Updated: August 31, 2020 9:45:00 pm
A Chippiparai dog. Typical characteristics of Indian hunting dogs are a keen sense of smell, lots of energy, and drive. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ speech was music to the ears of most animal lovers, activists and rescuers across the country. As the PM spoke about the beauty and endurance of Indian dogs, and the induction of various indigenous races into the Armed Forces, was a shot in the arm in efforts to eradicate a general tendency to view native races as inferior to their foreign counterparts.
Indian dogs in history, tradition
Centuries ago, native dogs were not relegated to the bottom of the breed hierarchy as they have been in India today. They were constant companions of kings, queens, and aristocrats as expert hunters and symbols of stature. Their attachment to humans has even been documented in ancient cave paintings.
In his 1963 book ‘The Indian Dog’, WV Soman writes about a reference to the Indian dog in the Rig Veda as ‘Sarama’, a “bitch belonging to Indra and the gods”.
He also mentions an excerpt from the Mahabharat, of Yudhishthira refusing to go to heaven if it were not with his dog:
Indra: “There is no place in heaven for people who bring dogs with them. They erase the benefits of the charities they do when they accompany men. So leave your dog and join me. There is no hardness of heart in it. “
Yudishthira: “There is a great sin in discarding devotees and it is almost like killing a Brahmin. Therefore, under no circumstances can I give up this dog. A frightened devotee, who feels that there is no one to protect him, will not be abandoned by me even at the cost of my life. This is my vote. “
What are the most common indigenous breeds?
In a 2016 study titled ‘A New Methodology for the Characterization of Indian Canine Genetic Resources’ by Raja KN, PK Singh, AK Mishra, I Ganguly and P Devendran from the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal , says: “There are numerous lesser known populations / breeds … that have not been adequately characterized and documented so far.”
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“In general, the different breeds of dogs in the world are classified according to their usefulness as protection / surveillance, herding, flocks, mountain, company, fighting, smell, etc. In India some breeds of dogs, namely Caravan Hound, Combai, Chippiparai, Rajapalayam, Rampur Hound, Kanni, Mudhol Hound, Indian Mastiff (Bulli), Himalayan Sheepdog, Bhutia, etc., contribute to the biodiversity of the domestic animals of our country ”, says the book.
“Combai, Chippiparai, Rajapalayam and Kanni are dog breeds from Tamil Nadu… Indigenous dog breeds are mainly used for guarding and herding livestock and agricultural farms, compared to exotic breeds, which are raised as pets. at home. Very little information is available on the phenotypic characteristics of our native dog breeds and their usefulness for farmers. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out the characterization, documentation and registration of the canine genetic resources of India ”, he adds.
Dr. KN Raja, Senior Scientist at Karnal National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, an ICAR institute, had conducted a study on the characterization of indigenous dogs in southern Tamil Nadu in 2013-2015. “Over the years, native Indian dog breeds have been used to protect agricultural land, herd animals, etc. So far, we have closely studied the Rajapalayam and Chippiparai breeds. During discussions with breeders, we learned that in the early days, Chippiparai dogs were also gifted to the daughter of the family during marriage. “
“For breeders, these dogs are a great source of pride and are very attached to their dogs. These dogs are very good at hunting, they can run very fast and are very obedient and loyal to the owner. In ancient times, they were even used in battle. The chippiparai were also used to monitor the facilities during the construction of the Periyar dam, ”he adds.
When asked about the breeds mentioned by the prime minister, such as Combai, Chippiparai, Rajapalayam and Mudhol Hound, Tanya Kane, co-founder of RESQ Charitable Trust in Pune, said: “Most of these are hunting dogs that are native to the southern from India, while Himalayan sheepdogs and Bhutia dogs are from North India and are used by tribes to keep flocks. Most of the indigenous breeds of India from the bloodhound family with ancestors that came from Afghanistan, the Middle East. They have a keen sense of smell, lots of energy, and drive. Its typical physical characteristics are chests with deep cavities and long legs. “
The most common Indian dogs, which can be found on the streets, are what Kane called mixed-breed, or “a melting pot” of various breeds, both indigenous and foreign.
Why are more foreign than native breed dogs found in Indian homes?
Many animal activists say that most Indians have a mental block against seeing a native breed dog as a pet. The term ‘pet’, for many, denotes an exotic and foreign breed, the most common being Labradors, Beagles, German Shepherds, Huskies, Shih Tzus, etc.
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Rescuers working exclusively to secure the adoption of rescued Indian puppies, and express their criticism of the “cruelty inflicted on dogs by illegal breeders and unauthorized pet shops by pushing them through an endless cycle of birth, mating and subsequent elimination”, They say that whenever they put up Indian puppies for adoption, the first question a prospective adopter asks is “Breed?” which is often followed by silence upon learning that the puppy whose photograph they gravitated to is a “stray dog.” , a profane jargon term for the Indian races.
Rescuers also say that purebred dogs find more acceptability compared to mixed breed dogs, and thus the obsession with the term ‘breed’ has posed a serious obstacle to their work of rescuing Indian dogs, the majority of which are mixed races, living on the streets. Many of these dogs are rescued in conditions (abuse, cruelty, abuses, diseases) that prevent them from living a safe and healthy life on the streets, but there are not many recipients because they are not purebred. ‘.
How well do Indian dogs adapt to the house?
Kane says he knows many who have Indian breeds like Chippiparai, Mudhol, and Rajapalayam as pets. “These breeds were never really raised as pets, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be. Anyone who wants to keep them as pets must understand their requirements. They need a lot of exercise and they are not the type that can sit in a room, ”he adds.
Dr. Raja also said: “They will need a lot of space as they are very active. Since ancient times, they have been known to move a lot. They are also very easy to train ”.
A Mudhol Hound. Neha Panchamiya, President of the RESQ Charitable Trust, says: “While indigenous Indian breeds are excellent dogs that are declining in numbers, these breeds are not your typical ‘urban domestic pet.’ (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Jess Brittany, founder of the US-based non-profit organization ‘Delhi the Street Dog’, began rehoming rescued Indian dogs abroad after rescuing her own dog, Delhi, from the streets of the national capital. “People in the US and Canada are very attracted to their stories and want to give them the life they deserve. Indian dogs have thrived in the US and Canada provided they receive proper positive reinforcement training and exercise. They tend to be high-energy dogs that excel when given proper training. “
To date, his rescue has relocated 94 Indian dogs rescued from the streets overseas. Dr Premlata Chaudhary, a Delhi-based veterinarian, says: “Indian dogs have fewer genetic defects, strong immunity. Their life expectancy is also longer, around 16-17 years. They are very intelligent and can adapt to different types of climate. “
How have activists and animal rescuers responded to the prime minister’s message?
Most have responded positively to the move, as they feel it will raise awareness of local dogs and inspire people to keep them as pets.
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Neha Panchamiya, Chairman of the RESQ Charitable Trust, said: “The intention of the Prime Minister was to promote the Indian races. But the message should not be misunderstood. While I agree that indigenous Indian breeds are excellent dogs that are declining in number, these breeds are not your typical ‘urban household pets.’
“Mudhol Hounds, Rajapalayams, Chippiparai are ‘pedigree’ dogs… They will also be bred by breeders, you won’t find them on the streets. Buying a dog from an ‘unregistered breeder’ is illegal, be it an Indian breed or a foreign / imported breed, ”said Panchamiya.
She further said: “This is also a good opportunity to make it known that stray dogs, which are ‘mixed breed dogs’ found on our streets, are amazing dogs to adopt. But as with any dog, you must be ready to compromise. “
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