The Most Popular Dog Breeds in India: Choosing Your Perfect Partner

Welcoming a dog into your home is among the most joyous experiences one can have as a pet parent. Dogs bring with them an immense amount of love, joy, and energy; not to mention they melt your stress away and are as funny as they are adorable. 

If you’re pondering the idea of bringing a dog home, you have a huge variety to choose from. There is a plethora of dog breeds available in India, and you may be wondering what breeds are popular in the country. 

Different breeds are unique for different reasons, so it is a good idea to look at the personality and characteristics of the breed you’re thinking about and confirm that they fit in with your everyday routine and lifestyle. 

Here’s The Most Popular Dog Breeds in India

Top Dog Breeds in India

• Labradors 
• Golden retrievers 
• German Shepherd 
• Rottweilers 
• Beagle 
• Shih Tzus 
• Pug
• Indie (Pariah)
• Cocker Spaniel 
• Boxer

Labrador Retrievers

Ubiquitous and universally loved, labrador retrievers (also known as simply labradors) are the most popular dog breed in India. Labs are friendly, outgoing, and immensely lovable, not to mention their sociable and friendly nature makes them good with kids and other animals. A tried and tested family favourite, the labrador is India’s most popular dog breed. 

Labs are suitable for Indian climate and have a life expectancy of roughly 10-14 years. 

Golden Retriever

Intelligent, obedient, friendly and lovable, Golden Retrievers are among the most popular breeds in India. Thanks to their family-friendly nature, intelligence, and docile temperament, this Scottish breed is a fantastic all-rounder. Whether you need a watchdog for your family or a 5-star performer in a dog show, the golden retriever is the perfect companion. Make sure to clear your schedule for an hour or so daily; this breed is active and requires some exercise to keep content. 

Golden Retrievers are suitable for Indian climate and have a life expectancy of roughly 10-12 years.

German Shepherd 

Instantly recognizable thanks to their wolfish features, German Shepherds are wonderfully loving and loyal dogs. Among the most active breeds in the country, you will often find a German Shepherd serving duty as a sniffer or police dog. Thanks to their intelligence, temperament, and loyalty, these dogs are a wonderful addition to just about any family.

German Shepherds are suitable for Indian climate and have a life expectancy of roughly 10-11 years. 

Rottweiler

While their size and reputation lead to some misconceptions, rottweilers are immensely loyal and intelligent dogs. Their intelligence makes them good with training and wonderful family dogs, (provided you’re ready to put up with the incessant shedding). 

Rottweilers are suitable for Indian climate and have a life expectancy of roughly 8-10 years. 

Beagle

The beagle is the first small-medium sized dog on this list, but they have a big personality that more than makes up for their size. Their happy-go-lucky and fun nature makes them popular choices, not to mention the cheek and charm they are well-known for. Curious and adorable, beagles were raised as hunting dogs which makes them active dogs. Provided you can meet their activity needs, you will have a wonderful time with these small hounds. 

Beagles are suitable for Indian climate and have a life expectancy of roughly 12-15 years. 

Shih Tzu 

The first small dog on this list, the Shih Tzu may be small, but they have giant personalities. The name ‘shih tzu’ translates to ‘little lion’ in mandarin, which is no surprise when you consider that these dogs were beloved by Chinese royalty. Playful and curious, these dogs are known to be cuddlebugs. 

Shih Tzus may not be suitable for Indian climate and have a life expectancy of roughly 10-16 years. 

Pug

Instantly recognizable and adorable to behold, pugs are one of the most popular small dog breeds in India. They are affectionate, cuddly, and perfect for compact spaces. Their adorable expressions and big, soulful eyes make them hard to resist, as does their charming personality. Pugs have been and remain a pet parent favourite in India. 

Labs are suitable for Indian climate and have a life expectancy of roughly 12-14 years. 

Indian Pariah (Indie Dog)

Native to India, Pariahs (commonly known as Indies) are intelligent, adaptable, loving, easy to train, and have even earned a place in the police force. Low-maintenance and full of charm, they make excellent companions, and since they are a native breed, they are perfect for any climate countrywide. 

Indian Pariah’s are perfect for Indian climates and have a life expectancy of roughly 13-16 years. 

Cocker Spaniel

Originally bred for hunting, Cocker Spaniels are a mix of American and English varieties. Their silky coats, floppy ears, and sharp minds make them lovable and easy to train. If you’re looking for an energetic, medium-sized pet that is smart, cuddly, and intelligent, then a cocker spaniel is a great choice.

Cocker Spaniels are suitable for Indian climate and have a life expectancy of roughly 11-12 years. 

Boxer

Boxers are among the best dog breeds for Indian homes. Known for their affectionate nature and easy training, their wrinkled foreheads, curious expressions, and loving eyes make them fantastic family pets.

Boxers are suitable for Indian climate and have a life expectancy of roughly 11-12 years. 

There are plenty of dog breeds to choose from if you’re considering bringing a furry friend home. If you’re not sure or confused about your choice, you can always head to an animal shelter or NGO to check out a dog in person. Remember, dog shelters may end up having your perfect companion without you realizing it, so make sure to look around and make sure your choice will fit into your family. Provided you do your research, you should have no trouble finding your perfect companion.