It’s well known among Dog lovers worldwide that dogs are the best pets. As a personal companion, dogs can be trusted to be loyal, affectionate, and intelligent. Their love for their owners is unconditional. That’s why they’re called “Man’s best friend.” Imported dogs are among the most popular dogs in India. 

So, here in this post, we will discuss about the dog breeds which are considered to be favoured pet dogs in India, as well as a guard dog:

Beagle

A Beagle is a people-friendly dog with a high level of intelligence. It is one of the most adorable dog breeds available globally and is considered one of the most desirable pet dogs worldwide. An ideal dog for pet owners looking for a small to medium-sized, compact dog. Due to the strong sense of smell in this breed, the Beagle has been used for scavenging in airport security and search and rescue. This dog is available with a combination of black and tan or brown with white, making up the tricolour pattern. The coat is medium length and medium-length haired with short hair.

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Some of the most important facts about the Beagle dog breed:

• Group: Hound Group
• Height: Male: 36–41 cm, Female: 33–38 cm
• Weight: Male: 10–11 kg, Female: 9–10 kg
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, Even Tempered, Friendly, Curious, Merry
• Colours: Tri-colour, Lemon & White, Chocolate Tri, White & Tan, Orange & White, Red & White, White & Chocolate

Highlights:

• In general, Beagles like to eat whatever food they get in front of them. Their overeating tendency is high. Thus, it is absolutely necessary to monitor the amount and type of food that is given to them.
• You may need to train your Beagle for more than a year to get it house-trained. We suggest a Crate training process.
• Due to their friendliness, Beagles tend to be neither good protectors nor guard dogs.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a breed with a wide range of abilities and a breed that combines loyalty, intelligence, and courage. The best guard dogs in the world are willing to sacrifice themselves for the protection of their family. German Shepherds need an adequate amount of activity daily because they are an active breed.

Some of the most important facts about the German Shepherd dog breed:

• Group: Working Group
• Height: Male: 60–65 cm, Female: 55–60 cm
• Weight: Male: 30–40 kg, Female: 22–32 kg
• Life Expectancy: 9 – 13 years
• Temperament:  Affectionate, Loyal, Intelligent, Stubborn, Curious, Watchful, Courageous
• Speed: 48 km/h (Maximum, Running)

Highlights:

• A German Shepherd puppy’s growth rate is much faster than that of other breeds. Therefore, the diet must be rich in protein.
• Despite German Shepherds having a thick double coat that needs to be brushed regularly, they are much heavier shedders as well.
• The German Shepherd dog is a clever breed known to pick up new tricks with only five repetitions quickly.

Great Dane

Great Danes are commonly called ‘Apollo of dogs’ since they have great authority, the ability to provide protection and to be obedient guard dogs. It is also known as German Mastiff or Deutsche Dogge. This is a German dog breed. Because of their intelligence, they can be trained easily. An old, legendary hunting dog, the Great Dane has been carrying out his duties since prehistoric times. It is considered to be one of the largest breeds in the world. It is a friendly dog and has a great relationship with both children and other dogs. They are available in various colours like black, blue, fawn, mantle, brindle, and harlequin.

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Some of the most important facts about the Great Dane dog breed:

• Group: Working Group
• Height: Female: 71–81 cm, Male: 76–86 cm
• Weight: Female: 45–59 kg, Male: 54–90 kg
• Life Expectancy:  8 – 10 years
• Temperament:  Bright, Fun-Loving, Active, Friendly, Devoted, Reserved, Confident

Highlights:

• Good-quality dog food should be fed to Great Danes regardless of their age (puppy, adult, or senior). Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is usually the leading cause of death for this breed. One of the best ways to reduce the chances of this occurring is by giving it many small, frequent meals each day and preventing vigorous exercise around mealtimes.
• Most Great Danes shed little, but their short, smooth coat would shed profusely during the shedding season. Nails should be trimmed regularly, and their short, smooth coat would shed profusely in that period.
• The Great Dane breed is so powerful and large that obedience training is essential. It is recommended that puppies are socialized and attend puppy training classes as early as possible.

