Understand why Indie dogs deserve equal care and lasting respect. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)They’re everywhere — lounging in the sun, following schoolchildren, tailing street vendors, or curled up by a tea stall. The Indian street dog, affectionately known as the Indie, is one of the most overlooked animals, yet a much intricate part of our history than any Western breeds, having been found in Mohenjo-daro, too.But recently, a unique initiative set out to change that. The Indian street dog, affectionately known as the Indie, is one of the most overlooked animals on the subcontinent (Picture: Rishika Singh)The Rotary Club of Bombay launched a two-minute awareness film on the plight of Indies, with actor Pooja Bhatt lending her voice to the project. Produced by Nabeel Abbas, Founder and CEO of Epigram, and scripted by Anushree Kandalkar, the short film was a heartfelt appeal to acknowledge the Indie as more than just a street survivor.Ramesh Narayan, who conceived the project, shares: “Looking around, you will see the Indie on every street. They are as hardy and caring as any breed dog, but they face the daily challenges of scrounging for food and facing extreme heat and the monsoons. It is heart-rending. So I thought we must begin building the Indie brand. More so at a time when everything Indian is now being looked up to. Let’s take pride in our homegrown breed… Indies are old, have been around since Mohenjo-daro.”Indeed, a pariah-type dog skull was found at the ancient site of Mohenjo-daro, and similar canines appear in Bhimbetka’s prehistoric rock art. The Indie dog was also featured in National Geographic’s Search for the First Dog, standing proudly alongside ancient breeds like Israel’s Canaan Dog and Australia’s Dingo.Don’t shop!Adopt an Indie. pic.twitter.com/7vDpEXDHKs— Ramesh Narayan (@rameshnarayan) June 4, 2025Dr Milind Hatekar, Veterinary Surgeon at Pet Aid Pune and Founder of the Asian Foundation of Veterinary Orthopedics and Neurology (AFVON), explained that “it’s a myth that Indie dogs are better than other breeds.” He says: “In real sense, they have problems of allergies due to a lot of inbreeding. And they may have temperament issues since these dogs like to move and run around freely — and once restricted in flats and confined places, they will have temperament issues.” Indeed, a pariah-type dog skull was found at the ancient site of Mohenjo-daro, and similar canines appear in Bhimbetka’s prehistoric rock art. (Picture: Rishika Singh)This doesn’t mean Indies shouldn’t be adopted — just that they require the same level of care, love and understanding as any other breed.“They need equal care as compared to non-hairy breeds of dogs. Since they have a genetic pool supporting the weather in India, they do well in summers,” adds Dr Hatekar.📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:dogs