India has somewhere in the region of 62 million stray dogs – let that sink in.
The global canine population is around 900 million and only 20% of those are pets. The rest are free ranging dogs which don’t stay inside a garden or house. A large portion of these free ranging dogs live on the Indian subcontinent, also known as village dogs, indie dogs, desi dogs, Indian pariah dogs, or street dogs.
And they are gems, hiding in plain sight.
The recent declaration from Turkey to solve their stray dog problem by means of a mass cull faced fierce opposition from animal rights campaigners. There are other ways – namely via education and sterilisation and vaccination programs – that help us to coexist with these wonderful canines. So little is known about free roaming dog breeds compared to recognised breeds, and many of us highly underestimate their value. They’ve lived alongside us for millennia and here are some reasons why you should adopt one.
Photo by Nandhu Kumar on Unsplash
Adopt an Indie
1. Indie dogs are healthy!
Generally, indie dogs have less health issues than recognised breed dogs. Their immune systems are strong from living on the streets and they have a resilience other dogs don’t have. They’re also from India and so are very attuned to local conditions and climate, so are less likely to get sick because they’re already adapted.
Indie dogs are less prone to disease and with the right diet, care and attention, you’re less likely to have tonnes of vet visits over the years. They’re very adaptable dogs and are likely to thrive in a caring household.
2. Indie dogs are stellar protectors
If you adopt an indie dog, you can guarantee you and your house will be kept safe. Streetwise, alert and smart, they’re used to being in a protective role (how else would they survive on the streets?).
They’re fiercely loyal to their human companions and will be by your side whenever you need them. They very much see their adoptive family as their pack and will protect you as one of their own.
3. Indie dogs are social
The indie dogs are a breed that aren’t domestic, so you will observe them on the streets living in groups. They are generally socialised from a young age as they roam around and they are in tune with other dogs’ behaviour. With recognised foreign breeds, socialisation has become a huge training issue because generally owners keep them solitary and they aren’t exposed to as many other animals, dogs, people or situations. Do be aware though that indie dogs may have experienced negative interactions in their young life, but so have official breed dogs.
A side note on this: Indies going into homes where they have little social interaction and stimulation may struggle. It’s important to be aware of this and seek advice from a dog behaviourist or vet. There are ways to combat loneliness and boredom, and it’s very important that the owner allows a dog to demonstrate natural behaviours.
Can’t Adopt? Why Not Sponsor an Indie
4. Indie dogs are extremely intelligent
The masters at observing and reading people, situations and their environment, these dogs are switched on! They pick things up very quickly and are easy to train and adapt. Indie dogs will easily adapt to your lifestyle, but remember to adapt your life to them too. They need healthy routines, a nutritious diet, care, enrichment and stimulation.
5. Adopting an indie dog helps solve a bigger problem
Adopting an indie means one less dog on the street, struggling for survival. Most of the dogs live a dismal life scavenging for scraps and in poor health. Adopting a local dog shows others that these dogs are worth our kindness and care, and will reward us time and time again with their loyalty.
Indie dogs are highly intelligent creatures and are strong and resilient due to hundreds of years of natural selection. Don’t let them down by discarding them or demonising them. The more of us that become educated about the Indie dogs that walk alongside us, the more we can coexist with them without conflict. Show the rest of the world how proud you are of these precious Indian canines – soon everyone will want one!
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