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.