10 Most Loyal Dogs You Have Never Heard Of (All Indian)

Ritika | Jul 12, 2025, 16:30 IST
( Image credit : Pixabay )

Highlight of the story: They’re fast, fearless, loyal, and born right here in India. But while foreign breeds dominate dog parks and Instagram feeds, our desi doggos remain the underdogs of the canine world. This article is a love letter to the native breeds of India, those majestic, misunderstood, and massively underrated companions. From desert guardians to snow-loving sniffers, these pups are proof that you don’t need a foreign tag to be fabulous. Adopt one, and you’re not just saving a life, you’re celebrating legacy, culture, and pure love with paws.

Most of us grew up knowing the names of German Shepherds, Labradors, or Huskies before we even knew about the Rajapalayam or the Kombai. Irony? Nah, just colonial hangover and mass marketing. But times are changing.

India isn’t just home to ancient temples and timeless food; it’s home to some of the most resilient, intelligent, and loving dogs in the world. These breeds have survived war zones, deserts, Himalayan winters, and more. And yet, they’re overlooked in favor of imported breeds that often struggle in India’s climate.

But here's the twist: Indian breeds aren't just survivors, they're stars. They’re low-maintenance, hyper-adaptable, and heartbreakingly loyal. And no, they’re not “just strays.” They’re protectors of dynasties, hunters of legends, and softies at heart.

So let’s meet these furry patriots, your heart might just find its match.

The Forgotten Royals

dog
( Image credit : Pixabay )
1. Rajapalayam – The Ghost Warrior of the South

Graceful, pale, and built like a bullet, this majestic sighthound was bred to guard South Indian palaces. With a coat as white as moonlight and eyes that pierce, the Rajapalayam is royalty in canine form.

Traits: Fiercely loyal, protective, and best suited for homes with space. They're not great with strangers but would take a bullet for you.Why overlooked: Often mistaken as aggressive, and they don’t do well in tight apartments or noisy cities.But if you give them: Space, discipline, and dignity, they’ll guard your soul.2. Mudhol Hound – India’s Racer Without the Racetrack

Slender, fast, and low-drama, Mudhols are like Indian Greyhounds with more heart. Bred by royal families and warriors, this breed can run like wind and nap like a Zen master.

Traits: Quiet, intelligent, needs a job to do or room to sprint.Why overlooked: People want cuddly or fluffy, not aerodynamic. Also, they're reserved.But if you give them purpose and patience, what they actually need, they’ll give you grace and grounding.3. Kombai – The Lionheart Guardian

From Tamil Nadu, Kombais are powerful, chestnut-colored protectors with fierce loyalty. Originally used for hunting wild boar, they don’t back down, even from threats 10x their size.

Traits: Excellent guard dogs, deeply bonded with their humans.Why overlooked: Their intense appearance scares off first-time dog owners.But if you give them: Structure and respect, you’ll gain a bodyguard with a soft spot for belly rubs.

Mountain & Desert Marvels

greyhound
( Image credit : Pixabay )
4. Gaddi Kutta – The Himalayan Hulk

These are the beasts of the north, thick-coated, gigantic, and full of love if you earn it. Gaddi Kuttas are the unsung heroes of Himachal and Kashmir, guarding herds from snow leopards and wolves.

Traits: Strong-willed, intelligent, but deeply affectionate with their families.Why overlooked: Too “wild-looking” and not suited for warm climates.But if you give them: Cool spaces and calm energy, they’ll treat your house like their temple.5. Rampur Hound – Royalty With Rocket Legs

Think Nawabs and velvet couches. That’s where the Rampur Hound was born. Known for speed and poise these dogs are a cross between Afghan Hounds and local sighthounds.

Traits: Reserved with strangers but super loyal and great with active families.Why overlooked: They don’t do tricks or jump on guests, they’re too dignified.But if you give them: Love on their own terms, they’ll walk beside you, never behind.6. Banjara Hound – The Wandering Wolfhound

They were bred for survival, speed, and loyalty by the nomadic tribes. They’re lean, intelligent, and low maintenance, basically, your ideal roommate.