Boxer

The dog is one of the best guard dogs for a home. It is also very intelligent and sportsy. This dog has an exceptionally muscular body and a rectangular muzzle, along with strong jaws. Boxers are quiet, gentle, friendly, and also very protective of their owners and can be trained as people’s guides for the blind. This breed has a reputation for being a great dog with children due to its inherent patience and protective nature. There are three colour variations in this breed: brindle, fawn, and white.

Some of the most important facts about the Boxer dog breed:

• Group: Working Group
• Height: Female: 53–60 cm, Male: 57–63 cm
• Weight: Female: 25–29 kg, Male: 27–32 kg
• Life Expectancy:  10 – 12 years
• Temperament:  Friendly, Patient, Dependable, Intelligent, Playful, Devoted, Fearless, Loyal, Confident, Calm, Brave

Highlights:

• Whether you are giving your Boxer commercially prepared dog food, or homemade dog food, it should thrive.
• You only need to groom the Boxers short, shiny coats and trim their nails when necessary.
• Puppy training classes and early socialization are essential for this breed. They tend to be extremely intelligent and possess a mind of their own. They are also excellent problem solvers.

Labrador Retriever

A Labrador Retriever sometimes referred to simply as a Labrador, is a breed of retrieving gundog developed from imported Canadian fishing dogs in the United Kingdom. Labradors are famous dog breeds worldwide and are especially popular in Western countries. Labradors are known to be friendly and helpful housemates. A breed’s highlight is its ability to interact socially with neighbours, dogs, and people. It comes in luscious shades of yellow, black, and chocolate.

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Some of the most important facts about the Labrador dog breed:

• Group: Sporting Group
• Height: Male: 57–62 cm, Female: 55–60 cm
• Weight: Male: 29–36 kg, Female: 25–32 kg
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• Temperament: Friendly, Active, Outgoing, Intelligent, Even Tempered

Highlights:

• A healthy and well-balanced diet for Labrador must-have foods suitable for their age and provide them with all the necessary nutrients. Labradors are prone to becoming obese.
• A Labrador’s double coat needs occasional grooming because its skin is very thick and water-resistant.
• A Labrador’s natural abilities make them agile and energetic, so they need to be exercised each day closely. They’re obedient and intelligent.

Rottweiler

One of the strongest breeds in the world, Rottweilers derive their strength from past mastiff breeds of Roman legions. The dogs of this breed are extremely devoted and loyal to all their family, which makes them great family pets. It is suggested that Rottweilers be socialized right from puppyhood onwards so as to help them become well behaved. Since their primary purpose was to pull carts with butchered meat to market, the dogs were known in German as Rottweiler Metzgerhunds. A Rottweiler can be black and tan or black and cherry.

Some of the most important facts about the Rottweilers dog breed:

• Group: Utility Group
• Height: Female: 56–63 cm, Male: 61–69 cm
• Weight: Female: 35–48 kg, Male: 50–60 kg
• Life Expectancy: 8 – 10 years
• Temperament: Good-Natured, Self Assured, Courageous, Devoted, Alert, Confident, Steady

Highlights:

• Since Rottweilers are a strong breed, their growth can be hindered with diets low in protein and high in fat. A moderate amount of fats should be offered to satisfy their high energy needs further.
• The Rottweiler is hypoallergenic, which means it is least likely to activate allergies.
• A Rottweiler’s breed dogs’ tasks included pulling carts, guarding homes, and herding animals.

Pug

Pugs are ideal for homes with limited living space or apartment dwellers. Essentially a small dog with a wrinkly face, short muzzle, and curled tail, the pug is distinctly different from other breeds out there due to its physical characteristics. Despite the pug’s tendency to shed a lot, its hair fall is quite low, making it one of the easiest dogs to maintain. They don’t need to be bathed if they don’t get dirt or messed up. Though they need their nails regularly trimmed because long nails can cause discomfort. The colours of Pugs include Black, Fawn, Apricot, and Silver Fawn.

