Indian Dogs Deserve Love Too: Why We Need To Adopt More Desi Breeds & Stray Dogs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clarion call urging Indians to adopt desi breeds has struck a chord with animal rights activists and animal lovers across the country. In the latest edition of ¡®Mann Ki Baat¡¯, PM Modi said, ¡°Next time when you think of keeping a pet dog, then you must bring one of the Indian breed dogs home."

PM Modi also named several Indian breeds such as Mudhol Hound, Himachali Hound, Rajapalayam, Kanni, Chippiparai and Combai.

¡°The cost of their upkeep is also quite less, and they are also accustomed to Indian conditions,¡± Modi said.

Praising the role of rescue dogs in security and police forces, he added that security forces have also inducted and trained Indian breeds in their dog squads.

Activists praise PM's appeal

Modi's request to adopt Indian dog breeds - both to the citizens and the armed forces - is encouraging. Indie breeds have been tremendously neglected. Perhaps this will prompt people to take notice of the Indie breeds that are neglected in favour of breeds like Labradors and Retrievers.

¡°Indian dogs are well suited for Indian climate. They are sturdy, don¡¯t fall ill easily and are low-maintenance. And Indian dog breeds are diverse, you have Mudhol Hound, Rajapalayam, a german shepherd-like breed Himalayan Mastiff, but they are best-suited for the mountains, and nor for places like Delhi and Mumbai,¡± says Harrish Iyer, a Mumbai-based animal rights activist.

Harish added that people should love strays as much as they love pedigree dogs. ¡°If people start adopting strays, it will definitely mean more dogs in homes and less burden on animal lovers and activists,¡± he told Indiatimes.

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Ratty P Javeri, Honorary Secretary at Indian National Kennel Club said, "People are not aware about the pure-bred dogs because breeders do not bring them forth. Besides this, people should opt for them only if they have ample open space. Those living in flats or small houses should go for street dogs."

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rightfully reminded people how wonderful and smart Indian dogs are, and that includes those we see on every street. People with time, resources, patience, and love should opt to adopt dogs in need from local animal shelters," said Sachin Bangera of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Why we need to love the strays

Every time someone buys an exotic dog from a breeder or a pet store, the dogs in animal shelters and roads lose a chance to have a loving home.

When choosing a stray dog, people actually make a contribution to the society by taking a stand against illegal breeders.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, many found company in dogs to counter the loneliness inflicted by the pandemic.

India has an estimated 30 million stray dogs, and animal activists have long encouraged people to adopt mixed-breed street mutts.

But while a growing middle class is becoming open to having dogs as pets, many still prefer pedigrees, which are more of a status symbol.

However, the dynamics are changing. There is a visible cultural shift in younger people, who are more keen on adopting strays, Indian breeds and mixed-breeds.