The Jonangi is a native
dog breed of
India, found all along the
east coast of India, from Bengal to Kanyakumari. The east coast of India has a
long history of trade relations with South-East Asia. Therefore, it is thought
that the ancestors of the Jonangi arrived near Lake Kolleru from South-East Asia
in ancient times. He is used for hunting small game, as a
watchdog, and for
herding ducks. This is a spunky, primitive-type dog that is wary with strangers.
It does not usually bark but makes a yodelling sound similar to that of a
Basenji. The female comes
into heat once per year.
Appearance
The Jonangi is reminiscent of a
Bull Terrier
but is not stocky or cobby. It is a typical primitive
pariah-type dog,
and shares many common characteristics with other dogs of this type all over the
world. Perhaps the most similar breed to the Jonangi is the Basenji, not the
western show dog, but the real African village dog. Its
coat is
extremely short and fine, in solid colours of fawn, biscuit, chocolate, black or
white. Brindle is acceptable. It has a wrinkled forehead, thin curled tail, and
tulip ears. The Jonangi stands 14 to 16 inches at the
withers. This is a
one-man or one-family dog.
The Jonangi is threatened by
extinction. Efforts
are underway to preserve it.