12 Rare Dog Breeds in India: Discovering The Exotic
Our country, India, well known for its rich cultural tapestry and diverse landscapes, is home to various dog breeds.
While our country is famous for its native breeds like the Indian pariah dog, Rajapalayam, Mudhol & many more, there are various other dog breeds that are waiting to be discovered by dog enthusiasts.
In this article, we will explore such rare dog breeds in India & delve deep into their origin, physical attributes, grooming needs, lifespans, and approximate prices.
So without further adieu, let's jump in!
List of 12 rare dog breeds in India
1. Azawakh
The Azawakh is a slim, elegant, loyal, and independent-natured dog breed originating from Mali, West Africa.
These dogs carry short, fine coats requiring minimal grooming & making them best suited for the Indian climate.
Features of this breed
Origin: Mali, West Africa
Height: 24 to 29 inches (61 to 74 cm)
Weight: 33 to 55 pounds (15 to 25 kg)
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Grooming Level: Low
Price: Approximately 20,000 to 35,000 INR
2. Basenji
Basenji is a small, graceful breed known as a "bark-less dog", having roots in central Africa.
These dogs have yodel-like vocalizations instead of traditional barking & carry easy-to-maintain short sleep coats, making them well-suited for Indian households.
Features of this breed
Origin: Central Africa
Height: 15 to 17 inches (38 to 43 cm)
Weight: 22 to 24 pounds (10 to 11 kg)
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Grooming Level: Low
Price: Approximately 15,000 to 30,000 INR
3. Borzoi
The Borzoi, also referred to as the Russian wolfhound, is a dog boasting its regal appearance with its silky, long coat & elegant appearance.
If you don't have any problem with regular grooming and wish to have a dog having a gentle & affectionate nature, you cannot go wrong with a Borzoi.
Features of this breed
Origin: Russia
Height: 26 to 32 inches (66 to 81 cm)
Weight: 75 to 105 pounds (34 to 48 kg)
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Grooming Level: Moderate
Price: Approximately 35,000 to 70,000 INR
4. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Catahoula Leopard Dog is a versatile & sturdy dog breed named after a Parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana.
These dogs are well known for their unique Glass eyes and striking coat patterns.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs can adapt well to diverse Indian climates, thanks to their short coat & minimal grooming needs.
Features of this breed
Origin: United States (Louisiana)
Height: 20 to 26 inches (51 to 66 cm)
Weight: 50 to 95 pounds (23 to 43 kg)
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Grooming Level: Low
Price: Approximately 25,000 to 45,000 INR
5. Cesky Fousek
The Cesky Fousek, also known as Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, is a versatile hunting dog from the Czech Republic, known for their intelligence & trainability.
These dogs carry a distinctive wiry coat requiring moderate grooming to maintain their appearance.
Features of this breed
Origin: Czech Republic
Height: 23.5 to 26 inches (60 to 66 cm)
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds (20 to 32 kg)
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Grooming Level: Moderate
Price: Approximately 30,000 to 60,000 INR
6. Cirneco dell'Etna
The Cirneco dell'Etna is a small, agile, loyal, and affectionate-natured dog breed originating from the Sicily region of Italy.
These dogs resemble ancient Egyptian hounds & carry short coats requiring minimal grooming.
Features of this breed
Origin: Sicily, Italy
Height: 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm)
Weight: 22 to 26 pounds (10 to 12 kg)
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Grooming Level: Low
Price: Approximately 25,000 to 40,000 INR
7. Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan hound is a small, athletic, independent & agile-natured dog breed originating from the Spanish island of Ibiza.
These dogs can easily thrive in the warm climatic conditions of India and require minimal grooming, Thanks to their short coat.
Features of this breed
Origin: Spain (Ibiza)
Height: 22 to 28 inches (56 to 71 cm)
Weight: 45 to 65 pounds (20 to 29 kg)
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Grooming Level: Low
Price: Approximately 25,000 to 50,000 INR
8. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is among the large dog breeds in the world, primarily bred to hunt wolves and large games in Ireland.
Their imposing size might look scary and threatening, but these dogs carry a friendly and gentle disposition.
They have a shaggy, dense coat that requires regular grooming.
Features of this breed
Origin: Ireland
Height: 32 to 34 inches (81 to 86 cm)
Weight: 140 to 180 pounds (64 to 82 kg)
Lifespan: 6 to 8 years
Grooming Level: Moderate
Price: Approximately 40,000 to 80,000 INR
9. Kai Ken
The Kai Ken dogs are medium-sized breeds known to be excellent guardians originating from Japan.
The Japanese declared these dogs a natural monument/protected breed in 1934 AD.
Kai kens require low maintenance & can adapt themselves to Indian living conditions, Thanks to their short, dense coats.
Features of this breed
Origin: Japan
Height: 17 to 22 inches (43 to 56 cm)
Weight: 30 to 40 pounds (14 to 18 kg)
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Grooming Level: Low
Price: Approximately 15,000 to 30,000 INR
10. Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is a dog with the unique ability to flex their neck and shoulders backward, originating from the remote Islands of Norway.
These dogs are available in double coats requiring minimal grooming, making them best suited for various Indian climates.
Features of this breed
Origin: Norway
Height: 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm)
Weight: 13 to 20 pounds (6 to 9 kg)
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Grooming Level: Low
Price: Approximately 20,000 to 40,000 INR
11. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust, energetic, loyal, and adaptable breed, having origins as early as 5000 BC.
They carry a Thick, weather-resistant coat that requires moderate grooming.
However, it is crucial to note that these dogs are well suited to the colder regions of India.
Features of this breed
Origin: Norway
Height: 19 to 21 inches (48 to 53 cm)
Weight: 48 to 55 pounds (22 to 25 kg)
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Grooming Level: Moderate
Price: Approximately 25,000 to 45,000 INR
12. Peruvian Hairless Dog
The Peruvian Hairless Dog, as the name suggests, is a dog with a hairless appearance originating from ancient Peru.
If you wish to have a friendly dog requiring minimal grooming needs, you cant go wrong with a Peruvian Hairless Dog.
Features of this breed
Origin: Peru
Height: 20 to 25 inches (51 to 64 cm)
Weight: 35 to 55 pounds (16 to 25 kg)
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Grooming Level: Low
Price: Approximately 10,000 to 30,000 INR
Conclusion
So there we are, the list of 12 rare dog breeds in India!
Each breed mentioned above has its own unique set of characteristics and origins, providing dog enthusiasts with an opportunity to explore lesser known yet captivating dog breeds.
Before you welcome any of the breeds home, do some thorough research, to provide a happy and healthy life to your furry friend.