5. Rottweilers
Rottweilers are strong, intelligent and confident. They were first bred in Germany to pull carts and herd farm animals. Now, they are known as some of the best guard dogs in India.
Though they have the physical strength and stamina, they are very calm and less likely to bite. Why then are Rottweilers considered one of the most dangerous breeds? It’s because with Rotties training is not an option; it is an absolute necessity. Rottweilers need consistent training and feeding. As with any other dog, an untrained Rottweiler is a threat to the entire society.
If you want a Rottweiler, you must socialise them with children and other dogs from a very early age. This will teach them the difference between a friendly encounter and an invasion.
Breed Highlights:
- Versatile breed; parental supervision is important if you have kids around the house
- Prone to hip dysplasia, Osteosarcoma, bloat, allergies etc
- 45 minutes to an hour workout needed
- Not very difficult to train but consistency is important
- Not suitable for first-time pet owners
Statistics:
- Group: Working
- Weight: 40 – 58 Kg
- Height: 22 – 27 Inches
- Life Expectancy: 8 – 11 years
4. German Shepherd
A large mesmerising breed, quite popular in the entire world. Many keep them because of their majestic wolf-like features. There are a lot of movies, magazines, websites and television shows that feature the German Shepherd that even non-dog owners recognize the breed. As a puppy, their ears are droopy and their tail curls at the tip. However, as they reach their second – third month, the tips of their ears and tail take shape.
These big, intelligent dogs cannot be brought home on a whim. They require a lot of exercise – both physical and mental activity. Training is essential from an early age because there is nothing worse than a mighty German Shepherd who doesn’t listen to their owner. If you plan to keep a German Shepherd, we suggest you do your research and keep them only if you are up for the commitment.
Breed Highlights:
- Thrive in cool temperatures, but Indian borns have no problem in warm cities
- Moderate health; prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and allergies
- Heavy shedders so make sure you have a functioning vacuum cleaner
- Easy to train but you must be consistent with their training
- As strong and intelligent dogs, they thrive best with an experienced pet owner
Statistics:
- Group: Herding
- Weight: 34 – 43 Kg
- Height: 22 – 26 Inches
- Life Expectancy: 10 – 14 years
3. Beagle
Beagles are excellent family dogs; they are vocal and can alert you about strangers. They are less likely to fall sick because genetic problems are bred out of their genes.
Beagles are old breeds and were initially bred to hunt. This is why they have a very high prey drive and are likely to chase butterflies, rodents, rabbits; literally, any small creature that moves.
Being active dogs, you should exercise them every day but always keep them on a leash when on a walk. Their strong sense of smell and high prey drive distracts them, and they get carried away chasing small animals.
Breed Highlights:
- Can thrive in warm temperatures
- Vocal dogs; known to produce multiple sounds
- Good at alerting owners in case of an intrusion
- Prone to ear infections
- Minimal grooming required
Statistics:
- Group: Hound
- Weight: 9 – 14 Kg
- Height: 13 – 15 Inches/
- Life Expectancy: 10 – 15 years
2. Golden Retriever
Number two on our list is the humble Golden Retriever. They are known for their calm and quiet demeanour. Their soft touch and gentle nature makes them perfect for kids. Golden Retrievers are often used as therapy dogs and sniffer dogs because they’re easy to train.
However, if you plan to keep a Golden Retriever, be ready for a lot of grooming and long walks. They are big dogs with a double layer coat which needs a lot of maintenance.
If you buy an Indian born Golden Retriever, the weather wouldn’t be much of a problem as long as you keep them indoors during the summers.
Breed Highlights:
- People pleasers; if you train them early, they will grow into ideal family dogs
- Being a big dog, they have health problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, eye problems and allergies
- Daily grooming required
- Tend to put on weight so manage their diet and feed them premium quality dog food
Statistics:
- Group: Sporting
- Weight: 24 – 34 Kg
- Height: 21 – 24 Inches
- Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
1. Labrador Retriever
The most popular dog breed in India and the world is, of course, the Labrador. And why not? They are gentle creatures, loving and great with kids. They have a lighter coat when compared to Goldies, hence require less grooming. This is why most Indians prefer Labs over Goldens.
Behaviour wise, there are minute differences between the two. Those who owned both breeds have said that Goldies learn faster and can understand human behaviour more easily. However, this does not mean that our Labs are behind. They are the 7th most intelligent dog breed in the world!
Breed Highlights:
- Bred in India for longer hence they thrive in Indian temperatures.
- Please look into a well-known breeder if you want a Lab. Owing to their popularity, they are often overbred, leading to many genetic disorders
- As big dogs they have problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, eye problems and allergies
- Brushing twice or thrice a week is enough for their coats
- Very easy to train and great for first-time pet owners
Statistics:
- Group: Sporting
- Weight: 24 – 36 Kg
- Height: 21 – 24 Inches
- Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years