We delight in bringing “new” breeds to you, but the Bakharwal Dog, one of the oldest livestock guardian breeds, is hardly “new” to Central Asia where it’s been considered among the most resilient species of dog in India’s Himalayas. These dogs – described as having the strength, courage and ferocity of a Jaguar – were most commonly seen tending to large flocks of sheep and goats in remote areas of the higher altitudes of the Jammu and Kashmir state of India. Fascinating to us is that these dogs are vegetarians that avoid eating flesh. Raised in a nomadic community, the dogs lived on milk, milk products, and bread made of maize in the belief that it helps keep the dogs from attacking the flock. It’s said that Bakharwals prefer hunger over showing any predatory instinct or aggression toward the animals in their care.
Sarah’s Dogs reports that an Indian Tribal Research and Cultural foundation survey on this indigenous dog of Kashmir and Jammu found that only a few hundreds of the dogs are in existence. Uprisings in higher regions of India have caused hundreds of these dogs to be killed, and remaining dogs live in extreme conditions. Most certainly, this breed will be lost forever if nothing is done to preserve it. Please understand: Preserving purebred dog breeds is no different than preserving other at-risk animals such as the Panda Bear or rhinoceros. Because the animal we want to protect is “just a dog,” little attention is given it until it’s too late. Please be an advocate for all our breeds.
We conclude with a fabulous sixteen minute video on this breed (click on “Watch on Facebook):
Sadly, in what is becoming an all too common comment on these pages, this is another breed on the brink of extinction. This loss would chip away at the legacy of the Muslim nomadic Gujjar tribes because when we lose a dog breed, we lose the legacy of a culture that developed or worked with the breed for generations.
1. Bakharwal Mastiff: The first hound on this list, unsurprisingly, originates from a nation that has over 40% of its population vegetarian, India. Bakharwal Mastiffs are used as guard dogs by the Bakharwal tribe for their livestock in the Himalayas. These are large dogs, standing at 30 inches tall with a thick coat that can withstand harsh climates of the mountains. The true origin of this hound is unknown but it is said that it is being used for this purpose for over 300 hundred years, and it takes its job very seriously. While these are not particularly friendly dogs, as they can get aggressive towards other pets easily, they do love vegetarian food. Bakharwal Mastiffs do not like eating flesh, they prefer eating rice and milk rolls, plus, their favorite meal is maize bread mixed with milk. I mean, that’s everyone’s favorite, but this pooch loves it more than anyone. Unfortunately, this dog is on the verge of extinction, as the modern world is replacing its usefulness.
5. Labrador Retriever: The most popular breed of pooches in the United States, and the easiest recommendation to the first-time dog owners, labs are affectionate and caring dogs. They originated in Canada and were used in duck hunting, where they would run in the bushes and retrieve the game, hence the name. These are easy-going dogs, and love being part of a family, and if you happen to have a large family, even better as labs love to socialize. Similar to Pomeranians, if you start feeding them vegetarian food from their puppyhood, they will love indulging in it. While labs love white meat, they can be raised on a vegetarian diet.
4. Indian Splitz: One of the most beloved dog breeds in India, and often mistaken for Pomeranians, Indian Splitz are great companions. Originally, they were brought to India by Britishers and were more suitable for colder climates, but years of breeding led them to become adaptable to the hotter temperatures. These have also been a part of Bollywood, and thanks to such exposure, they were the go-to choice for dogs in the 2000s. Splitz is on the smaller to average side of the scale with a maximum height of 14 inches, and a weight of 44 pounds. They are highly intelligent and versatile pooches, they love being in open areas, however, they easily thrive in cityscapes as well when given the right amount of exercise. As for their diet, they are not fussy eaters and consume pretty much everything. Though they love cooked eggs and meats, they love fruits as well, feed them nutritious vegetarian food, and they will love it.
Ultimately, the only true vegetarian dog on the list is the Bakharwal dog, however, when done properly, the other five dogs can easily adapt to a vegetarian diet. It should be noted that if you are planning to make your current dog vegetarian, you must consult a vet first, and must follow their professional advice. Once they give your dog a green signal, only then it should be done.
Additionally, if you are currently feeding your dog a meat-rich diet, a sudden transition to a vegetarian diet can actually upset your pooch’s stomach, and they can end up having digestion issues. Instead, incorporate vegetarian foods slowly into the diet by mixing them with current food, and giving your dog’s body time to adjust to the new foods. If you are still unclear, simply ask a vet for help.
Clubs Offering:
Dogs prefer meat, but a vegan or vegetarian diet is possible with the right supplements.
For health and ethical reasons, many vegetarian and vegan humans choose to share their dietary preferences with their dogs.
In general, dogs are omnivorous. They eat meat, fish, and poultry, but also can derive nutrients from a wide variety of sources, including vegetables, grains, fruits, and legumes.
Can Dogs Eat Only Veg Food?? : TUC
We delight in bringing “new” breeds to you, but the Bakharwal Dog, one of the oldest livestock guardian breeds, is hardly “new” to Central Asia where it’s been considered among the most resilient species of dog in India’s Himalayas. These dogs – described as having the strength, courage and ferocity of a Jaguar – were most commonly seen tending to large flocks of sheep and goats in remote areas of the higher altitudes of the Jammu and Kashmir state of India. Fascinating to us is that these dogs are vegetarians that avoid eating flesh. Raised in a nomadic community, the dogs lived on milk, milk products, and bread made of maize in the belief that it helps keep the dogs from attacking the flock. It’s said that Bakharwals prefer hunger over showing any predatory instinct or aggression toward the animals in their care.
Sadly, in what is becoming an all too common comment on these pages, this is another breed on the brink of extinction. This loss would chip away at the legacy of the Muslim nomadic Gujjar tribes because when we lose a dog breed, we lose the legacy of a culture that developed or worked with the breed for generations.
Sarah’s Dogs reports that an Indian Tribal Research and Cultural foundation survey on this indigenous dog of Kashmir and Jammu found that only a few hundreds of the dogs are in existence. Uprisings in higher regions of India have caused hundreds of these dogs to be killed, and remaining dogs live in extreme conditions. Most certainly, this breed will be lost forever if nothing is done to preserve it. Please understand: Preserving purebred dog breeds is no different than preserving other at-risk animals such as the Panda Bear or rhinoceros. Because the animal we want to protect is “just a dog,” little attention is given it until it’s too late. Please be an advocate for all our breeds.
We conclude with a fabulous sixteen minute video on this breed (click on “Watch on Facebook):