Breeding management practices of pet dogs in Bengaluru, implications for canine welfare and responsible urban pet ownership

Abstract

Dogs have served as human companions for centuries, contributing to security, livelihood, and emotional well-being (Selby and Rhoades, 1981; Machová et al., 2020). With a rapid rise in pet dog ownership in urban India, particularly in Bengaluru, understanding responsible breeding management has become increasingly important for animal welfare (Business Standard, 2022; Economic Times, 2024). The present study examined breeding management practices among pet dog owners in Bengaluru, with special emphasis on differences between purebred and non-descript dogs and variations according to breed size. Data were collected from 400 pet dog owners visiting the Veterinary College Clinic, Bengaluru, using a structured interview schedule. Dogs were classified as purebred (n = 295) or non-descript (n = 105) and further grouped by size as toy, medium, and large breeds. The results revealed that 70 per cent of the respondents did not crossbreed their dogs, with the average age at neutering recorded as 1.17 years, which is in line with recommended welfare practices (Green, 2023). Owners of purebred dogs primarily selected mates based on adherence to breed standards, reflecting global trends in pedigree conservation (Kumar, 2020; Mehta, 2021). Differences were noted in preferred mating locations, with purebred owners favouring friends’ homes and owners of non-descript dogs preferring their own homes, as also reported in other urban studies (Carter, 2016). Significant variations were observed in puppy care practices, particularly in modes of sale and litter size across breed types and size categories (Johnson, 2023; Brown, 2023). These findings provide valuable insights for promoting responsible breeding practices and enhancing canine welfare (PETA India, 2023).