Pandikona
 A Male Pandikona | |
| Origin | India (Deccan Plateau) |
|---|---|
| Breed status | Not recognized as a standardized breed by any major kennel club. |
| Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |
The Pandikona is a primitive-type hunting dog from Pattikonda taluk-Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh state, India. "Pandikona" is a medium size sight hound which is adapted to harsh climatic conditions of Kurnool district. This breed is associated with shepherd families of that region. PandiKona dogs need very little care.
Size
The Pandikona shows wide variations in size as the local breeders never chain their dogs and are not given to selective breeding. The dogs are always left untied and can range from 20-26 inches (males) and 19-24 inches (females).
Coat Colours
The breed is essentially short-haired with colours varying from solid fawn, shades of cream, white to black with white patches. All colours are seen with brindle being the rarest.
Temperament
The Pandikona has an exceptional instinct for guarding and hunting. They are fearless and show a surprising instinct even as puppies of being territorial. They are very faithful and good with children though not overly playful. They are used for hunting wild boar, hare and even rabbits. They are also known to kill snakes and rodents.
Breeding
Bitches are known to come into heat twice a year and litter sizes range from generally 4-7 puppies. In the native village breeding is completely natural with more than one male mating with a bitch.
Future Prospects
The Pandikona is an ideal guardian and hunting companion requiring little or no veterinary care as they are hardy, robust dogs which are not plagued by genetic defects brought on by selective and irresponsible breeding by humans. The only way to acquire a puppy though is to travel to the Pandikona village whose people only give puppies away to outsiders who they believe really will take good care of the dogs. Further awareness and efforts are required to popularise this ancient sighthound breed of India.
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pandikona. |