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The Book of Indian Dogs
The Book of Indian Dogs is the first comprehensive book on Indian dog breeds in over fifty years. It features the twenty-five breeds that most breeders and dog fanciers agree constitute the country’s canine heritage. Divided into three groupings—working dogs, companion dogs and hounds—the book provides detailed background notes to each breed, along with information on its physical characteristics, behaviour, uses, origins and history. Along with popular breeds like Caravan hounds (or Karuvanis), Chippiparais, Mudhol hounds, Pashmis, Rajapalayams and Rampur hounds the book also features lesser known breeds such as the Alaknoori and the Jonangi. The fruit of several years of travel and research into India’s dog breeds, as well as S. Theodore Baskaran’s hands-on experience of raising various dogs, this celebration of our dogs is a book that no dog lover can do without.
121 pages, Hardcover
First published February 11, 2017
About the author
S. Theodore Baskaran
25 books29 followersBaskaran worked as Researcher in Tamil Nadu State Archives for two years. He joined the Indian Postal Service in 1964 as Divisional Superintendent at Trichy. He served as the "Special Officer For War Efforts" in Shillong during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. He took study leave in 1974 to research Tamil film history on a fellowship from Council of Historical Research.[1] He eventually retired as the Chief Postmaster General of Tamil Nadu.[2]
Baskaran published his first article on film in 1972 about Chidananda Dasgupta's documentary The Dance of Shiva. Encouraged by his friend Charles A. Ryerson, he decided to do research about Tamil Cinema.[1] He joined a Film Appreciation course in 1974. He became a member of the Advisory Board of National Film Archives, Pune.[3] In 1976 he joined the Calcutta Film Society. The same year, he presented his first research article titled Film Censorship as an Instrument of Political Control in British India in the Indian History Congress at the Aligarh. This and other articles formed the core of his first book The Message Bearers published in 1981. His second book The Eye of the Serpent (1996) won the Golden Lotus (Best Book on Cinema) Award in 1997. He has also written several books and articles on film history in Tamil. He was a Senior Associate in National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore. He has lectured on cinema in many universities including Princeton University, The Australian National University and the University of Chicago.[3] In 2000, he won the Ki Va Ja prize awarded by the Kamban Kazhagam. He was a Hughes Visiting Scholar in the University of Michigan in 2001 and taught a course on Film Studies. He was a jury member at the 2003 National Film Awards.[3] During 1998-2001, he was the Director of the Roja Muthiah Research Library.[4] He is a member of the library's Board of Trustees.[5] He has also acted in a supporting role in the 2010 Tamil film Aval Peyar Thamizharasi.
Baskaran is a keen bird watcher and a naturalist. He is a former honorary wild life warden and the South India Representative of the International Primate Protection League.[2] He is a trustee of WWF-India. His collection of essays on nature and wild life conservation has been published as The Dance of the Sarus (Oxford University Press) in 1999. He edited a book of articles on nature titled "The Sprint of The Black Buck" ; Penguin (2009)
Baskaran published his first article on film in 1972 about Chidananda Dasgupta's documentary The Dance of Shiva. Encouraged by his friend Charles A. Ryerson, he decided to do research about Tamil Cinema.[1] He joined a Film Appreciation course in 1974. He became a member of the Advisory Board of National Film Archives, Pune.[3] In 1976 he joined the Calcutta Film Society. The same year, he presented his first research article titled Film Censorship as an Instrument of Political Control in British India in the Indian History Congress at the Aligarh. This and other articles formed the core of his first book The Message Bearers published in 1981. His second book The Eye of the Serpent (1996) won the Golden Lotus (Best Book on Cinema) Award in 1997. He has also written several books and articles on film history in Tamil. He was a Senior Associate in National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore. He has lectured on cinema in many universities including Princeton University, The Australian National University and the University of Chicago.[3] In 2000, he won the Ki Va Ja prize awarded by the Kamban Kazhagam. He was a Hughes Visiting Scholar in the University of Michigan in 2001 and taught a course on Film Studies. He was a jury member at the 2003 National Film Awards.[3] During 1998-2001, he was the Director of the Roja Muthiah Research Library.[4] He is a member of the library's Board of Trustees.[5] He has also acted in a supporting role in the 2010 Tamil film Aval Peyar Thamizharasi.
