Haofa Tangkhul Hui

The Haofa or Tangkhul Hui[1] is a breed of dog raised by the Tangkhul people in the Ukhrul district of Manipur in northeastern India.[2][3] They were traditionally used entirely for hunting. Although their presence has lessened in the modern day, being estimated at 1,000 individuals in 2022,[4] the Indian Army has inducted them into the force.[5][1]

Haofa Tangkhul hui
OriginIndia
Breed statusNot recognised as a breed by any major kennel club.
Traits
Height Males 61–61 cm (24–24 in)
Females 61–61 cm (24–24 in)
Weight 70–90 kg (150–200 lb)
Coat short coat
Colour Black
Litter size 1–3
Life span –15
Dog (domestic dog)

Traits

They are an intelligent breed that make good watchdogs. Traditionally, their ears and tails are docked, to prevent the extremities from being injured during fights with other dogs or animals.[1] They are black in color, with white markings.[3] They come in two sizes, with the smaller size being used to hunt small game which hide in burrows or holes.[6] The larger variety has a long muzzle and wide jaws, and has been compared to a bear in appearance.[6] The breed is known for its stamina, rather than its speed.[6]

Recognition

Although not yet officially recognized as a distinct breed, locals from Manipur hope to establish the breed both to preserve them as a cultural symbol and as a source of income in the area.[7][8]

The Association for Haofa was founded in 2021, and as of February 2023 had 40 members.[7] A 2021 resolution in the village of Phungcham declared that the Haofa would be the only breed allowed to be raised in the village, in an effort to improve the population's decline in numbers.[6]

In December 2022, registration of the breed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources was in the final stages.[3]

That same month, the first Phungcham Haofa Festival was held in the region.[8]

Reference
  1. "Manipur scientists to promote Ukhrul's Haofa canine breed nationally". NORTHEAST NOW. 2021-02-04. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  2. Deshpande, Abhijeet Madhukar (2020). Indian Dogs Pedigree Chart-The List of Indian Pedigree Dogs. p. 29.
  3. "Manipur's indigenous dog Haofa to be registered at ICAR-NBAGR soon". Hindustan Times. 2022-12-10. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  4. "Haofa Phanit: A mission to save a dying indigenous canine breed". The Ukhrulian. 2022-12-11. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  5. "Low maintenance, can walk for miles: Why dogs of Indian breeds are becoming popular with forces". The Times of India. 2020-09-12. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  6. "Phungcham village resolve to rear only Haofa to preserve dwindling canine breed". The Frontier Manipur. 2021-10-04. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  7. "140 Haofas vaccinated at Phungcham". The Frontier Manipur. 2023-02-16. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  8. "Phungcham Haofa Phanit A Yearly Event: Khashim Vashum". The Frontier Manipur. 2022-12-09. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
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