62 million dogs live in shelters in India. The Indie dog, or Indian Pariah, is native to the Indian subcontinent. They are easily trainable and are primarily used as guard dogs. It is also one of the most common and oldest aboriginal dogs in the subcontinent.
Indie dogs have continuously been neglected for many years. However, they are gradually getting acceptance and attention from people.
Many people wonder if Indie dogs are good as home pets. Read on to find out the truth about having Indie dogs as home pets and the risks to consider when choosing to do so. Additionally, if you’re considering adopting an Indie dog, it’s essential to be aware of the pet care expenses that come with it.
Indie Dogs
Indie dogs are free-ranging dogs that are also known as “pariahs.” The word “pariah” comes from the Tamil word paraiyar, which is what a social outcall is known as.
The exact origin of Indie dogs is unknown. However, some evidence suggests they date back to the late Stone Age, which was between 12,000 and 15,000 years ago.
They were commonly used as hunting dogs by tribal communities across India. Indie dogs are the only breed originating from natural selection instead of artificial selection. Over time, these dogs have developed traits that are vital for survival.
Physical Characteristics of Indie Dogs
Indie dogs vary significantly in terms of physical appearance. They are natural breeds, so they are more flexible in size and color. Indie dogs also change according to their location, urban and rural areas.
These changes only impact the physical appearance of Indie dogs, not their temperament. They are medium-sized in build with a long pointed muzzle and wedge-shaped head.
Their muzzles are darker than the rest of their body. They have dark brown almond-shaped eyes with ears that are held firm.
Comfortable Living Spaces for Indie Dogs
When adopting Indie dogs as home pets, it’s crucial to provide them with a comfortable and safe living space. As they transition from the streets or shelters to a home environment, having a dedicated space like a crate can help them feel secure.
A crate can serve as their personal sanctuary where they can retreat and relax. It’s essential to choose a crate that’s not only sturdy but also complements the aesthetics of modern homes.
If you’re looking for options, check out the Best Modern Dog Crates that cater to both functionality and design. Such crates can offer Indie dogs the comfort they deserve while blending seamlessly with your home decor.
Personality Of Indie Dogs
Indie dogs are easy to train but tend to get bored quickly. They are intelligent dogs that can easily pick up training commands.
However, they will get bored if you keep playing a game of fetch. So, it’s essential to provide variation to keep them interested in training.
Indie dogs also need mental stimuli and enjoy exploring new smells and experiences.
Indies are friendly dogs who love to live in packs. They get along well with people, including children and also other pets. However, they could distrust humans if not socialized at an early age.
They are highly protective of their pack and will do anything to protect members of their pack. They are an active breed of dogs that need to engage in physical stimulation activities like exercise. Indies may display destructive behavior if they don’t get enough physical stimulation.
They bark at the slightest indication of something strange that occurs, which is why they are most suitable as watchdogs.
Indie Dogs As Home Pets: 3 Risks To Consider
Indie dogs could be great as home pets. However, there are specific concerns about these dogs that you need to keep in mind when having them as pets.
Indie Dogs Are Susceptible To Fatal Viral Infections
Indie puppies are susceptible to viral dog infections that could be fatal. One is parvoviral infection, which could cause puppies to vomit or have diarrhea. It could become severe if left untreated for a long time.
Another one is canine distemper, which comes with sneezing and coughing due to nasal discharge in dogs. It is highly contagious and difficult to treat, with a mortality rate close to fifty percent.
Therefore, take your Indie dog to a vet if you identify any signs of infections, and get them treated as early as possible.
Indie Dogs Have A Strong Fight Or Flight Response
Indies have a very strong fight-or-flight response. It is primarily due to the fact that they have been used to living in the streets and are highly cautious about their surroundings.
They could be over-protective and suspicious at the same time and not let guests into your home. They might bark and make a huge issue once they see someone approaching. This over-protectiveness may make your guests feel uncomfortable.
To prevent this situation, you need to address this behavioral issue in Indie dogs. Ensure you provide adequate socialization and behavioral training for Indie dogs at a very early age. It will prevent them from being aggressive in the future.
Indie Dogs Can Suffer From Anxiety
Indie dogs are at high risk of suffering from anxiety and various mental health issues. It could be due to the adverse treatment they would have experienced when living on the streets.
Although the adoption rate of Indie dogs is at an all-time high, they are still prone to abandonment due to problematic behavior.
The mental health of Indie dogs should be given great concern because it could lead to other health issues.
Ensure Indie dogs get adequate amounts of exercise daily. It is essential to reduce anxiety in dogs. Indie dogs should get enough physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy.
General Tips On Caring For Indie Dogs
Here are some general tips on caring for Indie dogs to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
Nutrition
Due to their long history as street dogs, Indies are used to scavenge human waste or hunt small prey animals. They can survive on minimal food and have a strong digestive system.
You must give your Indie dog a healthy balanced diet that consists of meat-based proteins and fats. They are highly energetic dogs, so they need carbs to fuel themselves. Moreover, owning a dog can significantly improve your life in various ways, from providing companionship to increasing physical activity.
However, it is easy to overfeed Indie dogs, so you need to be more mindful of it. Indies can gain weight quickly, especially if they eat more than they burn. Therefore, keep track of the calories and ensure it gets a balanced meal.
Exercise
Indie dogs require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. It means that you need to give them adequate amounts of exercise daily.
They are intelligent and energetic dogs. If these traits are not used, these dogs may show destructive behavior.
Indies are hunting dogs, so they need a lot of space to run and release energy. If you don’t have enough space in your home, you may take them out for walks and occasional swims.
Grooming
In terms of grooming, things are straightforward with Indie dogs. Indie dogs shed very little, so they need minimal to no grooming.
Their coast is ideal for tropical climatic conditions and may not suit the cold weather. Indies dogs are clean with no body odor.
Bathing Indie dogs is easy as they dry well due to their short coats. However, they are still prone to fleas and ticks, so you must regularly inspect them to weed out parasites.
Conclusion
Indie dogs are good as home pets. However, you need to consider giving them the right amount of exercise as they are highly energetic dogs. They need to release their energy to prevent it from turning into destructive behavior.
You should also ensure to give a balanced diet to Indie dogs. Monitor their diet as they could easily overeat, leading to weight gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indie Dogs Make Good Pets?
Indie dogs are good pets as they serve as guard dogs and can quickly sense danger.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of Indie Dogs?
The average lifespan of Indie dogs is 5 to 6 years. However, some Indie dogs may even live up to 14.
Do Indie Dogs Shed A Lot?
They shed very little because they have very short coats. Due to this reason, they don’t require regular brushing or grooming.
