	₹1,14,000	High	Medium	Not suited	No	UK	Good	Large

Interesting Facts about Golden retriever

• India’s former prime minister Indira Gandhi had three Golden Retrievers. 
• Goldens excel in multiple roles such as disability assistance, rescue, and sniffing.
• Goldens are fond of water and enjoy swimming.

Rottweiler/Rott/Rottie

Breed Description

Rottweilers are gaining in popularity in India. Top dog breeders in the country import top dogs from Europe due to increased interest in Rottweilers in India. Rotties are the preferred guard dog breed in India and rightly so.

Rotties are powerful, intimidating, and possess natural protective instincts. Rottweiler is a herding dog that is capable of making decisions on their own. They are an intelligent breed of dogs and are excellent guard dogs.

Rottweilers are dominant by nature. Hence, they require strong leadership. We do not recommend Rottweilers for first-time dog owners. Unfortunately, Rotties have an infamous reputation as being one of the most dangerous dogs in the world. 

People with little experience in dog ownership abuse them by leaving them in isolation or leashed. This ignorance has resulted in an overly aggressive dog injuring, sometimes killing its owner.

Rotties are either black and tan or black and mahogany. They are a short hair dog breed with a double coat. Hence, they are easy to groom and adapt well in Indian conditions.

Rottweiler Price

Interesting Facts about Rottweiler

• Large and powerful, banned in some countries
• Rottweilers are herding dogs
• Poorly managed and mistreated Rottwieliers have killed people

Dobermann Pinscher/Doberman

Breed Description

Dobermann is a well-established breed of dogs in India. Doberman Pinchers’ popularity in India has been on the decline following the introduction of Rottweilers. 

Dobermanns are intelligent, powerful, and intimidating dogs. In India, Dobermann dogs serve multiple roles, such as sniffer dogs in airports, police dogs, guard dogs, and companion dogs.

Dobermann Pinscher is an excellent guard dog and is easy to train. They have short coats that help them thrive in hot and humid conditions. Doberman dog also does very well with Indian food, making them an excellent pet for the average Indian home.

Dogs without close supervision can assume a dominant pack leader role. These dogs tend to become very aggressive towards non-pack members like your friends and neighbors. 

Top-quality Dobermanns are hard to find in India. We recommend that our readers do their background work about the breeder before choosing a puppy.

Dobermann Price

Interesting Facts about Dobermann

• Many states in the US have banned the Dobermann
• Dobermanns are excellent guard dogs
• Dobermanns require human companionship lonely dogs tend to become very aggressive

Indian Pariah Dog/Indian Stray dog

Breed Description

India today has over 35 million stray dogs. They are popular in India because it is commitment-free and care-free to adopt one. The stray dog is not the original Pariah dog. The stray dog is a cross between the Pariah dog and a non-native Indian dog.

The Pariah dogs are among the oldest breeds of dogs in existence today. Archaeological excavations have revealed Pariah skeletons that date back more than 4,500 years. Pariahs are one of the first dog breeds ever to be domesticated.

The Pariah is very rare. Most researchers believe that the original strain of the Pariah only exists in remote villages in India. The modern stray dog commonly seen in India is a descendant of the Pariah but has now interbred with more modern dog breeds losing its genetic purity.

Stray dogs are popular in India with people who like dogs but don’t like the commitment of owning dogs. You can own a Pariah for zero cost. These dogs thrive on Indian streets eating food scraps. The average Indian will fall into this category, happily feeding the stray dog food scraps, sheltering them during hot summers or floods.

If you have adopted a street dog, kindly ensure they are vaccinated for rabies and neutered.

The Indian Pariah is red with a short-coat. They have a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in hot and humid conditions and have excellent immunity, making them one of the world’s healthiest breeds.

Indian Pariah Dog Price

Interesting Facts about Pariah Dog

• The Pariah dog is rare. The street dog is a mixed breed between the Pariah and other foreign dog breeds.
• Pariah is a great guard dog.
• Some Indian Pariahs live for almost 17 years.

Rajapalayam Dog

Breed description

Rajapalayam dog is a breed of native Indian dogs with origins in South India from Rajapalayam town. The town Rajapalayam is on the foothills of India’s Western Ghats mountain range. The purpose of the Rajapalayam dog was to defend the farmland and rice fields from wild boars.

Rajapalayams are sighthounds, a breed of dogs that hunt by sight and use their stamina to run down the game. Rajapalayams are muscular, courageous, and robust dogs taking the fierce wild boars head-on. There are numerous stories about their courage and strength, making them a legendary dog breed in India.