Baskaran is a keen bird watcher and a naturalist. He is a former honorary wild life warden and the South India Representative of the International Primate Protection League.[2] He is a trustee of WWF-India. His collection of essays on nature and wild life conservation has been published as The Dance of the Sarus (Oxford University Press) in 1999. He edited a book of articles on nature titled "The Sprint of The Black Buck" ; Penguin (2009)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 15, 2018
What a terrible terrible disappointment this book turned out to be. It has a lot of merit and yet the last few pages have left me feeling highly disgusted with the author and his views. And that’s a mild way of putting it.
The initial parts of this book have a lot of interesting information about the history of dogs generally, and then particularly in India, where it seems they have not been valued for more than their utility by most in historical times. The author also points out the need to preserve domestic/indigenous breeds who are dying out in the craze for “foreign” ones, which is certainly and important issue that needs to be addressed. There are photographs and illustrations of various indigenous breeds, and also a useful encyclopaedia section giving short descriptions of the different breeds. The focus is of course a lot on their utility/the work they do or did.
However, in an appendix, the author expounds on his views on stray dogs. I don’t understand how a person can claim to be a dog lover encouraging preservation of indigenous breeds and then advocate or at least write in support of mass destruction in the same breath in a sense. Agreed there are certain problems that stray dogs present, and perhaps current policies aren’t as effective as they need to be—wouldn’t that be a call for thinking of a more effective solution, proposing something new rather than simply playing god and decreeing the death of all stray dogs, when only some of them may be a risk? (pretty much the same logic as suggesting all human beings should be done away with since some of them are murderers.) It seems as though for the author only dogs that have families have the “right” to live, and those who have the bad luck to not have one or to be dumped by their families are doomed. So while indigenous “breeds” need to be protected probably because they can be “shown” and their pups sell for money, there is no need to do anything for those may not have any “breed” name attached to them, no need even to bother to try and find solution that preserves life—no no just kill them all. I think the author values them not as living creatures but as property, for utility, and monetary value. So all that was good about the first 96 pages of this book was destroyed for me in the last few.
The initial parts of this book have a lot of interesting information about the history of dogs generally, and then particularly in India, where it seems they have not been valued for more than their utility by most in historical times. The author also points out the need to preserve domestic/indigenous breeds who are dying out in the craze for “foreign” ones, which is certainly and important issue that needs to be addressed. There are photographs and illustrations of various indigenous breeds, and also a useful encyclopaedia section giving short descriptions of the different breeds. The focus is of course a lot on their utility/the work they do or did.
However, in an appendix, the author expounds on his views on stray dogs. I don’t understand how a person can claim to be a dog lover encouraging preservation of indigenous breeds and then advocate or at least write in support of mass destruction in the same breath in a sense. Agreed there are certain problems that stray dogs present, and perhaps current policies aren’t as effective as they need to be—wouldn’t that be a call for thinking of a more effective solution, proposing something new rather than simply playing god and decreeing the death of all stray dogs, when only some of them may be a risk? (pretty much the same logic as suggesting all human beings should be done away with since some of them are murderers.) It seems as though for the author only dogs that have families have the “right” to live, and those who have the bad luck to not have one or to be dumped by their families are doomed. So while indigenous “breeds” need to be protected probably because they can be “shown” and their pups sell for money, there is no need to do anything for those may not have any “breed” name attached to them, no need even to bother to try and find solution that preserves life—no no just kill them all. I think the author values them not as living creatures but as property, for utility, and monetary value. So all that was good about the first 96 pages of this book was destroyed for me in the last few.
June 4, 2020
It is an informative book. Author has put a lot of research in writing this book. It is a much needed book during the time when some people claim to have revived the long lost Alangu breed.
I am clearly surprised by some reviews given for this book.
