Dogs in India have been kept on domestic, community or feral patterns for guarding, herding, sport and show purposes.

In villages and small towns dogs are kept in localities for the purpose of guarding and are fed and sheltered by people of the particular locality. Since most of the breeds are not as attractive as their foreign counterparts no effort has been made to scientifically breed these dogs to exploit their useful traits.
Some of these breeds are :

 

Banjara	These dogs have a slender body, a long and narrow face, a long and tapering tail & the coat is short and generally fawn or brown in color. Weight : 20-30 kgs Height : 35-60 cms
Bhutia	They are known for their strength and courage and are considered to be descendents of the Tibetian Mastiff. The coat is either black or brown in color and the tail is thick and hairy. Weight : 30-40 kgs Height : 40-65 cms
Gaddi	The dogs of this breed are well built and muscular, possess a short coat but the tails are hairy and the ears are short and curved. They are used as guard dogs. Weight : 25-50 kgs Height : 45-70 cms
Himalayan Sheep dog	As the name suggests, it is a herding breed. It has a broad face, small and drooping ears, coat is ivory white and smooth with a hairy and curled tail. This breed is native of Rajapalayam (Kerela). Weight : 30-40 kgs Height : 40-50 cms
Rajapalayam	This hunting dog has a tall and slender body, short and dense coat with a long and curled tail. Weight : 25-30 kgs Height : 40-50 cms
Rampur Hounds	This is another hunting breed that is known for its speed and bravery. This dog possesses a short and rough coat, small and curved ears and a long and tapering tail. This breed is native of Rampur (Uttar Pradesh). Weight : 25-40 kgs Height : 40-60 cms