FireTravels #5—Meet the Fiercely Loyal Gaddi Dogs from the Himalaya!

Dogs are probably the most loyal amongst all our domesticated creatures. History has countless stories of their fierce loyalty towards their human friends. They aren't loyal towards us just because we feed them. It seems to me as though this behaviour is ingrained into their very being.

^{He's got quite an attitude! Leader of the pack!}

Dogs have been bred for thousands of years to assist humans in their work as well as be a great companion! They are wired to be with us every step of the way!

This is from circa mid-2012 when I met these incredible dogs in the mountains along with their masters. I observed how these dogs acted on every single command from their masters. A whistle here or two, a word in the language of the Shepherd, indicating completely different things but they'd know their tasks and get about doing them.

They wouldn't flinch if a stranger called out their names. I tried to get them to come to me but they would just ignore me as if I didn't exist in their realm. I found it amusing and not offensive. But, when their master called upon them, they'd run like the wind to their master for treat or some affection.

They hold their ground, not a fear in the world. Up in the mountains, they roam around with their masters as if they are the gods and owners of the land! It's amazing to see them herd sheep and keep them in-line with wherever they are going!

I'm not aware of a technical name for this breed of dogs but they are commonly known as the 'Gaddi' Dogs. The name, "Gaddi" comes from the 'Gaddi Tribe' that uses these dogs for Shepherding in the foothills of the Himalaya in India. You can read about the tribe in my previous story here.

Despite looking and acting fiercely, they were also loving. A couple of hours spent around them, they seemed much more friendlier and warmed up to my presence. One of them even allowed me to pet him and play with a him a little, but these bigger, older ones were more reserved in the demeanour in the watchful eyes of their masters.

^{Caught this snap as he was playing with his master.}

When I was a kid, I was always chased around by this particularly aggressive dog in my neighbourhood belonging to my friend in my neighbourhood. It was never leashed and every time I had to visit his home someone would have to hold it down or I'd have to make multiple attempts at reaching his door step. The dog always thought anyone approaching the house was going to attack it's owners and behaved accordingly. It was untrained of-course!

I didn't know what to do and it always growled and chased many of us kids away every time. It did put some fear in me at the time. However, as I grew older I learnt how easy it was to get a dog to befriend you and for most dogs, they just want some love and they'll come to you right away. Here's my story that trended steemit few weeks ago. It's about, "How a Himalayan Alpha Dog Domesticated a Hooman!"

Now, as I write this story, I feel like I've gone back in time and I wish I could bring one of these dogs home with me. They are incredibly smart, perhaps as smart as the smartest top breeds that you'll see around you! I remember watching @pharesim's lovely little doggy girl 'Juka' at @steemfest 2016. She was one of the nicest and smartest dogs I've ever met!

^{Sleepy head taking a yawn!}

^{I caught one of them sleeping after a while. Incredibly cute and beautiful as they lie still!}

As the Shepherds wander around the great Himalaya, throughout the season, their dogs serve them as faithful companions and never allow them to feel lonely up in the mountains. It's incredible how nature has given such amazing gifts as the love of a dog to us hoomans!

^{The group at the camp when the picture was taken!}

Recently, when I wrote the story: FireTravels #4—Meeting Gaddi Shepherds of the Middle Land! I wrote about the moments before I left to visit the lake, and I also mentioned that I came back to a great conversation with the Shepherds. I hope you will read the aforementioned stories to learn more about this amazing place, it's people and their dogs.

On many occasions during my travels in the mountains of India, I've been tempted to bring one of these mountain dogs home! But unfortunately, the climate in the southern part of the country where I currently reside would be too warm for these incredible animals.

Have you on your travels or wherever you live, come across these types of dogs that don't belong to a mainstream breed but are incredible to have as part of your family?

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