1. Someone said (I am paraphrasing it) ‘Don’t be mislead by the book. The book doesn’t take about IndDogs or Pariah dogs but talks about some exotic breeds’. It is clearly seen how little the reader had known about Indian dogs. This book talks about breeds like Kombai and Patti which were overlooked as ‘regular, not so special dogs’ for longtime. This book talks about all such Indian breeds. Don’t be mislead by those reviews. This book is really a guide to Indian dog breeds.
2. Many reviewers have complained about the epilogue of the book, where author calls for action to control stray dogs. Most of such reviewers don’t reside in India. They are safely living in countries where they don’t have stray dogs. They don’t really know the menace stray dogs cause. Author himself is a wildlife enthusiast. I am a wildlife enthusiast too and I have seen stray dog packs hunting down endangered water fowls in Wildlife sanctuaries. Children and poor are dying. But it is these kind of commenters who really don’t have any idea about wildlife or people of India, try to influence the laws passed. Urban Indian population and people living in other counties who are far removed from such problems should take extra effort before commenting on those topics.
I am clearly surprised by some reviews given for this book.
1. Someone said (I am paraphrasing it) ‘Don’t be mislead by the book. The book doesn’t take about IndDogs or Pariah dogs but talks about some exotic breeds’. It is clearly seen how little the reader had known about Indian dogs. This book talks about breeds like Kombai and Patti which were overlooked as ‘regular, not so special dogs’ for longtime. This book talks about all such Indian breeds. Don’t be mislead by those reviews. This book is really a guide to Indian dog breeds.
2. Many reviewers have complained about the epilogue of the book, where author calls for action to control stray dogs. Most of such reviewers don’t reside in India. They are safely living in countries where they don’t have stray dogs. They don’t really know the menace stray dogs cause. Author himself is a wildlife enthusiast. I am a wildlife enthusiast too and I have seen stray dog packs hunting down endangered water fowls in Wildlife sanctuaries. Children and poor are dying. But it is these kind of commenters who really don’t have any idea about wildlife or people of India, try to influence the laws passed. Urban Indian population and people living in other counties who are far removed from such problems should take extra effort before commenting on those topics.
June 25, 2021
While I loved the effort put into digging the history behind the Indian breeds and calling out their dwindling numbers, it would have been a lot better had there been more illustrations/pictures to make it easier to visualize, while the author described the different breeds.
But what really left me disappointed was the last chapter on dealing with stray dogs. While I totally understand the issues caused by strays, the author did not even once mention adopting strays. His only solution was to kill them all. To me, it came across as a book written by someone obsessed by "pure breeds" (the only difference being, he is obsessed with Indian breeds), and not essentially a dog lover as such.
But what really left me disappointed was the last chapter on dealing with stray dogs. While I totally understand the issues caused by strays, the author did not even once mention adopting strays. His only solution was to kill them all. To me, it came across as a book written by someone obsessed by "pure breeds" (the only difference being, he is obsessed with Indian breeds), and not essentially a dog lover as such.
November 15, 2018
Don't go by the title of the book. This is not about "Indian dogs" this is a manifesto for irradicating true "Indian dogs" also known as INDogs or Pariah Dogs and furthering a few "elite" canine breeds. For an animal lover, this book is disgusting.
February 26, 2017
About the Book
The book is well-timed as far as I am concerned. A cousin, a strong believer of rearing local breeds has been on the hunt for an original Kanni/ Chippiparai and we have been reading up a lot about their breeding, We drove to Rajapalayam to pick a pup as a companion to a Chippiparai dog he already has and was picked from the same town. We learnt that breeders often give wrong information about the pedigree of the local dogs and often there are dogs that are cross-bred and passed off as original. We learned the PETA has pushed breeders to close down breeding places in Chennai and that Rajapalyam may not be the best place to buy them now and we must look for other towns.
We learnt differences between sight hounds and scent hounds and that the Indian hounds have subtle differences and different ferocity levels. We searched and hit pay dirt after a long day of rejecting pups that were being passed on as the original. It remains to see how the two dogs of a kind react to each other.
