Indie Dog Care Guide: India’s True Desi Star

Meet the Indie or Indian Pariah Dog - India’s original “Made in India” dog long before it was a trend. Often underestimated because they don’t come with fancy pedigrees, these natural survivors have their own way of thriving in India. From village guardians to city companions, Indian Pariah Dogs prove that sometimes, the most extraordinary companions are the ones closest to home— and they don’t even need a passport to impress you.

Origin & Breed Overview

• Origin: India, Group: Hound

• Coat Type:  Short, dense, weather-resistant coat

• Coat Colors: Fawn, brown, black, white, brindle, or mixed

• Average Height: 46 to 64 cm (18-25 in)

• Average Weight: 15 to 30 kg (33-66 lbs.)

• Lifespan: 12 to 14 years

Temperament & Personality

Indies are intelligent, alert, and affectionate once bonded.

• General Traits -  Loyal, protective, independent, highly adaptable

• Males - Often more territorial and assertive

• Females -  Slightly calmer, nurturing, easier to train

• Bonding - They form strong attachments to families and thrive with love and routine.

Activity Level & Exercise Needs

Indies are naturally athletic and energetic. Skip their walk, and you’ll find your Indie inventing new sports like cushion wrestling or sock stealing.

• Exercise Needs - 1 to 2 hours daily

• Activities - Walks, runs, fetch, agility, scent games

• Without stimulation - They may become restless or overly vocal

Nutrition & Feeding Guide

Key Nutritional Needs -

• Balanced protein for muscle strength

• Healthy fats for coat and immunity

• Carbs and fiber for digestion

• Vitamins & minerals for joint and bone health

• Indies adapt well to home-cooked diets with rice, veggies, and lean meat

Feeding Guidelines -

Indies are expert beggars; those soulful eyes can convince you to share your samosa. Portion control keeps them fit and avoids turning them into street-food critics.

• Puppies (up to 6 months): 3 - 4 meals/day

• Adults: 2 portion-controlled meals/day

• Seniors: Smaller meals with joint support

Best Diets for Indie Dogs

Now that you’ve covered balanced nutrition, here are specific diet examples:

• Home-cooked meals: Rice with boiled chicken/fish and seasonal vegetables.

• Protein options: Eggs, paneer (in moderation), lean meats.

• Commercial food: High-quality kibble formulated for medium breeds.

Avoid: Oily, spicy, or processed human foods (like samosas or sweets).

Indies thrive on simple, wholesome meals like “ghar ka khana” made with love for your dog.

Health & Care

Indies are generally hardy with fewer genetic issues. However, spotting early symptoms keeps your Indie healthy. Here are symptoms to look out for.

• Skin issues: Excessive scratching, bald patches, or redness- possible ticks or infections.

• Hip dysplasia: Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to climb stairs in older dogs.

• Obesity: Visible weight gain, difficulty moving, or heavy panting.

• Dental problems: Bad breath, difficulty chewing, or swollen gums.

• General red flags: Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or unusual behavior.

Grooming Needs 

Indies may not have long silky coats, but they shed enough to leave ‘Indie glitter’ on your sofa. A quick brush keeps the fur tumbleweeds under control.

• Coat Care - Brush weekly to remove loose hair using a gentle slicker brush or deshedding tool designed for short-coated breeds like Indies. This helps remove loose fur, improves coat health, and reduces shedding at home. Products like the  Andis Steel Comb or the Trixie Fur Detangling & Thinning Comb are options you can consider for your indie’s coat. 

• Bathing -  Bathing is required every 4 to 6 weeks or as needed using a mild dog shampoo that maintains natural coat oils and skin health. Indies have sensitive skin, so using professional-grade grooming shampoos helps prevent dryness and irritation. You can consider the Pawpaya Flea & Tick Shampoo for fun bath sessions!

• Ear Care - Check weekly for wax or infection and clean gently using dog-safe ear cleaning options like the  Bio-Groom Ear Fresh Grooming Ear Powder, and soft wipes like Petkin Ear Wipes for pets to prevent infections.

• Dental Care -  Brush teeth 2 to 3 times per week using dog-specific toothbrushes. An option to consider is the Trixie Toothbrush Set for Dogs/Cats. A safer version available in the market is TROPICLEAN Fresh Breath Puppy Clean Teeth Gel, or a travel-friendly option for a spray like the Petkin Plaque Gel Spearmint for Pets to prevent tartar buildup and maintain oral health.

• Nail Care - Trim every 3 to 4 weeks using professional nail clippers like the Trixie Dog/Cat Nail Clipper or the Andis Cord / Cordless Nail Grinder to prevent overgrowth, discomfort, and posture issues.

Training Guide 

Training an Indie is like teaching a street-smart kid. They already know a lot, but they’ll test your patience just to see if you’re serious.

Benefits of Adopting an Indie Dog

• Resilient health: Indies are naturally evolved, making them less prone to genetic disorders common in pedigreed breeds.

• Low maintenance: Their short coat and hardy constitution mean fewer grooming hassles and vet visits.

• Adaptability: Whether in a city apartment or a farmhouse, they thrive with minimal fuss.

• Emotional bond: Indies form deep, loyal connections with families, often becoming protective guardians.

• Saving lives: Adoption gives a street dog a loving home, reducing the stray population and promoting compassion.

Compatibility with Other Pets

Indies are pack-oriented and usually get along with other dogs if socialized early. They may be cautious with cats or smaller pets, but consistent training helps.

Multi-Tasking Abilities

Indies excel as Family companions, Guard dogs, Therapy pets with training, and agile sporting dogs.

Fun Trivia - Did You Know?

• They’re smarter than you think (sometimes smarter than you). 

• Indie dogs quickly learn routines, recognize friendly v/s suspicious strangers, and know exactly when it’s food time even if you pretend you forgot.

• They’re naturally healthier than many pedigree dogs.

• They’re often called “Desi Dogs” and are India’s original “Made for India” dogs. No imports, no designer labels and are recognized for their loyalty and intelligence.

Takeaway

Indies or Indian Pariah Dogs are more than just street survivors. They’re loyal, intelligent, and affectionate companions. With proper care, training, and love, Indies prove that sometimes the best dogs are the ones closest to home.

Ready to give your Indie the care they deserve? Explore ABK Grooming’s range of grooming tools and pet care essentials.

Every desi dog deserves love, comfort, and an environment where they can thrive!

FAQs About Indian Pariah Dogs