History

Pandikonas have a mixed breed history. Often called the 'Indian Dobermann', they were bred as hunting dogs. The breeds' roots trace back to a small village in Andra Pradesh called Pandikona, where dogs were bred to hunt wild game like boar and deer and protect the villages and their people. The people of the village soon discovered a breed that was the perfect hunter and guardian.  

Is the Pandikona right for me?

They are loyal to a faulty Pandikonas are great with children and pets within the family They are easy to groom They can live in any weather  Pandikonas can be left alone for a long time  

Why might the Pandikona be unsuitable for my lifestyle?

They do not like to live inside and prefer a large fenced in yard or an estate. Pandikonas are hard to train, making them unsuitable for novice pet parents They are protective of their family hence need to be socialised and well trained to curb aggression Pandikonas need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to keep themselves calm and quiet indoors. 

About the Breed

Nutrition

Pandikonas have no set diet. Since they are born wild and free, you'd find a Pandikona eating almost anything that is of animal origin! However, if you choose to raise one at home, a good quality diet comprises more protein than carbohydrates.

Supplements

are always helpful in kick-starting their long, healthy life. 

Grooming

Although grooming is easy with this breed, they need to be acquainted with equipments in grooming - brushes, shampoos, clippers, toothbrushes, ear cleaners, hairdryers etc., from a young age so as to avoid aggression that stems from an unfamiliar object. Groom your Pandikona once a week with a gentle coat brushing, coat de-shedding, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. 

Exercise

As much as they enjoy the outdoors, they also like to roam. So, if you aren't going to give them sufficient exercise, they will try other ways to get their exercise - including jumping over your fence and running away. Some Pandikonas also resort to chewing, howling, nipping, and other stress-related self-destructive behaviour when not given enough mental and physical exercise. Pandikonas enjoy any form of exercise as long as they are constantly at it – playing with different toys, running, swimming, agility, flyball etc. 

Training

Training a Pandikona is a task, but once you appreciate the intelligence and independence of this breed, training becomes more of finding a middle ground where both of you agree on. With patient, positive reinforcement training, Pandikonas can be well-behaved dogs.

Health

Pandikonas are very healthy breeds that suffer from little to no health complications even as they age. As long as they get routine veterinary checkups along with good food and sufficient exercise, you will have them around for a very long time!

Temperament

Pandikonas are gentle, loyal, sensitive, and protective towards their family but wary of strangers and animals outside their family. 

Conclusion

Fearless yet sensitive, protective yet gentle, aloof yet loyal, Pandikonas truly are one-of-a-kind.