The Book of Indian Dogs is a small book about the Indian breeds and how it is important to rear them and not let the gene pool diminish. The book details on historic rearing of dogs and says that perhaps dogs were tamed before cattle were and that dogs were pure companions or accompanied the ancient humans for hunting.
The book also talks about the menace of strays and how they are detrimental to wildlife in certain cities as they hunt and kill them. They roam on the beaches and dig out nests, or bait wild asses or deers in Kutch and Chennai respectively.
The author talks of different species, some of which are working dogs, some are hounds and some are purely companion dogs.
I learnt that standards are established during canine shows as not every breed is allowed to be showed. Unlike other Asian countries, like Japan and China, India has not really focused on reviving or preserving the canine heritage of the country.
And finally the author touches upon the revival of the canine heritage of our country in a focused and involved manner. It is imperative for the government to secure international recognition of the Indian dogs.
My opinion
The book is a revelation of sorts for me. Right from giving me knowledge of the various dog breeds and their characteristics and how the local breed is the best breed to have in our climate, especially the hairless ones that are suitable to the hot climate.
The book in itself could have been more detailed and perhaps included stories about owners who actually have these pets. Breeding information in detail would have been useful and a solid opinion or recommendation about the breeds would have served as a ready reckoner. The book was more like a commentary not coloured by the author's judgement too much but I would have looked forward to more authoritative expertise on the subject. To learn from the expert rather than google, that was my objective of picking this book. Yes I did learn several things but I couldn't hear the author's voice, his rich experience and his honest opinion but it was more like a commentary and aggregate of several opinions.
November 23, 2017
The Book of Indian Dogs is an easy and quick read. It has a wealth of information and many interesting anecdotes from the author's personal life.
I can't say it is very palatable to read (a LOT of colonial hangover is there), since it is majorly a description of "breeds" of Indian dogs. I had many issues with the the appendix on "stray dogs". In fact, I couldn't agree with most of the opinions on animal rights and welfare.
Anyhow, I don't think many such books on Indian "breeds" exist, and it's good we have them even if the views expressed in them will raise many eyebrows.
I can't say it is very palatable to read (a LOT of colonial hangover is there), since it is majorly a description of "breeds" of Indian dogs. I had many issues with the the appendix on "stray dogs". In fact, I couldn't agree with most of the opinions on animal rights and welfare.
Anyhow, I don't think many such books on Indian "breeds" exist, and it's good we have them even if the views expressed in them will raise many eyebrows.
July 5, 2020
THE BOOK OF INDIAN DOGS even though it's a "POKE-DEX" of native breeds, It Still leaves you with too many polarizing thoughts. And here are few ...
People like stray but why do they refuse to adopt them (in India). We people are always been fascinated by western breed and the fascination started centuries ago...
(spoiler : we have exchanged elephants "Yeah, plural" for few dogs)
Government doesn't care about native breed and they haven't shown any keen interest in allocating funds to preserve them. As a result within a century the breed have gone from 50 to 6 breed. Incase if there's any government-funded kennel they aren't well maintained. And most of them end up stray. And in the past years population have been doubled becoming the vector of disease. They have caused a huge ruckus for Nature killing CHILDREN, DEERS and attacking people. And India is a frontrunner in Rabies .
If you're not alarmed then you should be because stray are from ancestors of hunting dogs
In near future population may increase enormously as a result the contact of disease may also increase rapidly. And they should be contaminated. And naturalist have come up with only two ideas
Either "Uterus-removal"
A government should invest a huge amount for "removal of uterus" but it is very less and small compared to a 3000 crore statue built for pigeon so that they take a peaceful dump .
Government should show some interest to dogs as they show to pigeon.
Or "Putting down the stray"
There's no other alternate options. People are spending their earnings and protecting these creatures using crowd funds and still they run out of funds. Every dogs should be maintained with proper food habits and vaccinate from time to time. But carelessness of people, government and dog owners has caused a huge catastrophe. Even though the medical has advanced Rabies takes seconds to attack brain.
