10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in India (With Pictures)
By Jessica Kim
Updated on
The number of pet dogs in India has risen significantly within the past decade. In 2014, there were an estimated 12.58 million pet dogs, and that number jumped to 27 million in 2021. Researchers expect the number of pet dogs to continue to rise and reach about 43 million pet dogs by 2026.
While the world is filled with many unique dogs, India has several dog breeds that are quite popular and becoming more common to see throughout the country. Let’s get to know some of these fan favorites.
Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in India:
1. Beagle
| Height: | 13 – 15 inches |
| Weight: | 18 – 30 pounds |
| Life Expectancy: | 10 – 15 years |
| Temperament: | Active, intelligent, willful |
The Beagle is a fun-loving dog with plenty of energy to accompany you on your next adventure. They can be a bit stubborn at times, but with proper training, they can grow to become loving and devoted companions.
Beagles are hound dogs, so they have particularly sensitive noses that are perfect for picking up scents. Therefore, don’t expect to walk a Beagle without making numerous stops to inspect every tree and shrub. They’ll need plenty of exercise and enrichment opportunities to use their nose and exercise their instincts.
2. Boxer
| Height: | 21 – 25 inches |
| Weight: | 60 – 70 pounds |
| Life Expectancy: | 10 – 12 years |
| Temperament: | Energetic, fearless, playful |
Boxers are playful dogs that know how to have a good time. They’re extremely intelligent and can often get into some mischief to alleviate their boredom. However, when given the appropriate amount of mental and physical exercise, these dogs are wonderful companions. They tend to love playing gently with children and cuddling with you at the end of a fun day.
The traditional look of the Boxer includes docked tails and cropped ears. However, many owners now opt to have their Boxers’ ears and tails untouched. Despite their large size, Boxers love living indoors with their humans and can even learn to adapt to apartment life, as long as they have plenty of daily exercise.
3. Dachshund
| Height: | 8 – 9 inches |
| Weight: | 16 – 32 pounds |
| Life Expectancy: | 12 – 15 years |
| Temperament: | Clever, energetic, lively |
Dachshunds are brave and bright and love a good challenge. They were originally bred to hunt burrowing animals, which explains their long bodies and short legs.
Since they have a hunting background, Dachshunds tend to have a lot of energy and will usually get into some sort of trouble if they don’t get plenty of exercise. Sometimes, they just need to let loose and run around a fenced yard to expend some of their energy.
Because of their unique body shape, it’s important to be watchful of their activity. Dachshunds, especially older ones, can easily slip a disc if they jump off high places, such as the bed or couch. Therefore, it’s safer to help them get off higher surfaces rather than having them do it on their own.
4. English Cocker Spaniel
| Height: | 13 – 15 inches |
| Weight: | 22 – 28 pounds |
| Life Expectancy: | 12 – 15 years |
| Temperament: | Cheerful, gentle, loving |
English Cocker Spaniels are easygoing dogs that can adapt to many different living situations as long as they’re around people. They’re wonderful companion dogs and don’t do well being home alone for long hours.
Despite its elegant looks, the English Cocker Spaniel is a sporting dog and enjoys chasing birds and small animals. They’re quite athletic and it’s always a fun sight to see an English Cocker Spaniel running around with their long ears flapping behind their faces.
5. German Shepherd
| Height: | 22 – 24 inches |
| Weight: | 75 – 95 pounds |
| Life Expectancy: | 10 – 14 years |
| Temperament: | Brave, Intelligent, Loyal |
It’s hard to find anyone who isn’t familiar with the German Shepherd. This dog breed is popular all around the world and with good reason. With the right owner, German Shepherds shine as brave and loyal working dogs that are ready to save the day. Many become police dogs and rescue dogs because of their intelligence, good instincts, and athleticism.
However, in the wrong hands, a German Shepherd can become aggressive, and overly protective. Without plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, this dog breed can easily develop destructive behaviors. Therefore, they’re not recommended for inexperienced dog owners and require consistent and patient training.