Their traits include, super agile, independent thinkers, alert and protective.Why overlooked: They're too "raw" for city folks who want fluffy obedience.All you need to do is to give them freedom and faith, and you’ll never feel alone again.

Fluffballs and Sweethearts

dog
( Image credit : Pixabay )
7. Chippiparai – The Silent Stalker

Often compared to the Greyhound, this southern Indian beauty is sleek, sensitive, and surprisingly cuddly. They’re hunters by history but softies by soul.

Traits: Alert, gentle, and low-maintenance.Why overlooked: They’re too quiet, too lean, and not “Instagram-cute” enough.But if you give them: Consistency and cozy blankets, they’ll turn your home into a safe haven.8. Pandikona – The Lone Guardian

From Andhra Pradesh, Pandikonas are the desert's answer to home security. Independent, low fuss, and brave beyond belief, they're great for rural homes.

Traits: Fearless, territorial, but affectionate with their people.Why overlooked: They're not lap dogs and need space.But if you give them: Trust and open skies, they’ll guard your home like a fortress.9. Jonangi – The Mud Wrestler Pup

These water-loving cuties from Andhra are known for their fishing skills and low-barking communication. Yes, you read that right. They bark less and “yodel” more.

Traits: Adaptable, clever, and playful with their humans.Why overlooked: Short supply and poor breeding awareness.But if you give them: Wet fields and a job, they’ll outsmart any pup in town.10. Indian Pariah Dog – The True Desi OG

We saved the best for last. The Pariah dog is India’s ancient, resilient, intelligent breed, often mistaken as “strays,” they are, in fact, genetic marvels with natural immunity and survival smarts.

Traits: Highly intelligent, loyal, low-maintenance, and adaptable to almost any environment.Why overlooked: Stigma. Period.But if you give them: A chance, they’ll give you loyalty like you’ve never known before.

Why Adopt an Indian Breed?

dog walking in grass
( Image credit : Pixabay )
1. They’re Built for India

No fancy air-conditioning or imported shampoo needed. Indian dogs are genetically suited to Indian climates, diets, and routines. Less fuss, less illness, more playtime.

2. Lower Vet Bills, Higher Energy

Most of these breeds have evolved naturally, making them resistant to common hereditary diseases seen in overbred foreign breeds.

3. Resilience & Intelligence

They don’t just survive, they learn fast. Whether it’s adapting to your home, understanding boundaries, or protecting territory, these breeds shine with instinct.

4. You’re Saving More Than a Dog

By adopting these underrated breeds, you’re preserving centuries of native legacy. You’re fighting animal cruelty, promoting ethical adoption, and becoming part of something bigger than a trend.

Adopt the Legacy, Not Just the Dog

Choosing an Indian dog isn’t about patriotism, it’s about wisdom. These breeds have stood the test of time, terrain, and turmoil. They’re not only dogs; they’re stories, protectors, warriors, and yes, world-class cuddlers.

You don’t need a golden retriever to find golden loyalty. Look around your streets, shelters, or breeders who are working to revive our native paws. You might just find your soulmate in a breed that’s been here all along, waiting to be loved back.

Want a best friend who understands your roots, your rhythms, and your chai breaks? Go desi. Go homegrown. Go real.

Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at TimesPets!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Indian dog breeds suitable for apartment living?

Some breeds like the Indian Pariah and Chippiparai adapt well with enough exercise.Can Indian breeds be trained as service or therapy dogs?

Yes! With early training, breeds like Rajapalayam or Pariah excel emotionally and behaviorally.Are Indian dogs hypoallergenic or low-shedding?

Most native breeds have moderate shedding, but regular grooming helps manage it.Why aren’t Indian breeds more popular internationally?

Lack of awareness, breeding programs, and marketing limit global exposure, not capability.
Tags:
  • underrated Indian dog breeds
  • desi dog breeds
  • rare Indian dogs
  • rescue Indian dogs
  • local Indian dog breeds
  • best Indian dog breeds
  • adopt Indian dog breeds
  • Rajapalayam dog facts