Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Indian Pariah Dog - Breed Comparison

The Indian pariah, known also as the Indi-dog or In-dog, is an ancient dog breed common throughout India as well as Bangladesh.

A breed standard does exist for the dog with the Indian Kennel Club and the dog has also been recognized by the Primitive and Aboriginal Dog Society.

A great dog enthusiast, Indian environmentalist, M Krishnan, has written about this ancient dog breed, telling about its wonderful temperament and its hardy constitution.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is thought to be an old Land Spaniel similar to the English Springer Spaniel. They were pretty mush an unknown breed until they won a string of dog trials and became more popular. Following this surge the breed was recognized by the UKC in 1902 and were named the Welsh Springer Spaniel. No one really knows when the breed was developed and cannot be traced because of lack of documentation. They were brought to America in the early 1900’s and were recognized as a breed by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1906.

There are images of a dog looking a lot like the Welsh Springer Spaniel in old prints and pictures. The pictures are of a dog known as a Land Spaniel very much like the Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs were thought to be preserved by the Welsh and originally called the Welsh Starter. It was a hunting breed working with falcons.

At one point the breed was called the Welsh Spaniel and was also in the UK studbook as a Cocker Spaniel or a Welsh Cocker. There were several different types of Cocker Spaniels including the English Cocker, the Welsh Cocker, the Devonshire Cocker. The Welsh Cocker Spaniel was a solid dark color while the Welsh and Devonshire Cockers were liver colored.

Following World War II there were no dogs left in Wales or anywhere else in the United Kingdom whose parents were registered pedigree. The unregistered dogs were used to restart the breed and these dogs are the ancestors of the modern Welsh Springer Spaniel.

The breed is still rare with only 299 registered in the UK in 2016. They are listed now a vulnerable Native Breed.

The Indian Pariah dog is a medium sized, lanky looking dog with the males and females standing at 46cm to 64cm in height and weighing roughly between 15 to 30kg.

These dogs aren't big eaters so they tend to be lean and muscular. This is a double coated dog with the hair being coarse and fawn in colour or reddish brown.

He has fairly large, erect ears and brown eyes. He has a long tail which is held down but when he is excited it is held high and over the back, curling at the tip. There is sometimes white around the face and chest.

Temperament:

The Pariah dog is a social dog but he is somewhat timid, even though they make excellent watch dogs, being territorial around their human family. Being territorial, he can have an aggressive side to him so it is wise to have him trained and socialized as then he is obedient and capable of getting on well with children in the home.

These dogs are also very intelligent and therefore easily trained. He is an active dog and likes to be kept busy, wanting to be participating in the activities of his human family.

The breed is a medium size, solid and compact dog bred to work. Their forequarters are angled and there hindquarters are well developed. This is a very good looking breed that is only red with white markings. A hard working dog bred to hunt. They are slighter longer than tall and are not penalized as long as the height tis not greater than the length.

The tail in docked except in countries where it is illegal to do so. Their eyes should be brown. Noses are black or brown. The ears are small with a fethering like most setters. The show and field styles are the same. They are confused with the Engolish Springer Spaniel even though there are many differences. But both breeds are born to hunt and “spring” at the prey. They are smaller than the English Springer Spaniel and larger than the English Cocker Spaniel.

The Indian Pariah dog is just an ordinary dog looking to be a superb companion for you. These are dogs with no airs and graces and in fact they have lots of positive attributes about them.

They are just your ordinary, social dogs who are able to form strong, loyal friendships with their human owners. He is a faithful dog breed and he has had a long association with humans dating back to thousands of years. He is healthy and cheerful and he is just waiting for you to give him a chance so that he can show you what a cheerful, playful, devoted, wonderful friend he can be to you too.

Characteristics

1Children friendliness yes they love their own children, but might be wary of others.

2.Special talents - endurance and stamina are intense with this breed.

3.Adapability – not that good in an apartment as this is a rare working dog.

4.Learning ability - intelligent and willing

This is a dog which can live to between 13 and 15 years of age when he is treated well.

These Indian Pariahs are a natural dog breed, and to this end they are free of genetic health concerns such as hip dysplasia which is a very common ailment with nearly all dogs.

Remember that every dog stands a good chance of picking up some life-threatening illnesses if not vaccinated against them. Some of these diseases to be concerned about are canine distemper and parvo-virus. Rabies, kennel cough and parasites such as fleas and ticks can also pose a real danger to your pet.

The Pariah has been around for a very long time and today he is a robust, low maintenance pet that isn't going to cost you a lot of money .

Health Problems

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a few serious health concerns such as:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.

• Eye Diseases – Glaucoma can cause blindness; Entropian – eyelids curl inwards and can damage the cornea.

• Autoimmune thyroiditis – can be treated with medication.
• Ear infections – be sure to keep them clean to prevent this.
• Epilepsy – as many spaniels have. Can be treated with medications.

This is a low maintenance dog who also happens to shed little. A brush once or twice a week will be sufficient and it will keep the fur shiny and healthy.

General Care:

Your puppy will need to be vaccinated at 6 weeks of age. There are some veterinary clinics in India that offer free vaccine shots. Your puppy will be dewormed too. Make sure he has a nice dry, warm place to sleep, and for during the day, ensure that there is a shady spot for him too.

Diet:

It's always a good idea to try and feed your puppy the best food there is. If you visit a veterinary clinic, find out what the most appropriate food would be for your puppy and how often you should feed him during the day.

If you feed your adult Indian Pariah dog kibble and you're able to, try and add in some home-made food too such as cooked chicken or rice. Some raw meat added in from time to time will also do your dog the world of good. Make sure there is always a bowl of cool, clean water standing by.

1Feeding the puppy active puppy. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed ½ -3/4 cup in 2-3 meals

2.Feeding the adult active breed. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed 1-1/2 cup in 1-2meals

3.Points for Good Health endurance/stamina – can outlast many hunting dogs.

4. Games and Exercises – Needs a secure fenced yard. Loves sports and outdoor activity. Agility, obedience, rally, tracking and loves to run, bike and hike.