{"id":3138,"date":"2023-09-04T08:40:43","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T08:40:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/?p=3138"},"modified":"2025-11-01T13:05:45","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T13:05:45","slug":"adopting-an-indie-dog-should-you-adopt-a-street-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-parents\/adopting-an-indie-dog-should-you-adopt-a-street-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Adopting an Indie Dog: Should You Adopt a Street Dog?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Demystifying the Indie breed. Just kidding! The Indie dogs are so diverse in appearance and nature that \u201cdemystifying\u201d them in one post is impossible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, we promise that this article will teach you quite a few new facts about the Indies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are Indie dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Indie dogs are one of the native dog \u201cbreeds\u201d of India. They are definitely not the same as\u00a0purebred Indian dogs<\/a> such as the Mudhol Hound, Rajapalayam,\u00a0and Pariah dog.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Indies are the result of thousands of years of evolution, adaptation, and natural selection. So, the Indies we see on the streets today have ancestors who were strong enough to beat bad weather, scarcity of resources, and diseases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you want a definition for an Indie dog, you can think of it as this –\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A four-legged, furry floor that has inherited the best of every ancestor possible without any human intervention so far.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

What are the personality traits of Indie dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Anyone looking to adopt Indies is going to ask, \u201cWhat\u2019s the nature of Indies?\u201d The answer is not as simple.<\/span><\/p>\n

For hundreds of years, people have used Indies as guards and companion dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Just like any other breed, the personality traits of one dog depend on both nature and nurture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Indies are highly trainable and adaptable dogs with an even temperament. So, even if their ancestors were once used as guard dogs or watchdogs, you can train them to be your plushies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How big are the Indies?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Oh! This one is kind of difficult. We have seen siblings from the same litter grow into lilliputs and giants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We have treated a tiny baby (4-year-old, neutered male) who weighed a mere 12 kgs. And we have also treated a big good boy (8-year-old, intact male) who was 32 kgs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Indies can be between 14 inches to 25 inches in height (shoulder).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, as you can understand, the mix of genetics can lead to quite unpredictable heights, sizes, and weights. Then again, all dogs can’t conform to their breed standards.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s the energy level of the Indies?<\/span><\/h2>\n

We have seen hundreds of couch potatoes and Beyblades, just as we have seen superbly energetic Labradors and lethargic <\/span>beagles<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not all Indies are the same and an average-weight Indie, who\u2019s in good health should be pretty athletic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Indies typically do not like to compromise on their playtime. You must have seen numerous indie puppies and adults play together beside the busy streets. They like being social, playful, and active.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Daily <\/span>playtime and exercising<\/span><\/a> also keep their temperament even. A pleased Indie is always easy to train.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How intelligent are Indies?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Well, they had to survive thunderstorms, heatwaves, cold waves, accidents, and other aggressive dogs and humans. Of course, they are superbly intelligent!<\/span><\/p>\n

And before you begin fawning over their intelligence, let\u2019s remind you that it\u2019s a double-edged sword. While an intelligent dog is easier to train, they also have a mind and will of their own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An untrained or ill-trained indie is a hurricane in the house. If you are thinking about getting an Indie, their intelligence should be your last concern. Plan for training, training, and more training.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Are Indies loud?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Some Indies are as loud as the mother-in-law from the popular Hindi family dramas and others are quieter than a mouse.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, given a reason (read: from a stranger to a bird on the window sill) they will make their opinion known.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Indies are social and they will share a bark or two when they are amongst friends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Loud or not, they know all the ways to communicate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are an Indie\u2019s grooming needs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Photo<\/p>\n

Typically, Indie dogs have a double coat. Their top coat is coarse and medium-short. Their undercoat is soft and short. It protects them from the extreme heat or cold.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They do shed, but not as much as <\/span>Labradors or Golden Retrievers<\/span><\/a>. However, you need to brush them frequently to keep their skin and coat healthy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Occasional <\/span>professional dog grooming<\/span><\/a> is recommended for avoiding skin issues, dental cleaning and expressing anal glands.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Are Indies good watchdogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The great-great-grandparents of the pup you are looking at right now may have been a guard dog, but there\u2019s no guarantee that your pup will not befriend a stranger at first sight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They can be superbly protective or super-duper easy-going. It all depends on how you train them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you train an Indie to be a family dog who\u2019s also a watchdog, that\u2019s fine too! Indie dogs are smart enough to distinguish between friends-family, and strangers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are some common myths about Indie dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Photo<\/p>\n

While several groups and individuals are trying to popularise Indie dog adoptions, <\/span>several myths<\/span><\/a> are making matters more challenging. These common myths include –<\/span><\/p>\n