My opinion is that Government should interfere in this silent uprising fatality before it is too late. And we people as a community should come together in helping this lovely creatures, volunteer as members in kennel association or dog adoption nearby.
People like stray but why do they refuse to adopt them (in India). We people are always been fascinated by western breed and the fascination started centuries ago...
(spoiler : we have exchanged elephants "Yeah, plural" for few dogs)
Government doesn't care about native breed and they haven't shown any keen interest in allocating funds to preserve them. As a result within a century the breed have gone from 50 to 6 breed. Incase if there's any government-funded kennel they aren't well maintained. And most of them end up stray. And in the past years population have been doubled becoming the vector of disease. They have caused a huge ruckus for Nature killing CHILDREN, DEERS and attacking people. And India is a frontrunner in Rabies .
If you're not alarmed then you should be because stray are from ancestors of hunting dogs
In near future population may increase enormously as a result the contact of disease may also increase rapidly. And they should be contaminated. And naturalist have come up with only two ideas
Either "Uterus-removal"
A government should invest a huge amount for "removal of uterus" but it is very less and small compared to a 3000 crore statue built for pigeon so that they take a peaceful dump .
Government should show some interest to dogs as they show to pigeon.
Or "Putting down the stray"
There's no other alternate options. People are spending their earnings and protecting these creatures using crowd funds and still they run out of funds. Every dogs should be maintained with proper food habits and vaccinate from time to time. But carelessness of people, government and dog owners has caused a huge catastrophe. Even though the medical has advanced Rabies takes seconds to attack brain.
My opinion is that Government should interfere in this silent uprising fatality before it is too late. And we people as a community should come together in helping this lovely creatures, volunteer as members in kennel association or dog adoption nearby.
December 20, 2020
As a "comprehensive guide to Indian dog breeds", this book does well with tidbits of history, descriptions and pictures. I enjoyed the occasional anecdotes and stories. Perhaps with some tighter editing and restructuring, this book could easily be more than just a guide. The content is already there. The discussion of stray dog problem could easily be moved from the appendix to the main body of the text. I understand trying to separate it from the main body which is meant to be just a guide to indigenous breeds, but with the insights that this well-known naturalist and author has, I certainly envision greater potential and a broader goal for such a book.
February 25, 2017
The Silent Bachelors _ Unsung heroes of man's past
It was really awesome work by the author to compile such an exhaustive book on dogs in a brief manner. I appreciate his efforts at alerting the indian society to make understand that even our indigenous dogs werent just retrievers. They were and are real hunters. I would definitely boast and take pride here after when I see a street dog than a retriever from abroad.
One again many thanks and much appreciating your work!
Agnel
It was really awesome work by the author to compile such an exhaustive book on dogs in a brief manner. I appreciate his efforts at alerting the indian society to make understand that even our indigenous dogs werent just retrievers. They were and are real hunters. I would definitely boast and take pride here after when I see a street dog than a retriever from abroad.
One again many thanks and much appreciating your work!
Agnel
May 18, 2017
While the history and facts on indigenous dog breeds were quite interesting, I was personally put off by the author's support for euthanising or destroying stray dogs - an inhuman solution for a complex problem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2017
A very nice introductory book to breeds of Indian dogs. I liked the the "origins of the domesticated dogs" and "history of dogs in India" sections too. The information given is crisp and flows easily. The hardcover edition has a premium feel and makes up for a pleasant reading experience. The photographs greatly aid in understanding the given information.
The author could have given a table describing key features of various breeds for easy comparison apart from the already given paragraph-wise information.
I noticed that most breeds mentioned come from Deccan region and southern India except for Rampur hound, Vaghari hound and Banjara hound. What may be the region behind this, I don't know.
Author's concluding remarks:
First, it is crucial that indigenous breeds are recognized as being an important part of India’s heritage.
The author pleads for government support. However, I think our Indian government (irrespective of the ruling party) has been and will be largely indifferent to preserving our heritage and all the efforts to preserve our cultural heritage have to be initiated and maintained by the masses.
The author could have given a table describing key features of various breeds for easy comparison apart from the already given paragraph-wise information.
