A team from the College of Agriculture, Imphal, visited Phungcham village for breed assessment and documentation, with findings submitted to NBAGR for national-level recognition
Ukhrul: The Assam Rifles have begun procuring Haofa dogs for their Dog Training Centre in Jorhat, Assam, recognising their exceptional abilities and potential for service. Interest in the Haofa dog breed is on the rise.
To promote the native breed of Ukhrul, a team from the Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Imphal, visited Phungcham village for breed assessment and documentation.
Their findings were submitted for national-level recognition, with an official application sent to the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) in Haryana.
Haofa is an indigenous dog breed from the Tangkhul region, valued for its sharp hunting instincts and loyalty.
Once a vital companion for Tangkhul hunters, each Haofa was given a unique name and trained accordingly.
Among the Tangkhuls, two types of Haofa are commonly recognised: a smaller breed used for hunting small game, and a larger one with a short bluish-black coat, long muzzle, and broad jaws, resembling a bear.
Community takes pride in preserving breed’s genetic purity
The President of Phungcham Haofa Lover Association, Tenno, said, “Haofa is an indigenous canine breed of the Tangkhul community. It is found only in this region and nowhere else. Haofa is considered both a guard dog and an excellent hunting dog. Its strong sense of smell makes it highly sought-after”.
The larger Haofa are identifiable for their short bluish-black coat, long muzzle, and broad jaws, resembling a bear | Photo: ANI
The population of purebred Haofa is steadily declining, making it increasingly rare to find dogs of original lineage. However, the authentic strain is carefully preserved in Phungcham village of Ukhrul district, where dedicated breeders take immense pride in safeguarding the breed’s genetic purity.
For the local community, Haofa is more than a dog; it is a living symbol of their cultural heritage.
One of the Dog Lovers from Manipur, Yangpen Yangya, said, “This dog is very good for us. It can even serve in the country’s security forces. Its sense of smell is excellent. It can be used in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. It’s extremely loyal to its master and is also great for providing security to children and the elderly”.
Haofa’s revival reflects a deeper movement to preserve heritage, culture, and indigenous biodiversity for future generations.
ANI
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