Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in India
Dogs are fun, loving, playful, and intelligent creatures. No other animal is as loyal as a dog, hence known as a “Man’s best friend.”
Today the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes more than 339 dog breeds present in the world. Most pets and watch dogs are mostly of foreign breeds in our country.
Here we are going to take a look at the top 10 most popular dog breeds in India.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever is popular throughout India. They are caring, and always devoted to their owners. Labradors are usually found as therapy and service dogs across the country. They make great family pets but you must be attentive while overfeeding them with treats as they are prone to becoming lazy and overweight.
Size: Large
Ideal Weight: 22-34 kgs
Suitability: Suitable for apartments/houses with ample space to run around.
Attributes: Intelligent, friendly, easy to train.
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Beagle
Beagles are hound dogs with extremely sensitive noses, they pick up scents well and make loyal companions. These dogs were initially rabbit hunting hounds originating from Great Britain. They require ample exercise and like to inspect every shrub, tree, and stone so expect to make a few stops while taking them on a walk.
Size: Small
Ideal Weight: 10-15 kgs
Suitability: Suitable for houses and can thrive living in apartments
Attributes: Gentle, Active, Intelligent, loyal
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
German Shepherd
German Shepherd is popular all over the world. Under the right training and guidance, German Shepherds are loyal, protective, and brave with great athleticism.
They are usually seen as police and rescue dogs because of their intelligence and exceptional instincts. If not trained in the right way, these dogs can become overly aggressive and hostile.
Size: Large
Ideal Weight: 31-39 kgs
Suitability: Suitable for apartments as they adapt quick and even big houses to run, jump and leap
Attributes: Protective, Loyal, Brave, Obedient
Life Expectancy: 9-14 years
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are very playful dogs that thrive on companionship, these dogs cannot be left alone for a long time as they require attention. They don’t make good guard dogs but in fact would play and welcome anyone who walks through your door. They were initially bird hunting dogs who retrieve birds for hunters. They require ample exercise and love to be entertained.
Size: Large
Ideal Weight: 28-35 kgs
Suitability: Suitable for apartments and houses if trained in the right way with ample space to run and play
Attributes: Gentle, Active, Intelligent, loyal
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Pug
Pugs are referred to as one of the smallest dogs in the world. They are passionate about their owners and confident despite the short stature. Pugs often struggle with hot weather and prefer a cool climate. They need moderate exercises to keep fit, but should not be pushed to exercise hard.
Size: Small
Ideal Weight: 6-10 kgs
Suitability: Suitable for small houses and apartments as they are small dogs.
Attributes: Playful, Quiet, Charming, Affectionate
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Boxer
Boxers are playful and make great apartment dogs if trained correctly. These dogs require the right amount of physical and mental exercises to keep fit. They make wonderful companions despite being of large size they love living indoors with their owners. They are an attentive breed hence making them great watchdogs.
Size: Large
Ideal Weight: 24-31 kgs
Suitability: Suitable for apartments if there’s sufficient exercise.
Attributes: Gentle, Watchful, Attentive loyal
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Dachshund
Dachshunds are brave, smart and challenging dogs. They have a different stature, the shape of their body is long with short legs, due to their shape we can clarify that they were originally bred to be hunting animals. They are compassionate and make good apartment dogs. They must be taken care of properly especially the older ones because dachshunds can injure themselves while jumping from high platforms causing them to have a slip disc and so on.
Size: Small
Ideal Weight: 7-14 kgs
Suitability: Suitable for apartments and houses as they make excellent watch dogs.
Attributes: Lively, Brave, Challenging, Energetic.
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel makes great pets, they can adapt to any home lifestyle and make good apartment dogs, this breed is preferred by many people mainly because of their appearance. Long fluffy ears while they run is a sight to see. The English Cocker Spaniel is a sporting breed.
Size: Small
Ideal Weight: 12-16 kgs
Suitability: they make excellent house and apartment dogs as they socialise and adapt to conditions easily.
Attributes: Affectionate, Cheerful, Quiet.
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Tibetan Mastiff
As the name suggests the Tibetan Mastiff has been around the Tibetan society for centuries, they were bred to be guard dogs, but now can be found as family dogs. They are extremely loyal to their owners. They might not be friendly and may take time warming up to new faces. These dogs often follow their instincts and require a patient trainer.
Size: Large
Ideal Weight: 34-68 kgs
Suitability: Not suitable for apartments as they are huge and require ample space
Attributes: Brave, Watchful, Protective
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are brave and hard-working dogs that adore their family. If trained properly they can be protective over their loved ones. Rottweilers have a strong body and can be found working as police and military dogs. Despite their intimidating look, rottweilers are friendly creatures and love playing with their owners.
Size: Large
Ideal Weight: 36-60 kgs
Suitability: Suitable for apartments if given the proper training and exercise.
Attributes: Brave, Strong, Protective.
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years