Most popular dog breeds in India

Dogs are the most popular and preferred pet animals in the world. Known as a ‘man’s best friend,’ dogs are not only loyal to its masters but are also extremely protective of them. The most beautiful characteristic of a pet dog is that it unconditionally loves its master without any sort of judgement. If the owner of a dog is angry with it for some reason, the latter would only feel very sad but it would still continue to selflessly respect and love its master and be forever indebted to it. Besides being the real heroes of mankind, a dog can even be a playful companion for its masters and can be a super helper to them in most of their household chores. In India, dogs are seen in most households and often become the dearest and an important family member. It is not uncommon to see families nowadays celebrating their dogs’ birthdays in a grand manner. Moreover, dogs are often taken around by Indian families with them during their trips and vacations. These events only shows that dogs are the most lovable and inseparable family members in this subcontinent. The most popular dog breeds in India that are chosen as pets-

Golden Retriever

One of the most beautiful and popular breeds that are kept as pet dogs in India, Golden Retrievers are easily distinguishable due to its cream and rich golden colour coats. As these dogs are extremely caring, obedient and smart, it is thereby the most preferred choice of pet. Due to its smartness, these dogs can be quickly trained and are excellent participants in competitions. Golden Retrievers are of medium-large breed and are also good watchdogs. However, these dogs required a good amount of grooming so that their good looking coats remain spotless and shiny.

Labrador Retriever

A great dog who bonds well with every member of its family- be it old people, middle aged adults, adventurous youth or little children- is the Labrador Retriever. Moreover, its social skills are such that it can even get friendly with the neighbourhood dogs and its owners. These social loving dogs are smart too due to which it has a high success rate for becoming guide dogs. Labrador Retrievers are a medium-large breed and its coat comes in yellow, black and chocolate colour. It has thick, water-repellent double coat skin due to which they can become powerful swimmers and are often used for carrying out lifesaving and rescue operations in water bodies.

Pug

Due to its peculiarly distinctive physical features like the wrinkly, short-muzzled face and curled tail, Pugs are one of the cutest dog breeds that have come to be very popular pets in Indian households. This breed of dog is said to be very fond of children and are faithful and friendly playmates for them. Although Pugs can be docile and often prefers to spend most of its time napping, it can be vivacious too and are touted as ‘an owner’s shadow’ because it often follows them around and craves attention from them. Pugs have a fine, glossy coat and comes in light brown and black colours.

Beagle

A small-medium breed dog with a good temper, Beagles are also popular pets among Indian families. The distinctive feature of this breed is its long dropping ears that are low-set, turning towards the cheeks slightly and are rounded at the tips. Beagles have an excellent sense of smell and superior tracking instincts due to which it is also used as a detection dog by security forces. These dogs have mostly white coats with patches of black and brown hair.

Dachshund

A long-bodied, short-legged and a hound type dog breed, Dachshunds are quite popular as pets. Although it can be playful, it can be quite stubborn at times due to which it can be difficult to train. It does not welcome strangers in a house and are often known to give the loudest barks on getting scent of them. However, it is highly loyal to its master. Dachshunds have a wide variety of colors and patterns. In India, the black and tan miniature dachshund is a popular pet dog.

German Shepherd

One of the dog breeds known for its high level of intelligence, German Shepherd is raised by a number of Indian families as pets. It was originally bred as a herding dog mostly for herding sheep. Besides its intelligence, it is also known for being overprotective of its owners and their territories. It is curious and can quickly learn and implement various tasks than most other breed of dogs. As intelligence and strength are the chief traits of German Shepherds, it is used as a police, guard and search and rescue dogs. German Shepherds have a double coat which is close and dense with a thick undercoat.

Rottweiler

A breed known for its enormous strength, Rottweilers are incredibly loyal to its masters and makes great family pets. The colour and markings of a Rottweiler are very distinctive. According to the FCI Standard a Rottweiler is always “black with clearly defined markings of a rich tan on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest and legs, as well as over both eyes and under the base of the tail.” Although it was mostly used to herd livestock, it is also now used as search and rescue dogs, guard dogs and police dogs.

Boxer

A medium to large breed of dog, Boxers are popular pets in Indian households and are mostly noticeable due to its smooth tight-fitting coats and square muzzles. It is an energetic breed, have great level of patience and are quite child friendly. It can be found in brindle, fawn and white color.

Cocker Spaniel

The prettiest among all dog breeds that are kept as pets in India is the Cocker Spaniel. The striking feature of Cocker Spaniel is its delicate furry single coat which is glossy and renders it a distinctly unique beauty. The coats of Cocker Spaniels require proper care. Besides its good looks, Cocker Spaniels are intelligent due to which it makes adorable pets for Indian families. The two breeds of Cocker Spaniel are the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel. It comes in a variety of colours like black, white, golden.

Spitz

One of the oldest and popular dog breeds found in Indian households is the Spitz. Its distinct feature is its long, thick white fur. Its kindness, intelligence, active and playful nature have made it a favourite among Indian families for ages. Spitzes often have an insulating, waterproof undercoat that is denser than the topcoat to trap warmth.

Do you have a pet dog ? If the answer is no or not yet, do adopt one soon because it makes amazing companions. When you decide to have a pet dog, it would be the best decision ever as its loyalty, unconditional love and protective nature will make you feel truly grateful of yourself.