Rajapalayam has a short-coat, pure white with a pink nose. Many researchers attribute the lack of pigmentation to the breed being an albino.

Rajapalayam dogs are excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and can make independent decisions without a need for human supervision. If you are looking for a guard dog for home or property, Rajapalayam is the dog for you. They thrive in Indian conditions and require very little care.

Sadly, due to the introduction of non-native Indian breeds, this majestic breed is now facing extinction. The once-popular Rajapalayam has made way to non-native dogs.

Rajapalayam Dog Price

Interesting Facts about Rajapalayam Dog

• Rajapalayam dog gets its name from the Rajapalayam in South India
• Courageous enough to defend its master from a tiger attack
• In 2005, the Government of India released a postal stamp commemorating the Rajapalayam dog

Pug

Breed Description

Pugs are a popular breed of dog in India. Pug was a mascot for a telecom company, which gave this breed instant nationwide adoration. Their wide eyes, wrinkly skin, human-like features, and small size made them an overnight star in India.

Pugs are classified as a toy breed and have their origins in China. They are a very social and gentle companion dog. Pugs also have a very charming personality and can instinctively understand their owner and react according to their master’s mood.

Pugs don’t do well when left alone they long for companionship. Owners often describe them as sleepy dogs because they tend to take long and frequent naps.

Pugs have adapted well to Indian conditions. However, their small size and the structure of their head makes them vulnerable to many health-related issues.

Pug Price

Interesting Facts about Pug Dog

• Pugs are an ancient breed of dog
• Pug was a mascot for a telecom company, which gave this breed instant nationwide adoration
• Pugs suffer from different various health issues

Great Dane

Breed Description

Great Danes are the gentle giants of the doggie world. They are a giant breed of dog. Great Dane is an old dog breed. A Great Dane holds the world record for being the tallest dog ever. Great Danes were once bear hounds in Europe. The modern Great Dane is much bigger and taller than the original dog. 

Great Danes possess excellent temperament, making them excellent family dogs. Great Danes have short coats, and they come in fawn, brindle, black, harlequin, mantle, and blue colors.

In India, people choose Great Danes because of their appearance and incorrectly assume giant size with fierceness. We have come across many Great Dane owners who complain about a lazy, always hungry dog, and sleepy dog. People also underestimate the annual costs of keeping a giant breed of dogs.

Great Danes are prone to many health issues due to their large size. They need a balanced diet and a moderate amount of exercise. Over-exercise or excessive play strains their hips and legs.

Great Dane Price

Interesting Facts about Great Dane

• Great Danes are the tallest dogs in the world
• Great Danes are hunting dogs, used for hunting boar
• The tallest dog in history was a Great Dane named Zeus

Beagle 

Beagle is becoming very popular and is one of India’s most popular small dog breeds. In our estimation, Beagle will soon be one of the top ten popular dogs in India. People like its lively character, intelligence, and adorable looks.

Beagle is a scent hound from England. Small-size, good-natured, liveliness, and intelligence are the hallmarks of this dog. They enjoy being with people and get quickly acquainted. Being a scent hound, they are not easily distracted when on the job. 

Beagles are neither timid nor excited. They possess a balanced-character. It is their temperament that makes them an excellent family pet. If you are a first-time dog owner with kids, then Beagle is the dog for you.

Traits

• Classification: KCI: Scenthound
• Weight: 10 – 12 kg
• Height: 33 – 41 cm
• Coat: Smooth, single-coat

Beagles resemble the Foxhound, but with a smaller size. They are muscular, sturdy, and possess an excellent sense of smell. Taking them out for a walk is an enjoyable experience. Beagles enjoy sniffing around and scenting the environment.

Beagle Price 

Interesting Facts

• Snoopy of the comic strip Peanuts is the most famous Beagle in the world.
• Beagles have an excellent sense of smell. Several law enforcement agencies around the world employ this dog to sniff out dangerous substances.
• In 1950, two researchers tested several breeds of dogs for their scenting ability. They placed mice in a one-acre field, the Beagle sniffed and found the mouse in less than a minute.

Kanni Hound 

Kanni Hound is a sighthound for Tamil Nadu. This dog is famous in the Southern states of India. The Kennel Club of India and the state government promote this dog. 

Kanni is famous in rural areas, where space is abundant. Being a sighthound, they are not good apartment dogs. If you have a large property, then Kanni is the dog for you. They are excellent guard dogs and will protect your property diligently.

Traits

• Classification: KCI: Sighthound
• Weight: 27 – 30 kg
• Height: 65 – 70 cm
• Coat: Smooth, single-coat

Kanni Dog is a medium-sized sighthound. They are slender, lean, and built for speed. These dogs are capable of reaching speeds up to 65 kph. 

