While purchasing a breed as costly as this might be a one-off case, however spending lavishly on an unique breed is definitely not a brand-new or uncommon phenomenon in India. From Bichon Frisé and Bolognese to Coton de Tulear – unique types costing upwards of lakhs continue to remain in need. However, professionals alert that such unique types are most likely to have a hard time in Indian climate condition and need additional care, and one need to attempt and adopt native types rather.
‘For some, buying an exotic breed is about showing power’
“For a lot of people, buying an exotic breed is about showing power,” says Shipa K Bhargav from People for Animals, including, “It’s like an obsession and a trophy of sorts for them. People have been obsessed with huskies. A few years ago, people were obsessed with Saint Bernards. But Saint Bernards weren’t used to warm conditions, so people started abandoning them because it was difficult to take care of them. My advice would be to refrain from buying an animal that is not native to India, as they will not be able to survive for long. Go for breeds that have been bred here, as they are used to the weather conditions.”
‘Coton de Tulear, Bichon Frise, Bolognese are some breeds people are currently obsessed with’
Harshdeep Tegha from Tegha Kennel says, “People have different preferences when it comes to buying a breed. If someone lives in an apartment then they go for breeds like Bichon Frise, Bolognese and Coton de Tulear. Those who live in villas or have a bigger space prefer breeds like Giant Schnauzer. The prices start from `2 lakh for such dogs and can go up according to their lineage, bloodline and origin of the country.” “Earlier people would only see if the parents of the dog were champion dogs or not. Today, people also want to know if these are therapy dogs. If they have a certificate of an Emotional Support Animal, then their cost increases,” he includes.
‘Indians are crazy about small breeds like Shih Tzu and Poodles’
The present trend in India is for little types, says Sanjeev Kumar, global family pet grooming specialist, family pet behaviourist and family pet diet professional. “Shih Tzu, Poodles and other breeds like Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier are getting very popular, especially because they are manageable. Poodles are going to rule the segment and they are also one of the most intelligent breeds. With trainability, intelligence, and also the fact that they don’t shed and can be styled in different ways, Poodles are the current favourites,” he includes.
What are the aspects that affect the worth of a dog breed?
The worth of a dog depends upon numerous aspects. “Firstly, their immediate parents need to be champions. A champion title is what a dog gets once it has won several shows at several places under several judges. The Kennel Club of India (KCI) awards the title in India so the dog becomes an Indian champion. Then if someone has the money, bandwidth and resources, they can go to different countries and can attain the title of that country. If a puppy’s immediate parents are champions, whether they are national or international champions is also considered for valuation. Also, three generations on both sides of parents are seen (whether it is an import line or an Indian line). This is how the pricing is multiplied,” shares Sanjeev Kumar, global family pet grooming specialist, family pet behaviourist and family pet diet professional.
