Haofa - Tangkhul Hui - Native dog breed from India

1) Origin
There is not much information about the origin of this dog, so no one can be really sure what is the exact date of origin nor what are the exact ancestors of this breed. What we know for sure is, that this is a very old dog breed from Manipur in India, to be more specific, this dog hails from the Ukhrul district.
2) Hunting
These dogs were bred for several reasons and one of the main utilization of this dog is hunting. These dogs are just great strong and brave hunters and they were even able to corner a bear or a wild boar. The Haofa is known for its excellent tracking ability as well as for its endurance and strength, all very important skills, when they are on the hunt. For a long time, this was the best partner for a hunter from the Ukhrul district.
3) Guard
Just like everywhere else in the world, hunting is not so needed and popular as it was in the past, but it does not mean that the Tangkhul Hui lost ist purpose. It is because this is quite versatile breed with very loyal and faithul, protective and territorial temperament. All these characteristics just make this dog good for protection and guarding. These dogs are very defensive over its pack and territory and they would not be afraid to protect it against even much larger animals or group of people.
4) Companion
Of course, this dog is not only use for hunting and guarding. Just like any other breed in the world, even the Haofa is very loyal, friendly and affectionate with its owner and family. Of course, this is not your typical apartment companion dog, but they truly love its family and they want to spend as much time around it as possible. It is said, that this is very intelligent breed and with proper early training and socialization, it is a very obedient dog that is quite gentle and tolerant towards its family members.
5) Recognition
This is quite rare breed and it will be very hard to find them outside Manipur. But it can change in future, because today, in 2021, there are big efforts to standardize and characterize this breed for possible official recognition at national level, which could led to bigger popularity of this dog.
6) Size
This is a big, very strong, but also very athletic and agile dog breed with average height between 22-26 inch, which is 56-66 cm and weight is typically between 25-32 kg, which is 55-71 pounds. Females are naturally little bit smaller than males.
7) Legend
There is a legend saying, that this breed evolved from the Asiatic black bear. Of course, it is impossible for a dog to evolve from a bear, but when you look at the Tangkhul Hui, you can understand how this legend began. They just look a little bit like bears with their face, muzzle and ears.
8) Coat
This breed has a practical short to medium long doublecoat, most of the dogs have rather shorter coat, due to the Indians higher temperatures. You can find this breed in solid black color or in black color with various white marking.
9) Maintenance
Great fact is, that this is quite low maitnenance breed. Even without any grooming, the Haofas coat will still look good. If you want to keep the coat in best possible condition and also minimize the shedding, brushing the coat once or twice a week is very beneficial. There are no other grooming needs with this breed. These dogs were bred for hunt, so if you want them to stay healthy and happy, regular exercise such as daily longer walks and vigiorous playtime is needed. Just like with any other dog, you should regularly check their eyes, ears, nails and teeth and clip them or clean them if needed.
10) Health
There is not many information and studies about the breeds health, but it should be exceptionally healthy dog breed. There are no reports of inherited diseases and they seem to have good parasite and infection resistance. Of course, just like any other breed, they may suffer from some problems, such as hip dysplasia or bloating, but those should not be very common with this breed