Dogs are always a joy to have around. Their loyalty and companionship not only make your home happier but also improve your mental health. Every breed has some unique qualities and each of them can make excellent companions.
But what helps in choosing the right breed for you is the understanding of these unique traits and the adaptability of the breed to its surroundings. Some breeds adjust better in certain climates than other breeds. Some breeds need more space than others. And similarly, some breeds are more active and intelligent than others.
So here is a list of 10 large breed dogs that are the best for the Indian ‘canine’ scenario and suit the best to be your loving companions!
1. Labrador Retriever
Originating from Newfoundland, Labradors were initially the ‘fishing dogs’; helped fishermen majorly. Labrador Retrievers later adapted to hunting and guarding too. These absolutely adorable dogs are easy to train as pets because they are naturally enthusiastic about pleasing others and learning new things quickly.
Labs can be very adaptive to their surroundings and new situations if socialized thoroughly during their puppy phase. Being a hunting dog and having the capabilities of retrieving, they love playing, exercising, and being adventurous in general. Despite being a large breed with a lot of strength, Labs are very gentle in temperament.
They are good companions for children, especially toddlers, and take all kinds of tugging and poking patiently. Being a short coat dog, they don’t need a lot of grooming and can tolerate warm weather; thus becoming one of the most ideal breeds to be raised in the Indian climate.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are the best guard dogs in the world! Essentially being a sheepdog in Germany in their earlier days, German Shepherds have the natural instinct to protect. They tend to put their own lives at stake while protecting their family and home.
Even though these dogs are very powerful and strong, they aren’t reckless. German Shepherds are easier to train and take commands better than any breed out there which is why this breed can be seen in the police departments and in the military very frequently.
German Shepherds can be very calm and caring in nature and can be compatible with your kids. This breed too has very good tolerance to heat and can survive in the mostly warm Indian climate despite the medium coat.
Also read: German Shepherd Price in India with Monthly Expenses
3. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are sweethearts that just eagerly want to please and impress their humans. Originating from Scotland and England, Golden Retrievers were brought to India in the early 20th century and were used as hunt dogs as well as show dogs.
Being in India for such a long time makes them well-adapted to the Indian climate. These dogs have an excellent temperament and are highly trainable. With their soft kind eyes, silky beautiful coat that seems almost like golden blond locks, Golden Retrievers can be very loving and affectionate and thus are very good around children despite being a large breed.
Golden Retrievers are very sporty dogs and perform excellently in events like sports shows and even adventure sports trips.
Also read: Golden Retriever Price in India (2021 updated)
4. Rottweiler
If you are looking for a dog that is loyal but also a fierce protector, Rottweiler might just be the perfect match for you. These strong cattle dogs from Germany were initially used to drive heavy cattle because of their size and strength by the butchers.
However, Rotties may not be a very good choice for first-time dog owners as they can get pretty reckless sometimes. These dogs are aggressively loyal and need a lot of attention sometimes. Being naturally strong and active Rottweiler love playing and need a lot of space to run, play, and be trained thus not being suitable to live in small apartment spaces.
Rottweiler has thin coats and sheds a lot therefore is fairly tolerant to warm weather despite the bulkiness. One of the best police and military dogs, Rottweiler needs to be socialized and trained well from an early age to be safely domesticated.
5. Great Dane
Great Danes, the tallest breed of dogs are also known as the Apollo of dogs. But these dogs are also known for their naturally short life spans of almost 6-8 years that averages at a period of 5 years. Great Danes are thus known as the ‘heartbreak’ breed.
Originating from Germany, the Great Dane was used for hunting boars and protecting country estates in the earlier days. However, the modern Great Danes are pretty opposite of it that some dog owners even complain about their dogs being very lazy and sleepy.
Because of their huge size, Great Danes are not very agile and do not require (or like) much exercising thus these dogs are well adapted to living in apartments and have a high demand in the urban areas of India. Despite the size, Great Danes are very loving and have the calmest temperament. They are gentle and docile and can make room for small children, other pets, and even cats.
6. Dalmatian
Originating from the beautiful country of Croatia, Dalmatians became one of the ‘star’ dog breeds after their featuring in the Disney movie, 101 Dalmatians. The sleek black and white spotted dogs can be very charming and adorable because of their behavior and general traits.
Initially used as coach dogs, Dalmatians had a lot many capabilities including hunting, being firehouse dogs, and even performing the circuses. Dalmatians are the perfect mix of silly and gallant while being overly interested in everything that their family does.
Dalmatians have a very thin coat and cannot survive in very cold climates. Best suited for warm climates, Dalmatians live happily in the mostly warm Indian climate.
7. Rajapalayam
Rajapalayam is a beautiful creamy white dog breed with a very adorable pink nose that is native to India and originates from the Southern Indian regions. These albino sighthounds are very tall and agile and make excellent watchdogs.
Being a native breed in India, Rajapalayam is very well-adapted to the surroundings and the climate. These dogs are very graceful with their horse-like gait. They can behave very well if trained properly.
These dogs are also very strong, need very little medical assistance and grooming, and eat almost anything from vegetarian and nonvegetarian home-cooked meals to packed dog food.
8. Gaddi Kutta
Gaddi Kutta is also known as the Himalayan Sheepdogs are mastiff-type mountain dogs. These dogs are very strong and make very good watchdogs as they literally have the capabilities to even repel snow leopards.
These dogs look absolutely adorable with their fluffy coats if kept as a pet. Being a fiercely keen watchdog, Gaddi Kutta is your match if you are looking for a dog that is a natural protector.
These dogs are not very welcoming to strangers but can be friendly if trained early on. Being mountain dogs, these dogs are naturally very adventurous and can adapt well to treks and trips.
9. Combai
Combai are well-known for their toughness and loyalty. Originating from Southern India, these dogs became almost extinct until they were revived again by the dog lovers across the state of Tamil Nadu and bred in other states as well.
Along with being very loyal, these dogs are also very smart and powerful with their balanced square body frame and fast pace with sharp movements. These dogs have a short coat, thus shed very little, and need very minimal maintenance.
Like other native Indian Breeds, Combai eat home-cooked meals with enthusiasm. They get rarely overweight as they have a natural tendency to keep themselves fit. However, these dogs need a lot of space to live as they are pretty active for a large dog.
10. Kanni
Kanni means ‘Pure’ in Tamil probably referring to the purity and nativity of this breed. Only found in the colors combinations of tan-black and sand-black, Kanni is also known as the Maiden’s Beastmaster and is an indigenous Southern Indian sighthound breed.
Usually calm and very shy, Kanni can defend their masters and home very fiercely when the situation arises. These dogs are also extremely loyal and easy to train. They have the ability to think independently in rogue situations which makes them pretty smart.
These dogs are very good companions and family-friendly. Kanni also have very strong immunity systems and need very little medical assistance.
Also read: 7 Best Dog Breeds under ₹15000
Final Thoughts
Every dog has their own pros and cons; strengths and weaknesses. But, despite it all, each and every dog is unique on its own terms. No matter what the breed is, how expensive and foreign or cheap and native they are, what matters the most while making these fluffy four-legged companions a part of your home is their connection with you.
The bond that humans share with dogs was and will always be a very special one. So, if you are financially and mentally ready and feel the spark with one of these adorable little (or not so little) creatures, don’t wait to bring them home!
Toodles!
