A Case Study on the Growth Pattern of Indian Free-ranging Dog in Natural Environment

The Indian kennel club has determined the weight and height characteristics of adult Indian free-ranging dogs but not for the puppies despite the dogs existing in India for centuries. The formation of a growth chart for these dogs may help veterinarians to be better able to determine the age and health status of the rescued puppies.

In this study, the weekly weight gains and monthly total length increases of a female Indian free-ranging puppy were observed from 5^th-22^nd week of the puppy's life in order to form a growth chart. The puppy's life during observation was divided into three phases-pre-weaned, weaned and scavenge by itself. The mother's monthly weight gain was measured.

The puppy showed 0.71±0.30 kg in the first, 0.45±0.48 kg in the second and 0.38±0.40 kg increase in the third phase of the observation period. No significant difference in weight gain was observed in the three phases. The monthly weight gain and length increase were 1.95±0.587 kg and 21.25±19.05 cm respectively. No correlation was observed between them. No correlation between months after birth and mother's weight gain were observed.