Pet Wiki

Kaikadi

Maharashtra and parts of Gujarat

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

Comes in

5 sources

Height38–46cm

15–18 in1

At a glance

Key facts
SizeMedium
Height38 to 46 cm (15 to 18 in)1
CoatShort coat
OriginMaharashtra and parts of Gujarat, India, where it was kept by the nomadic Kaikadi people.1

Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.

very fast
alert watchdog
works well in a pack
1

what they are likeKaikadi temperament

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

how to spot oneKaikadi coat and colours

short coat

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

Comes inwhitetanblack1

a typical week and yearThe care rhythm

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

how busy a day looksKaikadi exercise needs

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

who they like aroundKaikadi with people and other pets

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

the hands-on bitsKaikadi grooming and care

The short coat needs very little care.1

the things everyone asksOwner questions

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.12

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.13

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.14

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.14

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.14

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 to 60 minutes of activity each day.1

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.14

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.

per year, in your countryWhat a Kaikadi costs

Running costs for a Kaikadi, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.

1,039 GBPa year
1,596 GBPfirst year
Foodabout 91 kg of dry food a year298 GBP ↗
Routine vet care345 GBP ↗
Pet insurancetypical policy, varies by breed and age384 GBP ↗
Dog tax0 GBP ↗
Licence and registration12 GBP ↗
Gear to start531 GBP ↗
Microchip and registration26 GBP ↗
Yearly cost in all 28 countries

Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.

homemade and simpleTreats they will love

All treat recipes for dogs

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

for the dinner tableFun facts

  1. It shares its name with the Kaikadi people and their Dravidian language.5

  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

the story behind itWhere the name comes from

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

for your new friendName ideas

RajaChandaTaraKaliBholaMotiSonaRaniVayuNeelaJayaShanti

told by a KaikadiA day in the life

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.

where it all beganKaikadi history

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.15

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Sources (5)

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Kaikadi (dog), Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all breed 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
  5. Kaikadi (disambiguation), Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for people and language fact

Text is written in our own words from these sources.