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Some of the most important facts about the Pug dog breed:

• Group: Toy Group
• Height: Male: 30 – 36 cm (At the withers), Female: 25 – 30 cm (At the withers)
• Weight: 11–16 kg
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• Temperament: Charming, Playful, Stubborn, Charming, Sociable, Loving, Attentive

Highlights:

• It doesn’t matter whether you feed your Pugs homemade food or anything manufactured as long as they’re getting the right amount of calories.
• It is recommended that pugs do not eat too much fat in their diet as they are prone to obesity.
• A Pug is an extremely adaptable breed of dog that will thrive both indoors and outdoors.

Golden Retriever

This medium-large gun dog was specifically bred to retrieve shot birds during hunting and shooting parties, such as ducks and upland game birds. The breed is specifically called a retriever because of its ability to retrieve shot game unharmed due to its soft mouth. Since Golden Retrievers have such a loving and loyal nature, they are very popular as pet dogs. Their intelligence distinguishes them from others and allows them to excel in competition. You can rely on them as watchdogs. The dogs are medium-sized, sturdy, good-looking, and have a good temperament. The dog requires regular grooming due to its water-resistant coat, dense with a straight or wavy exterior coat. You can choose from creams and golden colours.

Some of the most important facts about the Golden Retrievers dog breed:

• Group: Sporting Group
• Height: Female: 51–56 cm, Male: 56–61 cm
• Weight: Female: 25–32 kg, Male: 30–34 kg
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted, Reliable, Kind, Trustworthy, Confident

Highlights:

• It is important to provide high-quality food for Golden Retrievers, whether it is procured commercially or prepared at home. It is imperative to monitor the dog’s calorie intake since obesity is a known issue in this breed.
• The shiny, water-repellent outer coat on Golden Retrievers sheds heavily at least twice a year and should be brushed regularly. Brushing becomes a daily occurrence during periods of heavy shedding. Nail trims are also crucial.
• Early socialization and puppy training are highly recommended because golden retrievers are usually outgoing, loyal, and eager to do their owners’ bidding.

English Cocker Spaniel

A medium-sized English Cocker Spaniel breed with almond-shaped eyes, the English Cocker Spaniel breed is favored by most dog owners. This breed of dog is a gundog. One of the most noteworthy characteristics of this breed is a large number of pups it produces in each litter. Dogs of this breed suit apartments because they are quite active. A medium-length silky coat, either flat or slightly wavy, matches its shape. You can purchase this weave in the following colours: black with tan points, merle, and parti-colour (white with black, etc.).

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Some of the most important facts about the Cocker Spaniel dog breed:

• Group: Sporting Group
• Height: Female: 36–41 cm, Male: 38–43 cm
• Weight: Female: 12–15 kg, Male: 13–16 kg
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• Temperament: Gentle, Smart, Happy, Playful, Affectionate, Friendly

Highlights:

• In order to provide the necessary nutrients, Cocker Spaniels need a quality meal. A chicken–and–rice recipe has long been recommended as a good start.
• Keeping Cockers groomed is very important as avoiding them may tangle or mat their coat.
• Because of the Cocker’s people-pleasing characteristics, it tends to react strongly to the approval and disapproval of its owners.

Dachshund

Dachshunds dogs are famous for their ever-alert expression. Dachshunds, also commonly called wiener dogs, badger dogs, or sausage dogs, are a short-legged but long-bodied, hound-type dog breed. This breed comes in two sizes, regular and miniature. The bark is so loud that it will frighten guests at your house even though they’re only little dogs.

Some of the most important facts about the Dachshund dog breed:

• Group: Hound Group
• Height: 7.5 – 14 kg (Standard Size)
• Weight: 11 pounds (Miniature); 16 – 32 pounds (standard)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 16 years
• Temperament: Lively, Stubborn, Clever, Playful, and Courageous

Highlights:

• Diets high in protein are necessary for Dachshunds since they have small digestive tracts yet high energy requirements.
• Dachshunds make excellent watchdogs who will alert you when they detect anything amiss.
• It has a longer lifespan than most other dog breeds, making it one of the longest-lived dogs.
• Badgers and rabbits used to be flushed from deep burrows by the ancestors of Dachskinos.

Wrapping Up

In addition to these dogs, Fox Terriers, Saint Bernards, Labradors, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, and Dobermans all figure in the popular dog’s category with Indians as well. The dog lover nowadays has the option to get any breed of dog from abroad depending on their requirements.