Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 21st March 2024
Indian Pariah Dog
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 21st March 2024
The Indian Pariah Dog, commonly called the INDog or Indian Native Dog, is an ancient breed native to the Indian Subcontinent. Though it might seem like a typical stray, this is a distinct variety with a rich ancestry. This hardy dog is named after the Pariah tribe of Madras, derived from the Tamil “paraiyar,” describing the lowest social classes. Due to India’s linguistic diversity, there are many regional terms for it. Another common moniker is Pye Dog, after the Hindi word “pahi,” meaning outsider.
Indian Pariah Dog Pictures
Quick Information
| Other names | INDog, Indian Native Dog, Desi Dog, Pye Dog, South Asian Pariah Dog |
| Coat | Double coat with a coarse upper coat and soft undercoat |
| Color | Fawn, brown, reddish-brown, piebald, black, tan, spotted, with some possible white markings |
| Breed type | Purebred |
| Group | Hound |
| Life expectancy | 12 – 16 years |
| Size | Medium |
| Height | 20 – 25 inches |
| Weight | 28 – 45 pounds |
| Litter Size | 6 – 9 puppies |
| Behavioral Characteristics | Intelligent, loyal, friendly, adaptable, and protective |
| Good with children | Yes |
| Barking Tendency | High; they are territorial and tend to bark often |
| Climate compatibility | High; they can live in all kinds of climates |
| Apartment compatibility | Moderate; they need adequate exercise to be able to live indoors |
| Do they shed | They shed very minimally |
| Are they hypoallergenic | No |
| Trainability | High |
| How much do they cost | $300 – $400 |
| Competitive Registration Qualification/ Information | DRA, IPDC, PADS |
| Country | India |
History and Origin
This primitive breed traces its origin to the Neolithic period four thousand years ago, with fossilized remains unearthed at Mohenjo-daro and Bhimbetka archaeological sites. Some theories suggest it was the bridge between wolves and domesticated companions in the early stages of civilization. With time, it spread to neighboring regions such as Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and even further to the Middle East and Australia. Later, establishing a penal colony in the Andaman Islands introduced it to the natives. This dog was likely the ancestor of other members of the Pariah family, such as the New Guinea Singing Dog and the Dingo. However, with the coming of the British Raj, its reputation declined as merchants promoted Western breeds as status symbols.
This practice led to crossbreeding with foreign dogs. Still, with increased awareness via adoption campaigns, purebreds are rising again. The Indian Pariah Dog Club, founded in 2002, helps promote pure and mixed breeds of Pariah Dogs, with 145 active members. The Indian Kennel Gazette first published a breed standard in 2015, leading to recognition by the Primitive and Aboriginal Dog Society. Currently, it faces overpopulation problems, but various dedicated welfare organizations are making efforts to encourage adoption.
Temperament and Personality
Indian Pariah Dogs are loving, loyal, and clever companions. Incredibly devoted and protective over family, they make excellent watchdogs. Initially sighthounds capable of hunting in the wild, modern-day ones are mostly scavengers in urban areas. Thus, they do very well as free roamers, content to wander around a neighborhood and feed on the streets. These pets are very social and active, doing best with adequate exercise and pack bonding. They mingle well with children and other dogs. Still, they can be highly territorial and aggressive when confronted with strangers, leading to loud barking. Unfortunately, this behavior, coupled with provocative acts by humans such as hitting and teasing, has given them an unsavory reputation, with many deeming them inferior to more acceptable “pedigree” breeds. However, early socialization can help them become lovable, steadfast, and adaptable additions to all kinds of homes.
Care
Exercise
This breed is active, requiring ample mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy. Daily brisk walks, jogs, and playing in open, fenced areas for at least two hours are great outlets for pent-up energy. It is essential to provide a dynamic and stimulating environment similar to its natural habitat in the Indian Subcontinent. Its high intelligence and trainability make it an excellent candidate for police work and guard dogs.
Grooming
Their lack of body odor and little shedding require minimal grooming to remain clean. Regular brushing with a hound mitt or glove and monthly baths are enough to keep their coat clean. Also, trim your pet’s nails as needed and brush its teeth daily to prevent plaque buildup.
Health Concerns
They are hardy and adaptable, rarely falling sick due to their evolution as survivors in intense climates. Genetic disorders like hip dysplasia are rare as their genes undergo natural selection without inbreeding. Most of the stray Pariah Dog deaths occur due to artificial reasons such as railways and road accidents, ingesting polluted food and water, and starvation. If well cared for, those kept as pets usually succumb to tumors and cancers in old age.
Unlike most domesticated breeds, they have an annual mating season from August to January. During this time, males are increasingly territorial and can even become violent. Thus, you must be careful not to aggravate this instinct, especially in the evenings and late nights.
Feeding
Their history as scavengers has given them a highly efficient metabolism, capable of living off small scraps. Still, a diet abundant in protein and carbs is ideal. Provide plenty of meat and meat-based food, but avoid overfeeding as they tend to gain weight.
Training
Indian Pariah Dogs are intelligent and trainable, eager to work on a task with their owners. It is best to start young for the best results, helping them become well-mannered companions.
Socialization: Early socialization is crucial to help curb their protective and aggressive tendencies towards unfamiliar people and animals, a by-product of their time on the streets. Exposing your pet to new sights and sounds will allow them to adjust to their surroundings. Start introducing them to different dogs, people, and places as a puppy to encourage proper behavior.
Obedience: Training must be varied and exciting to prevent boredom in your dog. Begin with teaching basic commands such as sit, stay, and down. Treats are a fantastic incentive, coupled with praise and encouragement. As puppies, they are prone to bite and chew, which must be discouraged promptly to avoid developing bad habits.
Interesting Facts
- They featured in the National Geographic Channel movie, “Search for the First Dog,” alongside other primitive breeds such as the Dingo and the Canaan Dog.
- “Kukur Tihar” is a yearly Hindu festival celebrating strays, most of which are Pariah Dogs. On that day, people feed them and seek blessings from the god of death, believing them to be his messengers.
- Rudyard Kipling mentioned “Yellow Pariah Dogs” in many notable works such as “The Jungle Book,” “Just So Stories,” and “Beast and Man in India.”
FAQs
Labradors are significantly larger and shorter-lived. They are also more friendly and outgoing in comparison, making excellent service and therapy companions.
German Shepherds originated in Germany, whereas Indian Pariah Dogs are an ancient breed of the Indian Subcontinent. Shepherds weigh relatively more, with a heavier coat. They also live for shorter periods and have more pups in a litter. Their higher hunting instincts make them less suitable for urban households than the others.
