Kaikadi

Rare breedShort profile

From Maharashtra and parts of Gujarat, India, where it was kept by the nomadic Kaikadi people.1

At a glance the quick version

Height38 to 46 cm1

Sizemedium

Wikipedia gives 38-46 cm (15-18 in) for the breed.

very fast

alert watchdog

works well in a pack

Coat and looks how to spot one

short coat

A small, slender sighthound built for speed, with long fine legs and strong thighs and hocks, wearing a short, easy coat.1

Colourswhitetanblack1

Personality what they are like

Alert and protective, wary of people it does not know, and devoted to its owners.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A quick hunting sighthound that enjoys regular chances to run in a safe, enclosed area.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs very little care.1

Company who they like around

Traditionally worked in packs and stayed close to its family as a night-time guard.1

The story where it all began

The Kaikadi takes its name from the Kaikadi, a formerly nomadic community in western India who kept these dogs. By day the dogs hunted small game in groups, and at night they watched over their owners' camps.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It shares its name with the Kaikadi people and their Dravidian language.2
2
It is one of the smallest and slimmest Indian sighthounds.1
3
It did two jobs: pack hunter by day and watchdog by night.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Kaikadi people, a nomadic tribe from Maharashtra and parts of Gujarat in India who traditionally kept these dogs.1

Name ideas for your new friend

RajaChandaTaraKaliBholaMotiSonaRaniVayuNeelaJayaShanti

A day in the life told by a Kaikadi

I woke to the warm sun and stretched, then raced across the open field, my legs a blur. After a good run, I trotted back to my human, who laughed and scratched my ears. We sat together, watching the world. Later, I guarded the gate, alert but calm. At dusk, I rested at their feet, knowing all was safe.

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

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
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

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

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
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

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

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

Feed your Kaikadi at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Stick to set times each day, as their stomachs empty in a few hours. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a plan tailored to your dog.1 3 Pet Wiki plan

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

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, and raw meat or eggs. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a safe diet.1 4 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I bathe a Kaikadi?

Bathe your Kaikadi about every 10 weeks, or at least once every three months. Their short coat needs very little care, so more frequent baths are only needed if they get very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo.1 5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Kaikadi need brushing?

Brush your Kaikadi every three days, and daily during heavy shedding. Their short coat is easy to maintain, so a quick brush keeps it healthy and reduces loose hair.1 5 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear 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 for guidance.1 5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Kaikadi need?

Your Kaikadi needs daily walks and play, plus regular chances to run in a safe, enclosed area. As a hunting sighthound, they enjoy bursts of speed, so a fenced yard is ideal. Aim for at least 30, 60 minutes of activity each day.1 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush your Kaikadi's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks, wiping gently with a vet-recommended cleaner, never push anything into the ear canal. Regular care prevents problems.1 5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Kaikadi live?

The typical lifespan for a Kaikadi is around 12 to 15 years, though this can vary. Regular vet checkups and a healthy lifestyle help them live a long, happy life.1

Is a Kaikadi good with children and other pets?

Kaikadis are devoted to their owners and can be good with children if raised together, but they are wary of strangers. They traditionally worked in packs, so they may get along with other dogs, but early socialization is key. Always supervise interactions with small pets due to their hunting instincts.1

Can a Kaikadi be left alone?

Kaikadis are alert and protective, and they form strong bonds with their family. They can be left alone for moderate periods if well-exercised and mentally stimulated, but they may become anxious if left too long. Start with short absences and provide toys or a safe space.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.