India is a diverse country with varying climatic conditions, and choosing the right dog breed that is well-suited to the Indian climate is crucial for a harmonious pet-parent relationship. Here are some of the most popular dog breeds in India in 2024:
Large Trending Dog Breeds in India:
Explore the current favorites among large dog breeds in India. From gentle giants like Great Danes to loyal companions such as Labrador Retriever, discover which breeds are gaining popularity in the country’s canine community.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd has become one of the most popular dog breeds in India in 2024 due to its intelligence, trainability, and versatility as a working dog. With large numbers being employed by the police and military, the breed has gained widespread fame and recognition. Its imposing physique yet loyal temperament makes it an ideal guard dog as well.
Additionally, the breed’s stamina and athleticism make German Shepherds well-suited for dog sports. As nuclear families become more common in urban India, the companionship and protection offered by German Shepherds are increasingly valued. Their striking appearance and reputation as being highly capable but also family-friendly have captivated the interest of dog owners across the country.
Great Dane
The Great Dane is a popular dog breed due to its imposing size yet gentle temperament. Standing over 30 inches tall and weighing up to 175 pounds, the Great Dane’s substantial stature makes it an effective deterrent to unwanted intruders.
However, the breed is also known as a “gentle giant” for its calm, friendly nature, particularly toward children. Great Danes require moderate exercise and their short coats are easy to care for.
As indoor pets, their sofa-like size makes them the perfect couch companion. While their giant appetites and expenses can be drawbacks, Great Danes are beloved for their noble, loyal spirit. Their reputation as an affectionate, low-maintenance giant has earned them considerable popularity worldwide.
Golden Retriever
Most popular pedigreed dog breed in India due to its versatile nature and suitability for Indian homes. Goldens have an eager-to-please temperament that makes them highly trainable, whether as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, or obedient family companions.
Their lush golden coat sheds moderately and adapts well to India’s warm climate. Goldens thrive when given daily exercise but also remain calm indoors. Their affectionate, loving personality makes them a gentle playmate for kids. Intelligent and devoted, Goldens form strong bonds with their human families.
As nuclear families and apartments become more common in Indian cities, the Golden Retriever’s moderate exercise needs, trainability, and family-friendly reputation have propelled it to become the number one dog breed in the country.
Labrador Retriever
Most beloved dog breed in India due to its ideal combination of friendliness, high intelligence, and adaptability. Labs have an eager-to-please nature that makes them highly trainable, whether as guide dogs, bomb or drug-sniffing dogs, or obedient family companions.
Their short, dense coat sheds moderately and is well-suited for India’s tropical climate. Labs enjoy activity and exercise but also remain calm indoors. Their affectionate, cheerful personality makes them wonderful playmates for children. Devoted and people-oriented, Labs form strong bonds with their families.
As nuclear families and apartments become more common in Indian cities, the Labrador Retriever’s moderate exercise needs, trainability, and family-friendly reputation have made it the number-one dog breed in the country.
Mudhol Hound
The native Indian Mudhol Hound is rapidly gaining popularity in 2024 due to renewed interest in preserving local dog breeds. Sometimes called the “Caravan Hound“, this lanky greyhound was historically used as a hunter and guard of India’s caravans.
The Mudhol Hound possesses superb speed, agility, and stamina to run down prey over long distances. It has a tolerant temperament yet strong protective instincts. As more Indians seek active, athletic breeds suited to India’s climate, the rugged Mudhol Hound has become a top choice.
With its sleek coat, legendary hunting skills, and reputation as a devoted indigenous breed, the Mudhol Hound represents a valued part of India’s cynological heritage. Its rising profile marks this indigenous sighthound as a trending dog breed in 2024.
Read Also: Top 20 World’s Best Hunting Dog Breeds
Small Trending Dog Breeds in India:
Explore the rising popularity of small dog breeds in India. From charming Shih Tzu to playful Pomeranians, discover which compact companions are capturing hearts across the nation.
Indian Pariah Dog
The Indian Pariah Dog, also known as the INDog, is surging in popularity in 2024 due to a growing appreciation of indigenous Indian dog breeds. As one of India’s oldest native breeds, the muscular, medium-sized Pariah is highly adapted to the country’s climate and conditions.
Read Also: 5 Facts About Small Dog Breeds
Intelligent and energetic, the Pariah has strong survival instincts and a territorial nature that make it an excellent guardian. As awareness increases about conserving India’s native dogs, the Pariah is becoming valued as a hardy, low-maintenance breed. The Pariah’s athleticism and loyalty are making it a top choice for active households.
