A new methodology for characterization of dog genetic resources of India

Abstract

India with a total of 160 registered breeds of livestock and poultry also possesses a large number of lesser known/ undocumented/ undefined populations of farm animals. In country, there are about eight indigenous dog populations, which are mainly utilized for guarding of agriculture farm and shepherding. However, due to lack of proper methodology specific to dog, the characterization of most of populations is remained uncompleted so far. Based on a pilot survey for Rajapalayam and Chippiparai dog breeds of Tamil Nadu, a survey questionnaire was developed for characterization and a breed descriptor for documentation of the indigenous dog breeds. Kennel club of India, Chennai has registered few of the Indian dog breeds including Rajapalayam and Mudhol Hound. However, this newly evolved survey questionnaire and breed  descriptor  may  be  universally  used  for  characterization  and  documentation  of  indigenous  dog populations/breeds and may be registered further through breed registration procedure at National level.