These 5 Indian Dog Breeds Are on the Brink, and No One’s Talking About It

Walk through any city in India today, and you’ll see Labradors, Huskies, and Pugs everywhere. But where are our native dogs? Rajapalayams were once known to guard royal palaces, while the Kombais acted as guards protecting villages, and the Jonangis accompanied the humans by running alongside duck farmers. Today, the picture isn’t quite similar, rather very contrasting, as they’re nearly gone, especially with imported breeds becoming the new trend, even though they often struggle in India’s climate.

And every time we decide to choose foreign over native, we don’t just lose a dog; we lose our beautiful history, genetics, and a precious piece of our identity. These breeds were shaped by India’s heat, terrain, and culture. They’re healthy, loyal, and climate-adapted. Yet, their numbers dwindle because we’ve forgotten them. It’s time to remember, to care, and to act.

Here are five incredible Indian breeds fighting for survival.

With a snow-white coat, pink nose, and piercing golden eyes, the Rajapalayam is India’s very own “ghost dog.” This sighthound from Tamil Nadu once ran alongside warriors during the Polygar Wars, guarding estates with unmatched loyalty.

Why It’s Disappearing:

Because of the selective breeding for the perfect white coat, genetic bottlenecks were caused. Further, the new era, with its cross-breeding, urbanization, and the craze for foreign breeds, pushed them more and more towards their extinction.

Why They Deserve Saving:

Rajapalayams are known to survive and thrive in hot climates, plus, they need minimal medical care, a factor that is quite opposite to the foreign breeds. They’re also fiercely loyal as protectors and very warm and gentle as family dogs, especially when raised with love.

The Comparison:

Think of them as India’s answer to the Dalmatian, sleek, elegant, and loyal, but better suited for Indian homes.

The Kombai is a muscular, athletic guardian dog once prized by zamindars and Tipu Sultan’s army. They were so valued that they were traded for horses. Fearless and alert, they make incredible protectors.

Why It’s Disappearing:

With the decline of agrarian lifestyles and the rise of apartments, Kombais lost their role as protectors. Lack of awareness and cross-breeding further eroded their population.

Why They Deserve Saving:

Kombais are intelligent, heat-resistant, and deeply loyal to their families. They need space and purpose but reward owners with unmatched devotion.

The Comparison:

They rival foreign breeds like Belgian Malinois in loyalty and protection, but without the need for intensive training or climate control.

The Chippiparai, which hails from Tamil Nadu, is known to be sleek, elegant, and built for speed. They were traditionally used for hunting deer and boar. And they are famous for being graceful and affectionate with their chosen owners.

Why It’s Disappearing:

Modern hunting bans, urbanization, and loss of rural traditions have left Chippiparais with no role. Few breeders remain, and awareness is minimal.

Why They Deserve Saving:

They are India’s own Greyhounds, fast, loyal, and healthy. Unlike imported Greyhounds, they adapt naturally to heat and require less maintenance.

The Comparison:

Greyhounds dominate international dog shows, while Chippiparais, equally stunning and functional, fade away unnoticed.

Known as the “Maiden’s Beastmaster,” the Kanni was traditionally gifted to brides in Tamil Nadu to protect them. Sleek like the Chippiparai but slightly smaller, Kannis are loyal to a fault and excellent guard dogs.

Why It’s Disappearing:

Urbanization, interbreeding, and lack of recognition have made this breed rare. They are still found in some southern villages, but in dwindling numbers.

Why They Deserve Saving:

Kannis are low-maintenance, intelligent, and incredibly protective. They bond strongly with their families and adapt well to the Indian weather.

The Comparison:

Comparable to Whippets in grace and agility, Kannis outshine them in loyalty and climate resilience.

From Andhra Pradesh comes the Jonangi, a short-haired, agile dog that once guarded duck farms and herds. They’re known for digging their own cooling dens in hot weather.

Why It’s Disappearing:

The reason behind them being completely wiped out is mainly the shift that took place from traditional duck farming to modern aquaculture. It led to the breed’s mass abandonment. As of now, only a rare few survive, and that too in completely remote areas.

Why They Deserve Saving:

What’s a trait that you, as a dog owner, look for in dogs? Independence, intelligence, attachment, and loyalty, well, that’s Jonangis for you. They are mostly known for their ability to adapt to harsh conditions, enabling them to easily survive the Indian climate.

The Comparison:

While foreign breeds like Border Collies are celebrated as herders, Jonangis offer the same brilliance, tailored for Indian environments.

Every time we lose a native breed, we lose centuries of adaptation, survival, and cultural heritage. Rajapalayams, Kombais, Chippiparais, Kannis, and Jonangis are not just dogs, they’re living history. Unlike imported breeds that suffer in our heat, these dogs are naturally suited to thrive here.

So, what can you do?

• Adopt, don’t shop, and choose Indian breeds or indies.
• Support conservation efforts, promote breed-specific awareness, and events.
• Spread the word, share their stories on social media.

Because they have guarded and protected us and our lands for years and centuries. So now, it’s our turn to guard their future.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which Indian dog breed is the most endangered?
   
   The most endangered Indian Dog breed is Dhole or the Asiatic Wild Dog.
2. Which is the rarest dog breed in India?
   
   While there are quite a few, one of the rarest dog breeds in India is Jonangi.
3. Which is the most forgotten Indian dog breed?
   
   Mudhol Hound (once popular as hunting and guarding dogs) are the most forgotten dog breeds and are currently endangered too.