This long-awaited book is an ode to the unsung, unknown breeds of India that are native to the subcontinent—the Canis Lupus Familiaris. It is claimed that they are not really breeds but landraces because, raised by a particular community in a region, the “breed standards” vary within the region itself. Many are extinct and others on their way to meet the same fate; unless we learn more about them before it is too late.
Beginning with the tale of a dog and its relationship with man, the first chapter tries to demystify the origins of the animal. Evidence of their domestication appears in cave paintings, archaeological remains and burial sites, and the DNA collected is being studied to understand its origin. It is very reassuring to know that, as the author quotes, “there is hardly a person in canine genetics that is not working” on the origins of the animal.
Being an inveterate student of history, the section on the history of dogs in India fascinated me. While the author states that the material on dogs from the historical period is scanty, the chapter is deeply researched and succinctly recounted. There is notably Alexander’s tryst with the desi dog, to references in ancient murals, frescoes and sculptures across India. Rock paintings in Madhya Pradesh, Stone Age sites in Tamil Nadu, the Ajanta frescoes, parables and poems in ancient Indian literature, Mughal miniature paintings, English lithographs, photographs taken at the turn of the century and temple carvings, all seem to feature the great Indian dog.
Last but not the least, the accounts of chieftains and warriors who built graves and temples for their loyal hounds to honour them are a real treat.
As a farmer, who also runs an indigenous cattle preservation centre, I identified enormously with the chapter, ‘The Contemporary Scene’. Just as the cattle I rear, Indian indigenous dogs were of many breeds. They were tough, sturdy and agile, and a companion to man from the time he was a hunter to civilisation. In the process of “development”, we have lost much of our indigenous wealth and biological diversity. Seed varieties, traditional indigenous practices and the vast gene pool of domestic animals have all disappeared at a frightening speed. The Indian dog that we see today is a cross breed of the unique gene pool that once existed. The craze for foreign “pure breeds” and irresponsible breeding have led to this chaos. The book is a must-read to understand our folly.
The book divides the breeds into working, companion and hounds for ease of reference. For a person passionate about dogs, I was myself deeply ashamed at my great ignorance of the magnificent diversity of dog breeds such as Alaknoori, Kaikadi and Banjara that existed across India. Each breed has been described and the tales surrounding them.
As the book rightly points out, the problem lies in the inability of successive governments to take steps and protect native breeds as part of our national heritage. Consequently, our native species have no recognition internationally. After the decline of the maharajas some of whom were instrumental in protecting native species like the Rampur and Mudhol hound, some noteworthy kennels and individual breeders have come forward in modern times to help protect the breed. Of course, this is still woefully inadequate in the efforts to preserve what we have left of our canine heritage.
The last chapter on stray dogs details the danger of rabies. The problem is real and needs to be tackled with consistent vaccinations and awareness drives. While safety can never be trivialised, we still cannot treat our street dogs as a liability and think of eliminating them on a mass scale. While the author agrees that dogs are not to be blamed, I am disappointed that he seems to support the recent actions of the Kerala government. The author’s view that street dogs have had a role in the declining wildlife population baffles me. In my view humans are the single largest species responsible for the destruction of hundreds of indigenous species on earth, not to mention the large scale destruction of environment.
While I support the views of the author in matters regarding native breeds, I feel a compelling need to support our incredible street dogs who are from that same gene pool. Our street dogs deserve recognition too. In the meantime the onus completely lies on the government to protect our native breeds and control the burgeoning street dog population through sustained humane methods. Interestingly, our desi dogs are much sought-after in places such as Vancouver. There is even a Facebook page celebrating their beauty, intelligence and vitality through photos posted by the proud owners. Looks like our streeties are far more celebrated everywhere else for the same reasons as our native dogs should be.
Author is a farmer and animal activist. She runs an animal sanctuary and does sustainable farming.