Behaviour

Indian Pariah Dog Temperament

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Garima Kaushal

Updated on: Tue, 22 Oct, 2024

6 min read

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The Indian Pariah dog or our very own Indies are a common sight across the streets and colonies of our country. One of the oldest and hardiest breeds, they have been surviving on their own for centuries.

These dogs thrive in regions with human presence — be it a small village or a bustling city. The Indian Pariah dog's temperament is marked by resilience, loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability- their sharp instincts and ability to navigate complex surroundings make them an incredible fit for the city life.

If you are a new Indie dog parent or are considering adopting one, then hear this — the Indian Pariah brings an unmatched spirit and is ready to face any challenge. Our guide will give you full insights about Indian Pariah dog’s temperament.

Indian Pariah Dog Vitals & Must-Know Facts

Breed Group

Asian & Oceanian

Size

Medium

Height

Males- 20–25 in (51–64 cm) & Females- 18–23 in (46–58 cm)

Weight

Males- 20–30 kg (44–66 lb) & Females- 15–25 kg (33–55 lb)

Life Span

11-15 years

Coat Type

Double coat (Coarse upper coat & short undercoat)

Coat Colors

Brown, Fawn, Black, White, Combinations of brown and white, black and white, etc.

Temperament

Loyal, intelligent, friendly, independent, highly adaptable, and protective

Exercise

Energetic and active. Needs at least 2 hours of exercise daily to release pent-up energy and avoid destructive behavior

History and Origins of the Indian Pariah Dog

Source: Instagram

The Indian Pariah Dog, also known as the ‘Asian Pye dog’ is one of the most ancient and resilient breeds that has been a part of our country's history for thousands of years. Native to the Indian subcontinent, these landrace dogs are descendants of the gray wolf, which at some point got domesticated. Since then, they have evolved naturally without human intervention, adapting perfectly to our nation's diverse terrains.

It was only in the 19th century that people began documenting their efforts to selectively breed dogs for specific traits, leading to the creation of the hundreds of purebred dogs we know today. These Indie breed dogs have traits of various breeds like South Indian Pariah, Rajapalayam, Chippiparai, Gaddi, Combai, etc. While all these variations of landrace dogs share common traits of intelligence, loyalty, adaptability, and strong instincts for self-preservation, they all have their unique attributes.

The Indian Pariah dog's temperament is a result of centuries of surviving in the wild and urban streets, which has contributed to their innate ability to adapt and be highly intelligent, alert, and independent.

Indian Pariah Dog Temperament & Personality Traits

  • Indian Pariah dogs are quite intelligent and quick learners. They can easily adjust to new environments and learn commands.
  • They are family-oriented and child-friendly. They have deep loyalty and affection towards their human companions.
  • They have high energy levels and require regular exercise to stay happy, fit and mentally stimulated.
  • The Indie breed has a strong immunity and doesn't fall sick easily. Even if they do, they swing back to health in no time having a history of surviving on their own without proper care.
  • They are extremely territorial and have strong instincts. They bark out loud if any unknown dog or a stranger (especially at night) enters their area.
  • Our Indie strays are naturally non-aggressive, but they are excellent watchdogs, staying alert and cautious around unfamiliar people or environments.
  • They are not stubborn by nature but may show independent streaks that are manageable with proper training. They are eager to please and respond well to commands.
  • Their temperament is a combination of intellect, faithfulness, and playfulness, making them incredible companions for large and small families.

Is an Indian Pariah Dog Suitable for Your Household?

Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram

Yes, absolutely! The Indian Pariah Dog is a breed native to this continent, which is why they can easily adjust to the Indian and Asian climates, enduring extreme temperatures from -10° to 50° Celsius. Their strong and buoyant nature makes them great companions for big families, couples, and even singles looking to adopt.

Indie-breed dogs are as much fit for city apartments as they are for open rural regions. They’re high-spirited and loyal, forming strong bonds with those who care for them. So, if you need an intelligent, affectionate and easy-to-care-for dog, then the Indian Pariah is just right for you.

Indian Pariah Dog Exercise & Training

Indian Pariah dogs are naturally sharp and quick to grasp new commands. To get the best results, focus on recall training, as it builds trust and allows your dog to safely enjoy off-leash activities while also responding to you.

Plus, rewarding good behaviour with treats or praise will help them understand commands faster and build a strong bond with you.

When it comes to exercise, energetic Indie breed dogs require daily walks to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Engage them with activities or play sessions that challenge their intelligence, like interactive games or agility tasks.

If your busy schedule makes it difficult to keep up with your dog’s exercise needs, then sploot’s dog walking services have got you sorted. Proper exercise and training, along with a heart full of love, is all an Indian Pariah dog to become a well-behaved and loyal companion.

Indian Pariah Dog Diet & Food Chart

Source: Instagram

Indies are usually not fussy about their food but as a responsible dog parent, it's best to feed them as per their specific dietary needs.

Puppies

1-11 months

Diet

Well-planned diet rich in proteins, healthy fats and vitamins

Meal Portion

Smaller, more frequent meals

Adult Dogs

12 months to 1+ years

Diet

Balanced diet with lean proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and fiber

Meal Portion

Portion sizes vary based on the dog's weight, age and activity level. 2 meals a day is ideal for adult dogs


We master in whipping up nutritious meals for raising a healthy Indian Pariah dog. Sploot’s fresh dog food is made from the finest ingredients with no added preservatives, giving your pet all the nutrition they need for a long and active life.

Indian Pariah Dog Health Considerations

The Indian Pariah Dog’s lifespan averages between 11 to 15 years. They are blessed with robust health, which has developed over centuries of natural selection, making them less prone to genetic diseases. However, common concerns like poor diet, lack of exercise, or neglecting basic care can impact their longevity. For a healthy Indian Pariah dog, it's essential to provide them with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary checkups.

Regular grooming also plays an important role in their health, and sploot’s dog grooming services are here to give your pet all the TLC they need right within the comforts of your home. Additionally, for any health concerns or preventive care, our online vet consultations will guide you with expert advice without any hassle.

Join the sploot Community

At sploot, over 50,000 dedicated dog parents and canine experts come together to share their passion for raising healthy, happy dogs. Here, you’ll find answers to all your dog-related queries, shop for fresh food and avail services, and discover tips on becoming the best dog parent. Connect with us for AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions, interactive Pup Talks, and exciting events, or follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop with all things sploot!

FAQs on Indian Pariah Dog Temperament

Is an Indian Pariah Dog good for first-time owners?

Yes, definitely! The Indian Pariah dog is a great choice for first-time pet parents as they are quite intelligent, adaptable, and low-maintenance in nature. But proper training and care is always required.

Is it difficult to train an Indian Pariah Dog?

No, it's not difficult to train an Indian Pariah Dog, as they are intelligent and quick learners. However, they do require positive reinforcement and consistency in training due to their independent nature.

Is the Indian Pariah Dog dangerous?

No, not at all! Indian Pariah dogs are generally friendly, loyal, and non-aggressive, but like any other dog, they need proper socialization and training to become well-behaved dogs.

How long does the Indian Pariah Dog live?

With proper care, the Indian Pariah dog can comfortably live between 11-15 years.

Is the Indian Pariah Dog a good watchdog?

Yes, the Indian Pariah dog is an amazing watchdog. Their natural alertness, sharp instincts, and protective nature make them superb at guarding their home and family.

Is an Indian Pariah good around kids?

Yes, the Indian Pariah dog is generally good around kids. They are loyal, gentle, and protective, showing a natural bond with children when well-socialized and trained.

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