The Jonangi, also known as Jonangi Jagilam[1] or Kolleti Jagilam[2] is an Indian dog breed, mostly found in the separated state of Andhra Pradesh, some parts of Karnataka, and all along the east coast from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu.[3] It was once abundantly found in and around Kolleru Lake in West Godavari and Krishna Districts of Andhra Pradesh. This dog has very short, smooth hair. It is used as a hunting and herding dog by people who have this breed.[4][5][6]
| Jonangi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Origin | South India | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Breed status | Not recognised as a breed by any major kennel club. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Jonangi is not recognized by major kennel clubs in India, but this breed is locally shown at beach festivals in Andhra Pradesh.
Temperament
The Jonangi [7] is a one-person or one-family dog. It is an agile dog, with long strides that can cover very large distances.
While a few dogs exhibit nervousness, most Jonangis make excellent working partners, guarding large farms and even houses.
They are known to coexist with farm animals such as poultry, goats, sheep and cattle.
Jonangis are known for digging decently sized ditches to lay in the dirt.
If properly socialized as puppies and trained with positive reinforcement, Jonangis grow up into confident adults. They can make excellent family companions and do well with children.
Breeding
Females come into heat every six months, depending on their health. Typical litter size is 3–5 puppies.
Jonangi dams are excellent mothers and take good care of their pups. Their fertility rate is in line with other Indian dog breeds
Use
Jonangi are used for hunting small game, as a watchdog, and for herding ducks.[8]
Near-extinction
The Jonangi was once commonly found around Kolleru Lake helping local duck farmers to herd their ducks. Farmers around Kolleru have turned towards more profitable aquaculture and the Jonangi that once helped them herd ducks no longer have a working function, and have been left in a semi-feral state to survive for themselves.
The Jonangi has developed unique fishing techniques for its survival, and is now considered a pest by local farmers, who went on killing these dogs to near-extinction.
Breed revival
Once found around the entire coastal region of India, this breed is now found mostly in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Goa. Lately major Asil chicken breeders and farm owners in Andhra Pradesh are interested in keeping this breed to protect their asil birds and livestock from predators.[9]