Kanni Price

Interesting facts

• Kanni is an ancient sighthound from the Tamil Nadu state of India. Experts believe this dog is a descendant of Middle Eastern sighthounds.
• These dogs are capable of reaching speeds up to 65 kph. They are one of the fastest dogs in the world.
• Kanni Dog is also an excellent guard dog.

Dalmatian

Dalmatian is another non-native dog that is very famous in India. People choose this dog as an attractive guard dog. The original purpose of this dog was to protect horses and coaches.

In olden times, Dalmatian run beside horse-pulled coaches as a guard. These dogs are athletic, protective, and loyal. If you are looking for a dependable, faithful guard dog, faithful, at the same time beautiful, then this is the dog for you.

Traits

• Classification: KCI: Non-sporting
• Height: 58 – 61 cm
• Weight: 25 – 30 Kg
• Coat: Smooth, single-coat

Dalmatians are well-defined, muscular, and agile dogs. Good-nature, unique color patterns, and intelligence are the hallmarks of this dog. They are excellent utility dogs and excel in several service roles.

Dalmatian Price 

Interesting facts

• 101 Dalmatians made these dogs famous.
• Dalmatians suffer several health issues such as deafness, blindness, and other genetic disorders.
• The Dalmatian is an excellent utility dog.
• They can excel in multiple roles such as guarding, fireman’s dog, war dog, etc.

Dachshund 

Dachshund is a small breed of dog from England. In early 2000, Dachshunds were a popular breed in India. Today, their fame has decreased.

Dachshund’s unique looks, funny character, and excellent awareness made them famous. People who owned this dog speak about its funny and unpredictable nature.

Dachshunds are challenging to train. “I would rather train a striped zebra to balance an Indian club than induce a dachshund to heed my slightest command.” – E. B White

Traits

• Classification: KCI: Hound
• Height: 20 – 25 cm
• Weight: 8 – 10 kg
• Coat: Smooth, single-coat

Dachshunds are rectangular, small-sized dogs. They have a unique body shape. This dog was selectively bred to flush out rabbits and other borrow-dwellers. Dachshunds also have a loud bark for their relatively small size.

Dachshund Price

Boxer

Boxer Dog is a medium-to-large size dog that is becoming famous in India. People use this dog as guard dogs due to their excellent guarding abilities and fine-tuned senses.

Boxer is a German breed of dog, with Old English Bulldog ancestry. These dogs are incredibly loyal and protective of their home and territory.

If you are looking for a loyal guard dog to protect your home, then this is the dog for you. Remember, these dogs need experienced handlers and are not for first-time dog owners.

Traits

• Classification: KCI: Guard dog
• Weight: 29 – 34 kg
• Height: 58 – 64 cm
• Coat: Smooth, single-coat

Boxers are brachycephalic; they have a peculiar head. Agile, sturdy, and well-muscled, they are intimidating guard dogs. These dogs can become unmanageable and aggressive in the hands of novice owners. We don’t recommend this dog as your first.

Boxer Price 

Interesting Facts 

• The name Boxer is due to their tendency to stand erect in their hind legs while playing.
• Boxer is an excellent guard dog. They are loyal and courageous dogs.
• Boxers also excel as service dogs and are employed by law enforcement agencies across the world.
• Boxers are the 14th most dangerous dogs in the world.

Other popular dog breeds in India

Dog lovers in India continue their fascination with dogs. The following dog breeds are also becoming popular in India. 

• Tibetan Mastiff
• Indian Mastiff
• Siberian Husky
• Shih Tzu
• Cocker Spaniel
• Border Collie
• Bakharwal dog
• Afghan Hound
• French Bulldog
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• Cane Corso
• Saint Bernard
• Mudhol Hound/Caravan Hound
• Rampur Greyhound
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Chow Chow
• Shiba Inu

Conclusion: Most popular dog breeds in India

The top dog breed in India is not a native dog. It is sad to see the decline and slow demise of the great Indian dog breeds. Dog lovers want Labs, GSDs, and Pugs; no one wants a Rajapalayam or a Kanni or Kombai. As a native dog lover, we urge our Indian readers to choose native dogs over other foreign dog breeds. These animals need our protection and care. 

We conclude our presentation of the top dog breeds in India with a contradiction! There is no such thing as the best dog. The best dog for a family or an individual depends on several factors. Our objective was to equip our readers with information that will help you make that decision. 

We encourage you to read our dog pages and related posts to enrich your understanding of native Indian dog breeds. You can read about the best dog food in India to choose the best food for your dog.