Temperament of Indian Dog Breeds ; a Big Question

The temperament of Indian dog breeds is a major question in minds of prospective owners. If you can recall the Indian Prime Minister Mr N. Modi’s appeal to the countrymen to keep and promote indigenous dog breeds. But since most of the Indian dog breeds are either sighthounds, game dogs and/or large guard dogs their temperament is a big question. Would they be able to cope up with family having children and elderly around? But what I believe that this is a wrong question to ask. In this post, I will try to point prospective owners into some other thought-provoking directions. Also, I will try to resolve the dilemma surrounding the temperament of Indian dog breeds.

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The temperament of Indian dog breeds: A General Overview

The temperament of indigenous dog breeds is somewhat predictable. Not only in the case of India but everywhere in the world, where ever there are naturally evolved breeds. To understand it with clarification let us examine the classical evolution of native dog breeds. How they got associated with and then domesticated by Humans. Do you know how dogs and humans formed friendship?

Well, it is established by research and findings that early humans and wolves hunted together. Later wolves that were closely associated with humans changed to evolve into early and ancient breeds of dogs. This discussion will consume a lot so for now, just remember that this early dog then evolved into several native dog breeds. All these native breeds like Azawakh, Saluki, Tibetan mastiff, Caravan hound etc have predefined jobs. Some hunt some protect some served and fought alongside foot soldiers. You can now imagine what kind of temperament does naturally evolved breeds might have.

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But are they aggressive? Are they dangerous? Some say such dogs are not meant for city dwellers and apartment life. But with some effort put in by the owner, this can be an exception with Indian dog breeds.

How breed development affects the breed temperament.

Later on, with the advent of modernization and trade, new varieties of dogs were developed. For example, take Dogo Argentino, this breed have 20+ breeds involved in its development. Similar are cases for other modern breeds like German Shepherd Dog, Doberman, Great Dane etc. All these new modern breeds were developed for a purpose, for a job.

Are they good at their job? Yes, they are.

The German shepherd is a very good all-rounder dog for security, protection, search and rescue operations and several more. Doberman is one of the best protection and personal security dog around. Dobermans are also good in sniffing out drugs, landmines and people. Great Dane is one of the best security and wild boar hunting dog breed.

Are they dangerous? Yes. German Shepherd dog is having one of the strongest bite force. Ask any criminal dropped down by a German shepherd dog. Doberman is feared for its ferocious attacks, the speed and strength at which they attack is unforeseen in the dog world. Great Dane is just intimidating for its size alone, it is a sight to behold when they hunt.

Does this mean that the above breeds are not meant for apartments? No. It all depends upon the owner.

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How handling affects the temperament of Indian dog breeds.

Every dog has its needs. some needs are breed-specific some are individual to the dog. For an example take two individual dogs of one breed, be it a German shepherd or a Doberman. One might like to get a butt scratch one may not. Some might be fond of plain rice with yoghurt the other may not seem to like it. One might like a bigger ball the other might prefer a smaller ball easier to pick and carry. I mean to say, every dog has a unique personality.

But this doesn’t change the fact that every adult individual of Doberman or German shepherd breed needs a long run in the morning and a long walk in the evening. The owner may vary the timings but, they need to get them exercised vigorously every day. Additionally, they will need some mental stimulation like playing in the park, with toys, solving canine puzzles etc.

Secondly, regardless of the breed, they will need a firm and loving hand to straighten up things.  This means that regardless of the breed training them daily for half an hour is necessary. This is essential to establish the pack order so that the dog will take you as the alpha of the pack. These are all basic needs of a dog. Be it a chihuahua or a Great Dane these needs are the same. You may vary the amount of food and duration of exercise and training. But in no case, you can eliminate these foundation needs of keeping a dog. Messing up with these parameters will only invite a troublesome youth of your dog.

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How to adjust your schedule to achieve optimum temperament of your indigenous breed dog.

First of all, accept the fact that all Indian dog breeds are mostly sighthounds and a few are flock/estate guarding dogs. So, to give them the best and receive the best for them you need to set your priority according to them.

The most basic requirement is a large yard. This will not solve their problem of the wanderlust either can provide them enough of the mental stimulation. But it’s better to have one for Indian dog breeds. But if you don’t have a large property and still want to keep native sighthounds then you need to take them for a 10+ km ( 6 miles) run on a daily basis. This is a bare minimum requirement otherwise there will be a buildup of nervous energy. This nervous energy in a sighthound is not a good thought at all.

Think of a wolf killing dog growing mad. Yeah, that is how bad it is. Is it the fault of the dog? No, it all depends upon the owner. If you are not able to access the very basic needs of the breed you are considering and are not able to fulfil a bare minimum of their needs then don’t go for them.

Need to control hunting instincts.

City life is different than village life. In villages at almost all times dogs have unlimited space to run and exhaust their wanderlust. But in the city, there is a restriction of space and free running is dangerous for your dog. So, first of all, you need to adjust your schedule to take them for a long run as mentioned above. Now, even if you solve the problem of vigorous and long-duration exercise needed for Indian dog breeds then there is one more fundamental problem involved. There hunting instincts.

In villages or forest area dogs are free to hunt the wild game. In those extremities, there is a freedom to satisfy their hunting needs. What is the hunting game for them? Wild hare, rats, wild roosters, quails and sometimes larger games like foxes, jackal, wild bore and even wolves. Basically, anything that is smaller than them and moves fast. Don’t forget that they are sighthounds. In cities, these smaller creatures will be replaced by squirrels, cats, small pet dogs and unfortunately with children.

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How to control hunting instincts.

Controlling hunting instincts is already a big challenge in hunting breeds like English Greyhound. Indian dog breeds are very very new to the pet scenario. Except for what breeders and sellers claim there are no universally accepted behaviour standards. So, you need to manage and treat them with caution.

Never try to take them out without a leash, at least when they are young and energetic. If you are really inclined towards keeping them I would recommend having some small pets beforehand. You may bring a couple of cats or small breed dogs or even rabbits and guinea pigs. But it is necessary to introduce them with small pets at an early age to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Also, introduce them to your family members, relatives and neighbours. This will certainly ensure that familiar people will not be attacked in a heist in case of a loose cannon going off-leash. Keep your fences high, high enough to ensure they won’t conquer the height. Mind it, 8 feet tall won’t be a problem for some breeds like caravan and mudhol hound.

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Conclusion.

Indian dog breeds are very attractive and glamorous. Once they were bred and used by the kings. There are several benefits of keeping these breeds. But they have some essential bare minimum requirements. You must fulfil these otherwise results will be hazardous in case of accidents. Believe me, these dogs are unforgiving. Most of the so-called dangerous breeds will appear mellow around them. So, along with taking above mentioned precautions, you must get them trained properly. It is even better and more rewarding if you could train them yourself. But, with this discussion don’t dishearten yourself.

If you can manage their exercise and take precautions for their training they will prove to be a very charming and rewarding pet. One thing I forgot to mention that they are very loyal. Loyal to the extent that they will lay down their lives to protect your family and property. Also, they are very loving and will pound on you cuddles and kisses once you are established alpha of the pack. I hope I have cleared the clouds of doubt regarding the temperament of Indian dog breeds. We will bring more on Indian dog breeds so don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter. Thanks for your valuable time.