I noticed that most breeds mentioned come from Deccan region and southern India except for Rampur hound, Vaghari hound and Banjara hound. What may be the region behind this, I don't know.
Author's concluding remarks:
First, it is crucial that indigenous breeds are recognized as being an important part of India’s heritage.
The author pleads for government support. However, I think our Indian government (irrespective of the ruling party) has been and will be largely indifferent to preserving our heritage and all the efforts to preserve our cultural heritage have to be initiated and maintained by the masses.
October 25, 2017
I am impressed at the amount of research the author has done for this book. Like the first section of the book covers the origins of the domesticated dog in an almost exhausting amount of detail. I must add here that these and more such details got too overwhelming for me at times. And that didn’t let me read more than 3-4 pages at one time.
The author’s use of vocabulary is decent and balanced, just the way I like it. The author has also dealt well with the sections, keeping the book free of messy transitions.
The book is a lot of theory that may be difficult to relate to unless one is familiar with the breed in question, or even dog breeds in general. While there is a section with pictures of dogs of different breeds somewhere in between the book, I thought it would have been a better idea to have the pictures accompany the text. That would make it relatable and more interesting.
The author’s use of vocabulary is decent and balanced, just the way I like it. The author has also dealt well with the sections, keeping the book free of messy transitions.
The book is a lot of theory that may be difficult to relate to unless one is familiar with the breed in question, or even dog breeds in general. While there is a section with pictures of dogs of different breeds somewhere in between the book, I thought it would have been a better idea to have the pictures accompany the text. That would make it relatable and more interesting.
May 14, 2017
The book started with personal experiences of the author and some history of dog grooming in India. But the history part often felt like filler before you actually get to the information on Indian breeds. It was not engaging enough to justify its inclusion.
The main part- information on dog breeds- is good only in parts. The information is not contiguous. For example, author describes distinct traits of only some breeds, which prompted me to ask 'what makes this breed distinct from the last one?'. A compilation of all information in tabular form could have made it easier to follow.
The part I liked the most was final appendix on stray dogs. It presented statistics and convincingly built up the importance of the issue of stray dogs. But it lacked author's ethical viewpoint on the issue.
For my first book of this sort, I found it informative but not engaging.
The main part- information on dog breeds- is good only in parts. The information is not contiguous. For example, author describes distinct traits of only some breeds, which prompted me to ask 'what makes this breed distinct from the last one?'. A compilation of all information in tabular form could have made it easier to follow.
The part I liked the most was final appendix on stray dogs. It presented statistics and convincingly built up the importance of the issue of stray dogs. But it lacked author's ethical viewpoint on the issue.
For my first book of this sort, I found it informative but not engaging.
May 19, 2017
I was only expecting a small manual but this books packs a punch it had lots of relevant facts on indian dogs history so kudos to that.
As expected it actually contained pretty much main breeds of either royalty or hunting considering the background of author. But I was surprised to learn that so many of them existed. I have personally never seen one.
At the same time I am sure there are plenty more to be discovered especially the domesticated ones.
Frankly speaking having only one book on this subject shows indians apathy to their own dogs.
Books is otherwise a great attempt to drive the subject. I hope author does more updates to the subject I for one would be happy to procure more editions.
As expected it actually contained pretty much main breeds of either royalty or hunting considering the background of author. But I was surprised to learn that so many of them existed. I have personally never seen one.
At the same time I am sure there are plenty more to be discovered especially the domesticated ones.
Frankly speaking having only one book on this subject shows indians apathy to their own dogs.
Books is otherwise a great attempt to drive the subject. I hope author does more updates to the subject I for one would be happy to procure more editions.
October 25, 2023
I loved reading this book. The sad part is when I realize that I may never get to see so many of the breeds mentioned in this book.
Although I am not even close to being a dog expert, this book makes me try to assign an Indian breed name to many of the strays I encounter.
PS: I totally agree with the authors stand on euthanizing strays. I have taken 1 stray, because that was all I could fit into my house, but my heart breaks to see starving and injured dogs on the road. I feel that a seemingly heartless decision, may actually be the kindest one!
