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India's Indigenous Dog Breeds Reclaim Respect After Colonial Stigma
26 Oct
Summary
- Indian dog breeds were valued before colonial rule, then seen as inferior
- India now deploying 150 Rampurs and Mudhol Hounds in security forces
- Postcolonial inertia and "imported-is-good" mindset delayed indigenous breed revival
In the years leading up to 2025, India has been working to reclaim pride in its indigenous dog breeds, which had long suffered from colonial and postcolonial stigma. Before British rule, these breeds were valued at home for their speed, strength, and loyalty, and were even sought after abroad, with ancient records recognizing them as distinct and superior.
However, the colonial introduction of kennel culture and "purity" standards led to Indian breeds being seen as inferior, mere "mongrels" or "street dogs." This perception persisted even after independence, as a "imported-is-good, local-is-bad" mindset and socialist inertia stultified efforts to revive these breeds.
Now, in 2025, the tide is turning. The Border Security Force (BSF) is deploying 150 Rampurs and Mudhol Hounds across the country, from the Thar desert to Tawang. These indigenous breeds are proving better adapted to Indian conditions than their imported counterparts. This shift represents an institutional-level effort to counter the long-standing colonial and postcolonial belittling of India's canine heritage.
