NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Haofa dog, native to Manipur's Tangkhul region, is gaining national recognition for its exceptional hunting and guarding abilities. Once vital to local hunters, the breed is now being preserved in Phungcham village to maintain its genetic purity. Security forces like the Assam Rifles have started using Haofa dogs due to their sharp senses and loyalty. Efforts are underway to secure official recognition from the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources.

Key Points: Manipur's Haofa Dog Breed Gains Recognition for Hunting and Security

  • Haofa dogs are unique to Manipur's Tangkhul region
  • Two distinct types exist for hunting small and large game
  • Assam Rifles now trains Haofa dogs for security roles
  • Breed faces decline but is preserved in Phungcham village
2 min read

Manipur's indigenous Haofa dog breed finds new recognition

The indigenous Haofa dog breed from Manipur, prized for its hunting skills and loyalty, is now being recognized nationally and used by security forces.

"Haofa is an indigenous canine breed of the Tangkhul community. It is found only in this region and nowhere else. - Tenno, President of Phungcham Haofa Lover Association"

By Bharat Pandey, Ukhrul, July 17

Haofa is an indigenous dog breed from the Tangkhul region, valued for its sharp hunting instincts and loyalty.

Once a vital companion for Tangkhul hunters, each Haofa was given a unique name and trained accordingly.

Among the Tangkhuls, two types of Haofa are commonly recognised: a smaller breed used for hunting small game, and a larger one with a short bluish-black coat, long muzzle, and broad jaws, resembling a bear.

The President of Phungcham Haofa Lover Association, Tenno, said, "Haofa is an indigenous canine breed of the Tangkhul community. It is found only in this region and nowhere else. Haofa is considered both a guard dog and an excellent hunting dog. Its strong sense of smell makes it highly sought-after".

The population of purebred Haofa is steadily declining, making it increasingly rare to find dogs of original lineage. However, the authentic strain is carefully preserved in Phungcham village of Ukhrul district, where dedicated breeders take immense pride in safeguarding the breed's genetic purity.

For the local community, Haofa is more than a dog; it is a living symbol of their cultural heritage.

Interest in the breed is on the rise, and notably, the Assam Rifles have begun procuring Haofa dogs for their Dog Training Centre in Jorhat, Assam, recognising their exceptional abilities and potential for service. One of the Dog Lovers from Manipur, Yangpen Yangya, said, "This dog is very good for us. It can even serve in the country's security forces. Its sense of smell is excellent. It can be used in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. It's extremely loyal to its master and is also great for providing security to children and the elderly". To promote the native Haofa breed of Ukhrul, a team from the Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Imphal, visited Phungcham village for breed assessment and documentation. Their findings were submitted for national-level recognition, with an official application sent to the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) in Haryana. Haofa's revival reflects a deeper movement to preserve heritage, culture, and indigenous biodiversity for future generations.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Fascinating read! As a dog lover, I'm amazed by India's indigenous breeds. The Haofa's bear-like appearance sounds unique. Would love to see more conservation efforts like this across the country.
A
Ananya R
While I appreciate the cultural significance, I hope the breeding practices are ethical. Indigenous doesn't always mean humane. The article mentions "genetic purity" - hope this doesn't lead to inbreeding problems.
V
Vikram M
Great to see Assam Rifles recognizing local talent! Our security forces should utilize more indigenous resources. Maybe Haofa can replace some imported breeds in police/army dog squads. #VocalForLocal
P
Priya S
The part about each dog getting a unique name based on training melted my heart ❤️ Shows how deeply connected the community is with these animals. More such stories from Northeast India please!
K
Karthik V
Interesting, but the article could have explained more about why the population is declining. Is it habitat loss? Cultural changes? Without addressing root causes, conservation efforts might not succeed long-term.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50