Pet Wiki

Jonangi

Also called Jonangi Jagilam, Kolleti Jagilam

Usually devoted to one person or family and quick on its feet.

SizeMedium
Weight20 to 39 kg (44 to 86 lb)males 25 to 39 kg, females 20 to 29 kg1
Height46 to 56 cm (18 to 22 in)1
CoatShort, dense coat
OriginSouth India, mainly Andhra Pradesh around Kolleru Lake (West Godavari and Krishna districts); also found along the east coast and in neighbouring states.1
Last checked2026-09-30
Rare breedShort profile
loyal to its family
agile
gets along with farm animals
1

Personality what they are like

Usually devoted to one person or family and quick on its feet. It responds well to early socialisation and reward-based training.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Jonangi. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense coat

A lean, agile, medium-sized Indian dog with a short, tight coat that needs little upkeep.1

Colourswhitewhite with black spotsblackgreybrindle1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working farm dog used for herding and guarding, so it enjoys an active life with a job to do.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs only occasional brushing.1

Home where they are happiest

Traditionally a rural dog living alongside poultry, goats, sheep and cattle.1

Company who they like around

Forms a strong bond with its own household and lives peacefully with farm livestock.1

The story where it all began

The Jonangi was the working dog of duck farmers around Kolleru Lake, where it herded flocks, guarded property and hunted small game. Its numbers fell as duck farming shrank, but interest has been growing again among livestock keepers.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It was traditionally used to herd ducks around Kolleru Lake.1

  2. 2

    Jonangis like to dig shallow pits in the ground to rest in.1

  3. 3

    Some dogs living semi-independently developed their own ways of catching fish.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Jonangi region in Andhra Pradesh, India, and is also known as Jonangi Jagilam or Kolleti Jagilam, with 'Kolleti' referring to Kolleru Lake, the area where the breed was historically common.1

Name ideas for your new friend

KolleruJagguMuddySprintShyamRajaBheemaChotuLakshmiBholaKrishnaDharti

A day in the life told by a Jonangi

I wake with the sun and stretch by the lake. My human calls, and I race to the field, ready for work. I circle the goats, keeping them close, my legs quick and sure. After a splash in the cool water, I guard the yard, alert for any sound. At dusk, I curl at my human's feet, tired but happy. Another good day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

none
Not recognised by any major kennel club; shown at local festivals in Andhra Pradesh.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Jonangi, and at what times?

Feed your adult Jonangi at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule.2

What should a Jonangi eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity level is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and check with your vet for a full list.3

How often should I bathe a Jonangi?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, or about once every two months. You can bathe more often if your Jonangi gets very dirty, but avoid over-bathing to keep its coat healthy.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Jonangi need brushing?

The short coat needs only occasional brushing, about once a week. This helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat shiny.14 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Jonangi's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Jonangi need?

This active farm dog needs daily walks and play, plus a job to do like herding or guarding. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity each day.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Jonangi's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Jonangi live?

The lifespan varies, but a healthy Jonangi can live 12 to 15 years with good care. Senior years usually start around age 8, so regular vet check-ups become even more important then. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Jonangi good with children and other pets?

Yes, it forms a strong bond with its family and lives peacefully with farm livestock. Early socialisation helps it get along with children and other pets, but it is usually devoted to one person or family.1

Can a Jonangi be left alone?

This breed forms a strong bond with its household and may not like being left alone for long periods. It is best suited to homes where someone is around most of the time, or with plenty of activity and company.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Jonangi, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.