Creature Companion - Interzoo Special Interzoo Special 2018 | Page 37

Indian Gaddi Kutta or
Pahari Leopard Hound
Th e Gaddi Kutta is a Mastiff -type mountain
dog native to India, particularly the
Himalayan region. Also referred to as the
'Indian Panther Hound', it is claimed that
these dogs possess the capability of fi ghting
off snow leopards. Today, this breed is used
by Himalayan tribes as shepherds or for the
purpose of delivering supplies in diffi cult
terrains where other means of transportation
are impossible. Unlike other Indian breeds,
th e leopard hound is not counted among
other domesticated dogs as they abhor
strangers. On the other hand, they make great
watch guards and guardians of livestock and
property.
Th ey are strong, agile, intelligent, loyal and
effi cient in herding and guarding. But they
are also aggressive and stubborn, and not at
all recommended to keep as pets.
Gaddis are a muscular breed - large-sized
with thick, medium-length coats that
normally come in various shades of light
brown. Th ey are currently found in India and
parts of Pakistan.
Having listed some of the dog breeds native
to India as well as studied their traits, it is
evident that Indian breeds are equivalent to, if not better than, most
foreign breeds for the following reasons:
1. Indian breeds can survive the tropical climate.
2. Almost all Indian breeds are skilled, sturdy and good at hunting,
guarding and fi ghting.
3. Th ey are just as loyal and friendly as foreign breeds.
Himalayan Mastiff or Himalayan Guard Dog
Himalayan mastiff s, as the name suggests, are native to
the Himalayan region. Th ey are recognized as Himalayan
guard dogs or indigenous Tibetan mastiff s. Th is is a calm,
friendly and lovable dog that likes to please its master, and
occasionally enjoys the company of other family members
as well.
Himalayan Mastiff s usually have a long, dry, double-coat
of solid black, black mixed with yellow/tan, red, dark grey,
or grey-black fur. Rare specimens of the breed have mixed
coloration, and having white fur coats is not common. Unlike
other Indian breeds, they cannot survive warm weather.
Habitually very gentle and calm, Himalayan mastiff s can
also be very ferocious. Th ey do not like any companionship
with other dogs; To paint you a picture, a full-grown male
Himalayan Mastiff is capable of taking down two wolves on
its own. Th ey are known to fi ght to the death. Th ey are the
only purebred Indian mastiff s, and have also been listed as
endangered species.
Source: https://pethelpful.com/dogs/11-Strongest-Indian-dogs
https://www.animalwised.com/native-dog-breeds-of-india-1334.html
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Interzoo Special 2018
| Creature Companion