With minimal grooming needs and excellent health, this indigenous breed represents Indian heritage and has become a trending dog in 2024. Its rising prominence marks renewed interest in preserving local Indian breeds.
Dachshund
While Dachshunds have gained some popularity in India in recent years. Bred to hunt badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, the long, low-slung Dachshund is better suited for temperate climates than hot tropical ones.
Additionally, their long backs make them prone to disc problems if overweight or over exercised. High grooming needs of their thick, shedding coats can also deter Indian owners seeking low-maintenance pets. Most importantly, Dachshunds were developed in Germany and lack the heat tolerance of breeds native to India.
While their compact size appeals to city dwellers, their exercise needs and climate compatibility limit their popularity. Breeds like the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Indian Pariah Dog are much better suited and therefore more popular among Indian dog owners.
Beagle
Despite gaining some prominence in recent years, the Beagle is not the most popular dog breed in India. Originally bred as a scenthound for hunting small game, the playful Beagle has high exercise needs that may be difficult to meet in an urban Indian setting. Their loud, frequent barking can also pose an annoyance in congested neighborhoods.
The Beagle’s medium-long coat requires regular brushing which may be inconvenient for many owners. Additionally, Beagles were developed as a breed suited for temperate climates, not hot tropical ones like India’s. Their curiosity and food motivation necessitate constant supervision. For these reasons, breeds better adapted to India’s climate and lifestyles, like the Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever, and native Indian breeds surpass Beagles in popularity among the country’s dog owners.
Pomeranian
While the tiny, fluffy Pomeranian has gained significant popularity as a companion dog breed in India, it is not the most popular breed in the country. Originally from the arctic, the Pomeranian’s thick double coat makes it ill-suited to thrive in India’s predominantly hot climate.
The breed’s small stature also makes it fragile and vulnerable to injuries which can deter Indian owners. High grooming maintenance of the heavy coat also adds inconvenience. Most importantly, the Pomeranian lacks the trainability and adaptability of Indian favorites like the Labrador and Golden Retrievers.
The Pomeranian’s exercise needs are also not ideal for small urban living spaces. For these reasons, breeds originating from or adapted to India’s tropical climate remain more popular in the country among most Indian dog owners.
Shih Tzu
While the small and playful Shih Tzu has gained a following in India as a family companion, it does not rank as the country’s most popular dog breed. Originating in chilly Tibet, the long, silky coat of the Shih Tzu requires regular grooming that can be impractical and costly for many Indian dog owners.
Its tiny size, while appealing in apartments, also makes it fragile and vulnerable to injuries from rambunctious children or larger pets. Additionally, Shih Tzu’s moderately high exercise needs can be difficult to meet in urban environments. Compared to hardy, adaptable native Indian breeds and retrievers, the Shih Tzu lacks suitability to the country’s climate and lifestyles.
For these reasons, the Shih Tzu remains less commonly owned in India than breeds that are better suited as active, tropical companions.
It’s important to note that while some foreign breeds can adapt well to the Indian climate, they may have specific needs that require adequate shelter, climate-appropriate care, and regular exercise. It’s crucial to consider the unique climate and environmental factors when choosing a furry companion in India.
Frequently Asked Questions:
As of 2024, some of the most popular dog breeds in India include Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Pugs, and Beagles. These breeds are widely cherished for their friendly nature, intelligence, and suitability to various lifestyles.
Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are renowned for their affectionate and gentle disposition, making them excellent family pets. Pugs also rank high in popularity due to their playful and loving nature, often forming strong bonds with their families.
Pugs and Beagles are often considered low-maintenance breeds in India. They have short coats that require minimal grooming, and their small to medium size makes them suitable for apartment living. However, it’s important to remember that all dogs need regular exercise, mental stimulation, and veterinary care.
Breeds like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are well-suited to India’s diverse climate. Their double coats provide insulation against both cold and hot weather. However, it’s essential to ensure they have access to shade and water during the hotter months to prevent heat-related issues.
Yes, for example, German Shepherds are known for their high energy levels and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Additionally, breeds with flat faces, like Pugs, may be more susceptible to respiratory issues, especially in hot and humid climates. Proper research and understanding of a breed’s characteristics are crucial for responsible pet ownership in India.
