International Dog Day is celebrated annually on August 26th. It is a day to recognize all dogs, mixed breeds and purebreds alike, for the joy and companionship they bring to humans. Dogs have been human’s best friends for thousands of years, providing loyalty, affection, protection and fun. This special day was founded in 2004 by pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs who need to be rescued each year.
In India, some of the most popular dog breeds kept as pets are Labrador Retrievers, Pomeranians, German Shepherds, Dachshunds and Beagles. Indian Pariah dogs, also known as INDogs, are an ancient indigenous breed found all over India. They are a mixed breed population well adapted to the tropical climate. Other native Indian breeds like Rajapalayam, Mudhol Hound, Chippiparai and Rampur Hound are gradually growing in popularity as pets.
Animal welfare organizations in India like the Jain Bird Hospital in Delhi, Blue Cross of India in Chennai and WCF India work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome homeless dogs. It is estimated there are over 30 million stray dogs in India. Sterilization drives are conducted by NGOs to control the stray dog population humanely. By adopting an indie dog from a shelter, you can help give them a second chance at life.
Dog owners in India can celebrate International Dog Day by giving their furry friends some extra TLC. Take them for a walk to a dog park, give them a soothing bath, buy a cute bandana or toy, cook them a pupcake or kibble treat, or have a fun play date with other dog owner friends. Share adorable photos of your pooch on social media to spread awareness about dog adoption using #DesiDog and #InternationalDogDay.
You can also donate to local animal shelters or volunteer with NGOs like WSD India, Humane Society International-India or Friendicoes SECA on International Dog Day. Check for any fundraisers, dog walks or pet events happening in your city. Promote adoption and sterilisation drives to help the indigenous dog population.
Here are some interesting facts about dogs in India:
Pariah dogs are an ancient indigenous breed perfectly adapted to India’s tropical climate
Rajapalayam, Chippiparai, Mudhol Hound and Rampur Hound are native Indian dog breeds
It’s estimated India has over 30 million stray dogs in need of sterilisation and adoption
Indian Pariah Dogs have existed alongside humans for thousands of years dating back to the Indus Valley civilization
Stray dogs in India have evolved excellent survival skills like sleeping in dense shrubs and forming packs for hunting
The Hokkaido breed from Japan is said to have originated from the Indian Pariah Dog thousands of years ago
Indian dog breeds like the Mudhol Hound and Rajapalayam were historically used by royalty for hunting and guarding
Chippiparai dogs are one of the fastest dog breeds in the world, capable of running at up to 42 mph
India has the highest human rabies deaths in the world, mostly transmitted through street dog bites
Animal birth control with sterilisation is the most ethical and effective way to humanely control stray dog numbers
Desi dogs require fewervet visits compared to foreign breeds as they have developed antibodies and immunity naturally
Organisations like Friendicoes have rehabilitated abandoned puppies using the bottle feeding method with success
Jain Bird Hospital in Delhi runs one of the largest animal rescue shelters in India since 1956
WCF India is one of the biggest animal welfare charities providing veterinary services to street animals nationwide
Indian pet owners often give dogs local pet names like Tuffy, Sweety, Lucky, Shera, Tiger, Hero or Sunny
Stray dogs in India congregate around food outlets and temples where people feed them leftover food daily
Desi dog breeds have excellent guarding instincts and are very territorial, making them ideal watch dogs
Indian Pariah dogs come in various coat colours like brown, black, white, golden and cream with spotted patterns
Local municipal bodies round up street dogs for sterilization drives to control populations through animal birth control
Leading pet brands like Drools, Pedigree and Royal Canin are promoting adoption of indigenous breeds in India
Small apartment-friendly dogs like Dachshunds, Pugs, Pomeranians and Beagles are gaining popularity among urban Indians
Earlier Indians preferred foreign breeds but adoptable desi dogs are becoming more popular especially among millennials
NGOs provide free anti-rabies vaccines for street dogs across India to prevent the spread of rabies
Spaying/neutering stray dogs is cheaper than impounding, returning and euthanizing per animal in controlling populations
