Editorial photo #13992763 Human Interest

Mountain Dogs In The Himalaya

Himalayan people care for these dogs, which serve as sentinels. Breeds like the Himalayan Sheepdog, or Bhote Kukur, as well as Indie dogs, protect livestock and villages from predators, allowing locals to navigate the terrain. Local villagers keep breeds like Spitzes and Lhasa Apsos as pets. Himalayan dogs, bred as guardians and herders, are intelligent. International Dog Day is celebrated annually on August 26 to honor the human-canine bond, celebrate dogs of all breeds, and raise awareness about dog adoption. Here, mountain dogs and puppies guard homestays built on the Himalayan mountain slopes in Sillery Gaon, West Bengal, India, on April 15, 2026. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)