6. Golden Retriever
| Height: | 21 – 24 inches |
| Weight: | 55 – 80 pounds |
| Life Expectancy: | 10 – 12 years |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, playful, sociable |
Golden Retrievers are friendly and playful dogs that thrive on companionship. This dog breed isn’t known to do well being left alone for hours and needs to be around people or other dogs. Since they’re so sociable, they don’t make the best guard dogs and tend to be the ones to usher strangers into the home.
Although they make great companion dogs, Golden Retrievers were originally bred to work and retrieve birds for hunters. Therefore, they have a lot of energy and require a lot of exercise every day. They’re also extremely smart and need a variety of mental challenges to keep themselves busy and entertained. If these needs aren’t met, this sweet and friendly dog can quickly pick up destructive habits.
7. Labrador Retriever
| Height: | 21 – 24 inches |
| Weight: | 55 – 75 pounds |
| Life Expectancy: | 10 – 12 years |
| Temperament: | Eager to please, intelligent, loyal, people-oriented |
The Labrador Retriever is a popular pet in many countries. This good-natured dog tends to be very attuned to people and devoted to their families. They have a lot of energy and are eager to please, so you can often find them working as service dogs or therapy dogs.
This dog breed is often a great pet for first-time dog owners because they’re intelligent and relatively easy to train. However, owners should be cautious about overfeeding them with treats. Labrador Retrievers love to eat and are prone to becoming overweight.
8. Pug
| Height: | 10 – 14 inches |
| Weight: | 12 – 18 pounds |
| Life Expectancy: | 12 – 15 years |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, loyal, playful |
The origins of the Pug are unclear, but most people believe that they originated from China and lived as companion dogs for royal families. The personality of this dog breed seems to fit this backstory. Pugs love attention and often prefer to spend their days being a lapdog.
They’re quite confident despite their small stature, and can even have a stubborn streak. However, they’re extremely loyal to their families and often bring a lot of joy and laughter into their homes.
Pugs don’t tolerate hot weather very well, so it’s important to be attentive during the hotter months. They shouldn’t be pushed too hard to go on walks in extreme weather and will do much better exercising during cooler parts of the day.
9. Rottweiler
| Height: | 22 – 27 inches |
| Weight: | 85 – 130 pounds |
| Life Expectancy: | 8 – 11 years |
| Temperament: | Brave, Determined, ProtectiveBrave, Determined, Protective |
Rottweilers are hardworking and devoted dogs that enjoy working alongside their humans. They were originally cattle drivers and their brute strength also enabled them to pull carts.
Today, you can often see Rottweilers work as police dogs and military dogs. Despite their intimidating appearance, Rottweilers adore their families. With early socialization, they can become gentle and protective playmates for children.
Since Rottweilers can be strong and intense, they do the best living with experienced dog owners. They require consistency with their training and respond well to firm yet fun training sessions.
10. Tibetan Mastiff
| Height: | 24 – 28 inches |
| Weight: | 75 – 160 pounds |
| Life Expectancy: | 10 – 15 years |
| Temperament: | Fearless, independent, loyal |
Tibetan Mastiffs have been a part of Tibetan society for centuries. This ancient dog breed was originally bred as guard dogs, and it was wise to steer clear of homes containing them.
Today, Tibetan Mastiffs can be found as family dogs, but they still tend to have strong guarding instincts and can be very protective of their families. They’re not known to be too friendly with strangers and may take time warming up to them.
Although the Tibetan Mastiff is extremely loyal to its humans, it’s also very independent. So, it’s not a recommended dog breed for first-time dog owners. Tibetan Mastiffs often have a mind of their own and don’t do well in obedience competitions. They follow their instincts and require a consistent, firm, and patient trainer.
Conclusion
Dogs are becoming more and more popular in India, and there are some breeds that are clear fan favorites. It will be interesting to observe how trends change or stay the same as more households adopt more dogs. We’re looking forward to seeing what kinds of dogs will call India their home for many years to come.
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