Although I am not even close to being a dog expert, this book makes me try to assign an Indian breed name to many of the strays I encounter.
PS: I totally agree with the authors stand on euthanizing strays. I have taken 1 stray, because that was all I could fit into my house, but my heart breaks to see starving and injured dogs on the road. I feel that a seemingly heartless decision, may actually be the kindest one!
January 7, 2024
This is a wonderful book for dog lovers. The author, being a dog lover himself, has a lot of interesting information about Indian dogs with various references. The books give great pride in knowing the Indian breed and the efficiency of their capacity. The book is for a general audience in a simple format with the necessary reference pictures. The author has a passionate view of street dogs. Since I have friends who are animal rescuers, I know the pain in which the author puts his view on managing orphaned dogs. I highly recommend reading it.
July 15, 2019
A wonderful book about the indigenous breeds of India. Rather they are the neglected ones because of the onslaught of the more fancier imported dogs. The Indian dogs are more resilient, immune and sturdy compared to the foreign breeds and the book brings about a very good portrayal of those dog species that are almost forgotten and some even extinct/diluted in their gene pool that it is no longer possible to revive them. Very well organized and very well written!
June 8, 2025
Through this book, Mr. Theodore Baskaran provides a wealth of information about Indian dog breeds. When we think of dogs, we often picture foreign breeds, while Indian breeds are commonly mistaken for strays. Mr. Baskaran offers concise descriptions and histories of these native breeds. This book should be an interesting read for dog lovers, animal enthusiasts, and naturalists.
August 14, 2018
Simple and Informative.
Must read for dog lovers.
Our indigenous breeds is our pride. Why feel proud in fostering foreign breeds when we can't identify atleast 10 different Indian breeds?
Well written book.
Must read for dog lovers.
Our indigenous breeds is our pride. Why feel proud in fostering foreign breeds when we can't identify atleast 10 different Indian breeds?
Well written book.
August 5, 2021
Short book, informative, has some references to local breeders that might be useful. Including the behavior of individual breeds could have made the book comprehensive and little bit more interesting.
February 23, 2018
A wonderful and informative book for those who are interested in knowing more about indigenous Indian dog breeds. There is so much to know about our 'Desi' breeds who make wonderful pets.
June 26, 2018
This book give hiatory of indigenous dogs
This book give hiatory of indigenous dogs. Also it is a handout for the indian dogs. Variety . I would like to thank for this book
This book give hiatory of indigenous dogs. Also it is a handout for the indian dogs. Variety . I would like to thank for this book
July 9, 2018
Adding information about the Indian bred dogs
Very well researched and put your book about Indian bed dogs. Certainly makes me want to have an Indian dog at home.
Very well researched and put your book about Indian bed dogs. Certainly makes me want to have an Indian dog at home.
May 20, 2019
Didn't like the ending. But otherwise a pretty informative book
December 20, 2019
As this is the only book available on desi dog breeds i find it compelling. Could have been little more informative. worth the read.
June 7, 2020
No Photos of the dogs
There is no photos if the dogs, if anyone reads this book, he will not get any idea of the dog shape, Look and so this book is not useful.
There is no photos if the dogs, if anyone reads this book, he will not get any idea of the dog shape, Look and so this book is not useful.
June 5, 2021
Good short read
A passionate plea to conserve our native breeds. Bhaskaran's concern and attention to detail shines through. Compendium of Indian dog breeds.
A passionate plea to conserve our native breeds. Bhaskaran's concern and attention to detail shines through. Compendium of Indian dog breeds.
March 2, 2024
It is a wonderful Dog book on Indian breeds. Really enjoyed reading so many. Pictures should have been more illustrated and clicked. Content is fine.
July 8, 2026
Beautiful book on dogs and Indian breeds.
April 7, 2019
Simply put: A must-read for anyone who has an indie breed, or has interest in the matter. Even though I count myself a dog enthusiast, I learned so, so much about the history of Indian dogs, and I will never look at them the same again! I'd highly, highly recommend this!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews