Ranking · Updated October 2026
Best Dog Breeds for Mumbai: 58 Breeds Ranked Against Mumbai's Monsoon, Humidity and Heat
The best dog for Mumbai is the Indian Pariah Dog, which scores 100 of 100 in our ranking of 58 breeds. The Indian Spitz and Miniature Pinscher follow at 90. Humidity is the main problem: our guides name Mumbai as hard for 34 breeds, and modelled humidity averages 88% in July and August. Santacruz gets 2,390.5 mm of rain from June to September in a normal year.
Key findings
- The Indian Pariah Dog scores 100 of 100 for Mumbai, ahead of the Indian Spitz and Miniature Pinscher at 90 each.
- Our guides name Mumbai as a hard city for 34 of 58 breeds, and 22 of those lines mention humidity.
- Modelled humidity in Mumbai averages 88% in July and August, and the city has about 151 muggy days a year.
- Santacruz received 2,530.5 mm from June to September 2026, 6% above normal, after 3,112.0 mm in 2025.
- The Labrador ranks 34th for Mumbai and the Golden Retriever 45th, while the Doberman (11th) and Beagle (16th) are the best-placed popular imports.
- Mumbai had 1 Poor AQI day in 2025 and none from 1 January to 14 October 2026, per CPCB bulletins.
- BMC's 2024 survey estimated 90,757 street dogs, and Mumbai logged 1,54,017 dog bite cases in 2025.
- Santacruz's hottest normal month is November, at 34.1 C, and it hit 40 C on 10 March 2026.
Which dog breed is best for Mumbai?
The Indian Pariah Dog is the best dog for Mumbai in our ranking. It scores 100 of 100, the only breed with a full 5 for monsoon. The Indian Spitz and Miniature Pinscher follow at 90, then the Chihuahua and Rhodesian Ridgeback at 87.5.
We scored all 58 breeds in our guides for one city. Handling the monsoon counts three times, because humidity and damp cause most of the trouble here. Heat and flat living count twice, and coping without AC once.
A breed then gains or loses points for what its guide says about Mumbai. Six of the top 10 are Indian breeds. Short, single coats and upright ears are the common thread.
dogeats.in editorial score from our 58 breed guides, October 2026. Monsoon x3, heat x2, flat x2, copes without AC x1, plus or minus points for each guide's Mumbai verdict. Green = Indian breed.
Show the numbers
| Label | score |
|---|---|
| Indian Pariah Dog | 100 |
| Indian Spitz | 90 |
| Miniature Pinscher | 90 |
| Chihuahua | 87.5 |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | 87.5 |
| Poodle | 82.5 |
| Chippiparai | 77.5 |
| Kanni | 77.5 |
| Mudhol Hound | 77.5 |
| Rampur Greyhound | 77.5 |
| Doberman | 75 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 75 |
| Kombai | 72.5 |
| Rajapalayam | 72.5 |
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| Rank | Breed | Mumbai score | Monsoon | Heat | Flat | Copes without AC | Guide on Mumbai |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Pariah Dog | 100 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | Chennai, Mumbai and coastal cities where imported breeds struggle most |
| 2 | Indian Spitz | 90 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | Chennai, Mumbai and coastal cities, where Pomeranians struggle |
| 3 | Miniature Pinscher | 90 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, where the coat is a real advantage |
| 4 | Chihuahua | 87.5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and warm cities, where most imported small breeds struggle |
| 5 | Rhodesian Ridgeback | 87.5 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 5 | Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and warm cities, where the breed copes with heat far better than European working dogs |
| 6 | Poodle | 82.5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | Chennai and Mumbai, workable in a short clip in a way a Golden is not |
| 7 | Chippiparai | 77.5 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 5 | No Mumbai line; monsoon score 4 of 5 |
| 8 | Kanni | 77.5 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 5 | No Mumbai line; monsoon score 4 of 5 |
| 9 | Mudhol Hound | 77.5 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 5 | No Mumbai line; monsoon score 4 of 5 |
| 10 | Rampur Greyhound | 77.5 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 5 | No Mumbai line; monsoon score 4 of 5 |
| 11 | Doberman | 75 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | Chennai and Mumbai, manageable in a way a double-coated guarding breed is not |
| 12 | Yorkshire Terrier | 75 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 | Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru and most Indian metros, with a short clip |
| 13 | Kombai | 72.5 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 5 | No Mumbai line; monsoon score 4 of 5 |
| 14 | Rajapalayam | 72.5 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 5 | No Mumbai line; monsoon score 4 of 5 |
| 15 | Jack Russell Terrier | 70 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | No Mumbai line; monsoon score 4 of 5 |
| 16 | Beagle | 67.5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | No Mumbai line; monsoon score 3 of 5 |
| 17 | Bichon Frise | 67.5 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | Chennai and Mumbai, workable with diligent drying and skin care |
| 18 | Maltese | 67.5 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, workable in a short clip |
| 19 | Belgian Malinois | 65 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 4 | No Mumbai line; monsoon score 4 of 5 |
| 20 | Dalmatian | 62.5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | No Mumbai line; monsoon score 4 of 5 |
The median Mumbai score is 45, against 56.25 for Delhi in our Delhi and Gurgaon ranking. Fifteen breeds score 70 or more for Mumbai, and 25 score under 40.
Can a Labrador, Golden Retriever or Shih Tzu live in Mumbai?
Yes, but these popular breeds rank low for Mumbai. The Labrador is 34th of 58 with 37.5 points, the Shih Tzu 33rd with 40, and the Golden Retriever 45th with 30. Each guide names Mumbai as hard.
The reason is damp, not heat. Drop ears trap moisture and thick coats stay wet for hours, so ear and skin infections follow. The Cocker Spaniel is one of four breeds that score 1 of 5 for monsoon.
The Doberman is the best-placed popular import, 11th at 75, because its short coat dries in minutes. The Beagle is next, 16th with 67.5.
dogeats.in editorial score, October 2026. Red = the breed's guide names Mumbai as a hard city.
Show the numbers
| Label | score |
|---|---|
| Doberman | 75 |
| Beagle | 67.5 |
| Dachshund | 57.5 |
| Lhasa Apso | 47.5 |
| Shih Tzu | 40 |
| Labrador Retriever | 37.5 |
| Pomeranian | 37.5 |
| Cocker Spaniel | 35 |
| German Shepherd | 32.5 |
| Pug | 32.5 |
| Rottweiler | 32.5 |
| French Bulldog | 32.5 |
| Golden Retriever | 30 |
| Siberian Husky | 12.5 |
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| Breed | Mumbai rank | Mumbai score | Monsoon (1-5) | Guide on Mumbai | Monsoon note from our guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doberman | 11 | 75 | 4 | Chennai and Mumbai, manageable in a way a double-coated guarding breed is not | Almost nothing to hold damp |
| Beagle | 16 | 67.5 | 3 | No Mumbai line; monsoon score 3 of 5 | Low-maintenance coat, but long drop ears trap moisture and ear infections are the breed's most common monsoon complaint |
| Dachshund | 23 | 57.5 | 3 | Mumbai monsoon, where a low-slung dog is permanently wet and muddy | Low-slung bodies get soaked and muddy on wet walks, and drop ears need checking, but the coat dries quickly in smooths |
| Lhasa Apso | 26 | 47.5 | 2 | Chennai, Mumbai and Kochi in peak summer and monsoon, where the coat is a constant battle | A floor-length double coat in Indian monsoon mats and holds damp |
| Shih Tzu | 33 | 40 | 2 | Chennai and Mumbai, heat plus humidity on a flat face and a long coat | A floor-length coat in Indian monsoon is a constant battle with damp, matting and skin infection |
| Labrador Retriever | 34 | 37.5 | 3 | Mumbai, humidity keeps the coat damp and feeds skin and ear trouble | Drop ears trap moisture, so ear infections and damp skin are the monsoon pattern |
| Pomeranian | 35 | 37.5 | 3 | Chennai, Mumbai and Kochi, heat and humidity on a full northern coat | The coat holds damp and the ruff takes hours to dry, but erect ears ventilate well so ear infections are rarer than in drop-eared breeds |
| Cocker Spaniel | 37 | 35 | 1 | Mumbai, Kochi and coastal Kerala, where humidity makes ear infections near-constant | The worst monsoon breed on this list |
| French Bulldog | 38 | 32.5 | 2 | Chennai, Mumbai, Kochi and Hyderabad, where heat and humidity are dangerous here | Facial and tail folds stay wet and infected, and the breed is strongly allergy-prone, so the damp months are a constant skin battle |
| German Shepherd | 39 | 32.5 | 3 | Mumbai, damp coats and skin infections through much of the year | The thick undercoat holds damp for hours, which feeds hot spots and skin infections if the dog is not dried properly |
| Pug | 41 | 32.5 | 2 | Mumbai and coastal Kerala, humidity prevents what little cooling panting provides | Facial folds stay damp and infected, and the skin between wrinkles needs daily attention through the wet months |
| Rottweiler | 42 | 32.5 | 3 | Chennai, Mumbai and coastal Kerala, heat plus humidity on a black double coat | The short coat dries reasonably, but skin fold and ear checks still matter and damp bedding causes problems fast in a heavy dog |
| Golden Retriever | 45 | 30 | 2 | Mumbai and Goa, humidity keeps the long coat damp and the ears infected | A long coat plus drop ears is the worst monsoon combination |
| Siberian Husky | 57 | 12.5 | 2 | Chennai, Mumbai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and most of plains India | The dense undercoat holds damp for a very long time, which drives hot spots and skin infections through the wet months |
Our monsoon risk ranking scores all 58 breeds for wet weather, and our monsoon care guide covers drying and tick checks.
Which dogs suit a small Mumbai flat?
Among breeds that score 4 or 5 for flat living, the Indian Pariah Dog leads at 100. The Indian Spitz and Miniature Pinscher score 90, the Chihuahua 87.5 and the Poodle 82.5.
Small dogs with short coats do best in a Mumbai flat. They dry quickly after a wet walk and need little space indoors. Long-coated toys such as the Maltese and Bichon Frise rank 18th and 17th, because their coats need clipping and drying.
| Breed | Mumbai rank | Mumbai score | Flat (1-5) | Monsoon (1-5) | Adult weight | Coat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Pariah Dog | 1 | 100 | 4 | 5 | 20 to 30 kg | Short, single, close-lying |
| Indian Spitz | 2 | 90 | 4 | 4 | 5 to 7 kg or 12 to 20 kg by type | Double coat, less profuse than a Pomeranian |
| Miniature Pinscher | 3 | 90 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 to 5 kg | Short, hard, smooth, single |
| Chihuahua | 4 | 87.5 | 5 | 3 | 1.5 to 2.7 kg (both sexes) | Smooth or long coat |
| Poodle | 6 | 82.5 | 5 | 3 | 18 to 32 kg / 5 to 9 kg / 2 to 3 kg | Curly, dense, single, continuously growing |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 12 | 75 | 5 | 3 | Under 3.2 kg, typically 2 to 3 kg | Fine, silky, single, grows continuously |
| Bichon Frise | 17 | 67.5 | 5 | 2 | 5 to 8 kg | Curly double coat, soft undercoat |
| Maltese | 18 | 67.5 | 5 | 2 | Under 3.2 kg, usually 2 to 3 kg | Long, silky, single, grows continuously |
| Dachshund | 23 | 57.5 | 4 | 3 | 7 to 15 kg | Smooth, longhaired or wirehaired |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 25 | 47.5 | 5 | 2 | 5.9 to 8.2 kg | Silky, medium length, feathered |
| Lhasa Apso | 26 | 47.5 | 5 | 2 | 5.5 to 8 kg (both sexes) | Long, heavy, double, continuously growing |
| German Spitz | 27 | 45 | 4 | 3 | 5 to 11 kg depending on type | Dense double coat with an upstanding ruff |
Our flats report ranks all 58 breeds for flat life anywhere in India.
How humid is Mumbai, and how much rain falls in the monsoon?
Mumbai is humid for most of the year. Modelled relative humidity averages 83% in June, 88% in July and August and 85% in September, on ERA5 data for 1991 to 2020. Even January averages 64%.
We counted muggy days, when the daily mean dew point reached 24 C or more. Mumbai averaged about 151 such days a year from 1991 to 2020, roughly double Delhi's 79. It had 178 in 2025 and 165 in 2026 up to 9 October.
Santacruz normally gets 2,390.5 mm from June to September and 2,502.3 mm in a year, over 78.6 rainy days. July alone averages 919.9 mm. Colaba, in south Mumbai, gets less, 2,213.4 mm a year.
Source: Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via the Open-Meteo archive, grid cell 19.0 N, 73.0 E, daily means averaged by month. Modelled values, not station readings.
Show the numbers
| Label | % |
|---|---|
| Jan | 64% |
| Feb | 64% |
| Mar | 66% |
| Apr | 73% |
| May | 75% |
| Jun | 83% |
| Jul | 88% |
| Aug | 88% |
| Sep | 85% |
| Oct | 77% |
| Nov | 67% |
| Dec | 64% |
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| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average humidity, July and August (1991 to 2020) | 88% |
| Average humidity, January and December (1991 to 2020) | 64% |
| Months with average dew point of 24 C or more | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Muggy days a year, 1991 to 2020 average | 150.7 |
| Muggy days in 2025 | 178 |
| Muggy days in 2026, to 9 October | 165 |
| Average humidity, June 2025 vs June 2026 | 86% vs 77% |
Source: IMD Regional Meteorological Centre Mumbai, monthly rainfall charts for Santacruz, summed by us. Normal (1991 to 2020) = 2,390.5 mm.
Show the numbers
| Label | mm |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1,823 mm |
| 2016 | 2,895 mm |
| 2017 | 2,946 mm |
| 2018 | 2,240 mm |
| 2019 | 3,670 mm |
| 2020 | 3,687 mm |
| 2021 | 3,164 mm |
| 2022 | 2,658 mm |
| 2023 | 2,978 mm |
| 2024 | 3,089 mm |
| 2025 | 3,112 mm |
| 2026 | 2,531 mm |
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| Year | June (mm) | July (mm) | August (mm) | September (mm) | Season (mm) | Departure (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1,106.7 | 359.1 | 153.9 | 203.5 | 1,823.2 | -24 |
| 2016 | 695.2 | 926.0 | 561.7 | 711.6 | 2,894.5 | +21 |
| 2017 | 523.2 | 869.6 | 950.3 | 603.2 | 2,946.3 | +23 |
| 2018 | 792.5 | 1,138.7 | 235.2 | 73.1 | 2,239.5 | -6 |
| 2019 | 515.7 | 1,464.8 | 574.0 | 1,115.7 | 3,670.2 | +54 |
| 2020 | 395.0 | 1,502.6 | 1,240.1 | 549.1 | 3,686.8 | +54 |
| 2021 | 961.4 | 1,122.7 | 337.8 | 741.6 | 3,163.5 | +32 |
| 2022 | 291.8 | 1,244.6 | 551.8 | 570.1 | 2,658.3 | +11 |
| 2023 | 549.6 | 1,768.9 | 177.2 | 482.6 | 2,978.3 | +25 |
| 2024 | 346.9 | 1,702.8 | 382.4 | 656.9 | 3,089.0 | +29 |
| 2025 | 512.7 | 797.3 | 1,182.8 | 619.2 | 3,112.0 | +30 |
| 2026 | 416.4 | 1,491.9 | 315.6 | 306.6 | 2,530.5 | +6 |
| Normal | 526.3 | 919.9 | 560.8 | 383.5 | 2,390.5 | 0 |
The 2026 monsoon was lopsided. July brought 1,491.9 mm, but June, August and September all fell short, and September had only 306.6 mm. Colaba ended the 2026 season 7% below its normal, at 1,957.1 mm.
Monsoon months bring ticks and tick fever, which our dog diseases report tracks.
How hot does Mumbai get for dogs?
Mumbai's heat is steady rather than extreme. Santacruz's normal daily maximum stays between 30.2 C and 34.1 C all year, and its hottest normal month is November, not May. Nights are warm too, with a May minimum of 27.0 C.
Heat spikes still happen. Santacruz hit 40 C on 10 March 2026, 7.6 C above normal, ETV Bharat reported from IMD data. On 12 October 2026 it recorded 38.2 C, UNI reported.
IMD counted 20 heatwave days for the Konkan and Goa sub-division from 2015 to 2025, with a peak of 6 in 2023. That compares with 120 for Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi.
| Month | Santacruz max (C) | Santacruz min (C) | Santacruz rain (mm) | Rainy days | Colaba max (C) | Colaba min (C) | Colaba rain (mm) | Humidity (%, ERA5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31.2 | 16.9 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 30.2 | 19.4 | 0.6 | 64 |
| Feb | 31.7 | 18.1 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 30.3 | 20.4 | 0.4 | 64 |
| Mar | 33.1 | 21.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 31.7 | 23.0 | 0.7 | 66 |
| Apr | 33.4 | 24.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 32.9 | 25.3 | 0.2 | 73 |
| May | 33.7 | 27.0 | 7.3 | 0.7 | 34.0 | 27.3 | 15.9 | 75 |
| Jun | 32.5 | 26.6 | 526.3 | 14.0 | 32.2 | 26.6 | 506.0 | 83 |
| Jul | 30.4 | 25.5 | 919.9 | 23.3 | 29.9 | 25.5 | 768.5 | 88 |
| Aug | 30.2 | 25.2 | 560.8 | 21.4 | 29.9 | 25.2 | 471.9 | 88 |
| Sep | 30.9 | 24.9 | 383.5 | 14.4 | 30.6 | 25.1 | 355.6 | 85 |
| Oct | 33.6 | 23.9 | 91.3 | 3.9 | 33.1 | 25.1 | 81.7 | 77 |
| Nov | 34.1 | 21.4 | 11.0 | 0.6 | 33.8 | 23.6 | 8.5 | 67 |
| Dec | 32.6 | 18.4 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 32.2 | 21.2 | 3.4 | 64 |
| Annual | 32.3 | 22.8 | 2502.3 | 78.6 | 31.7 | 24.0 | 2213.4 |
Source: IMD data in Ministry of Earth Sciences reply to Lok Sabha question 4494, 20 August 2025, Annexure 1.
Show the numbers
| Label | days |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 days |
| 2016 | 0 days |
| 2017 | 0 days |
| 2018 | 2 days |
| 2019 | 0 days |
| 2020 | 0 days |
| 2021 | 4 days |
| 2022 | 2 days |
| 2023 | 6 days |
| 2024 | 4 days |
| 2025 | 1 days |
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Thirteen breeds score 1 of 5 for heat in our guides, including the Pug and French Bulldog. Our heat risk ranking lists them all.
Is Mumbai's air bad for dogs?
Mumbai's air is far cleaner than Delhi's on CPCB's index. In 2025 it had 55 Good days, 167 Satisfactory, 141 Moderate and just 1 Poor day, on 21 October, the day after Diwali. Its average AQI was 88.4.
From 1 January to 14 October 2026, Mumbai had no Poor day at all. It logged 87 Good days, and its average fell to 70.8. Navi Mumbai and Thane had no Poor day in either year.
Winter is Mumbai's weaker season. In January 2025 all 30 reported days were Moderate, and the month averaged 136.5. By August 2026, 27 of 31 days were Good.
Source: CPCB daily AQI bulletins, 4 pm values averaged by month, 2 January to 31 December 2025.
Show the numbers
| Label | AQI |
|---|---|
| Jan | 136 |
| Feb | 122 |
| Mar | 104 |
| Apr | 77 |
| May | 68 |
| Jun | 59 |
| Jul | 52 |
| Aug | 49 |
| Sep | 51 |
| Oct | 96 |
| Nov | 132 |
| Dec | 118 |
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| City | Period | Days reported | Good | Satisfactory | Moderate | Poor or worse | Average AQI | Highest AQI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 2025 | 364 | 55 | 167 | 141 | 1 | 88.4 | 211 |
| Mumbai | 2026 to 14 Oct | 287 | 87 | 142 | 58 | 0 | 70.8 | 145 |
| Navi Mumbai | 2025 | 364 | 96 | 111 | 157 | 0 | 90.4 | 196 |
| Navi Mumbai | 2026 to 14 Oct | 287 | 83 | 137 | 67 | 0 | 74.9 | 159 |
| Thane | 2025 | 364 | 93 | 166 | 105 | 0 | 79.9 | 198 |
| Thane | 2026 to 14 Oct | 286 | 68 | 163 | 55 | 0 | 74.0 | 188 |
| Kalyan | 2025 | 340 | 46 | 149 | 137 | 8 | 97.6 | 249 |
| Kalyan | 2026 to 14 Oct | 265 | 24 | 168 | 71 | 2 | 88.9 | 351 |
| Bhiwandi | 2025 | 346 | 45 | 158 | 142 | 1 | 95.2 | 350 |
| Bhiwandi | 2026 to 14 Oct | 274 | 68 | 123 | 82 | 1 | 83.7 | 334 |
| Month | 2025 average | 2025 Good days | 2025 Moderate days | 2026 average | 2026 Good days | 2026 Moderate days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 136 | 0 | 30 | 108 | 0 | 23 |
| Feb | 122 | 0 | 26 | 108 | 0 | 21 |
| Mar | 104 | 0 | 17 | 84 | 3 | 5 |
| Apr | 77 | 0 | 3 | 78 | 0 | 5 |
| May | 68 | 0 | 0 | 55 | 12 | 0 |
| Jun | 59 | 3 | 0 | 55 | 10 | 0 |
| Jul | 52 | 11 | 0 | 52 | 13 | 0 |
| Aug | 49 | 17 | 0 | 44 | 27 | 0 |
| Sep | 51 | 16 | 0 | 45 | 22 | 0 |
| Oct | 96 | 6 | 12 | 94 | 0 | 4 |
| Nov | 132 | 2 | 24 | |||
| Dec | 118 | 0 | 29 |
Kalyan had the most bad air days in the region, 8 Poor days in 2025. Our AQI and dogs report compares 21 cities and summarises the research on pollution and dogs.
Do you need a dog licence in Mumbai, and how many street dogs are there?
Yes. The Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act of 1888 charges a tax on every dog under Section 191A, and Section 191B lets the BMC license the owner. The BMC restated this in guidelines signed on 20 March 2025, but it does not publish the fee.
BMC's 2024 survey estimated 90,757 street dogs, 4.64% fewer than the 95,172 found in 2014. The sterilised share fell from 74.8% to 62.9%. P North ward had the most roaming dogs, about 5,847.
Dog bites are rising. Mumbai logged 1,28,252 cases in 2024 and 1,54,017 in 2025, a rise of 20.1%. The BMC sterilised 25,211 dogs from April 2024 to March 2025.
| Item | Mumbai | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dog licence | Required: dog tax under Section 191A, licence under Section 191B, Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act 1888 | BMC guidelines, signed 20 Mar 2025 |
| Licence fee | Not published by BMC; we could not confirm it | BMC licence portal |
| Registered vets in Maharashtra (31 Mar 2024) | 11,257, or 8.8 per lakh people | Lok Sabha question 279; NCRB 2024 population |
| Government vet institutions in Maharashtra | 39 hospitals and polyclinics, 1,976 dispensaries, 2,841 aid centres | Lok Sabha question 405, Dec 2023 |
| Vacant government vet posts, Maharashtra | 681 of 2,581 (26.4%) | Lok Sabha question 4570, Mar 2023 |
| Street dogs, BMC survey 2024 | 90,757 (survival model); 69,679 in the ward table | BMC Street Dog Population Survey 2024-25 |
| Street dogs, 2014 survey | 95,172 | Same report |
| Share sterilised | 62.9% in 2024, down from 74.8% in 2014 | Same report |
| Ward with most roaming dogs | P North, about 5,847 dogs, 17.61 per km of road | Same report |
| Stray dogs, Livestock Census 2019 | 50,799 | DAHD |
| Dogs sterilised by BMC, Apr 2024 to Mar 2025 | 25,211 | Free Press Journal, 20 Aug 2026 |
| Dog bite cases | 1,28,252 in 2024; 1,54,017 in 2025 | Maharashtra legislative council; BMC |
| Municipal dog park | Worli (Hind Cycle Road) park built, not open in Apr 2024 | Citizen Matters |
Maharashtra had 11,257 registered vets on 31 March 2024, or 8.8 per lakh people. Mumbai has no municipal dog park we could confirm as open. A park on Hind Cycle Road in Worli was built but still shut in April 2024. Our stray dogs by city report has ward-level detail.
Which dog breeds struggle most in Mumbai?
Four breeds share the lowest Mumbai score, 12.5: the Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard, Siberian Husky and Tibetan Mastiff. Each scores 1 for heat and 2 for monsoon, and each guide names Mumbai as hard.
Flat-faced breeds sit just above them. The Chow Chow scores 15, the English Bulldog 20 and the Pekingese 25. Humid heat makes panting less effective, and these dogs already pant poorly.
| Rank | Breed | Mumbai score | Monsoon (1-5) | Heat (1-5) | Guide on Mumbai |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | Kangal | 25 | 2 | 3 | Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and coastal Kerala, where humidity soaks the undercoat |
| 50 | Pekingese | 25 | 1 | 1 | Chennai, Mumbai, Kochi and Hyderabad, where the heat and humidity are dangerous here |
| 51 | English Bulldog | 20 | 1 | 1 | Chennai, Mumbai, Kochi, Hyderabad and essentially all of coastal and plains India |
| 52 | English Mastiff | 17.5 | 2 | 1 | Chennai, Mumbai and coastal Kerala, heat plus humidity on a heavy, short-muzzled dog |
| 53 | Samoyed | 17.5 | 2 | 1 | Chennai, Mumbai, Kochi, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, where the coat is a year-round burden |
| 54 | Chow Chow | 15 | 1 | 1 | Chennai, Mumbai, Kochi, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, where this coat and muzzle combination is dangerous |
| 55 | Bernese Mountain Dog | 12.5 | 2 | 1 | Almost anywhere on the plains, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Chennai included |
| 56 | Saint Bernard | 12.5 | 2 | 1 | Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and essentially all of plains India |
| 57 | Siberian Husky | 12.5 | 2 | 1 | Chennai, Mumbai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and most of plains India |
| 58 | Tibetan Mastiff | 12.5 | 2 | 1 | Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and all of plains India |
If you already own one of these breeds in Mumbai, plan for AC, a dehumidifier in the monsoon and walks at dawn. See a vet at once if your dog collapses or pants hard and will not settle.
All 58 breeds ranked for Mumbai
The table lists every breed with its Mumbai score, its base score before the Mumbai adjustment and its editorial scores. Sort by the monsoon column to find breeds that cope with damp.
Fourteen guides do not mention Mumbai, so those breeds rest on the base score. Thirty-four name Mumbai as hard, and 10 name it as good.
| Rank | Breed | Mumbai score | Base score | Mumbai mention | Monsoon | Heat | Flat | Copes without AC | Can stay alone | Beginner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Pariah Dog | 100 | 95 | Good | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| 2 | Indian Spitz | 90 | 80 | Good | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| 3 | Miniature Pinscher | 90 | 80 | Good | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | Chihuahua | 87.5 | 77.5 | Good | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| 5 | Rhodesian Ridgeback | 87.5 | 77.5 | Good | 4 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 6 | Poodle | 82.5 | 77.5 | Good with conditions | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 7 | Chippiparai | 77.5 | 77.5 | Not named | 4 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| 8 | Kanni | 77.5 | 77.5 | Not named | 4 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| 9 | Mudhol Hound | 77.5 | 77.5 | Not named | 4 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| 10 | Rampur Greyhound | 77.5 | 77.5 | Not named | 4 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| 11 | Doberman | 75 | 70 | Good with conditions | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 12 | Yorkshire Terrier | 75 | 70 | Good with conditions | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| 13 | Kombai | 72.5 | 72.5 | Not named | 4 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| 14 | Rajapalayam | 72.5 | 72.5 | Not named | 4 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| 15 | Jack Russell Terrier | 70 | 70 | Not named | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| 16 | Beagle | 67.5 | 67.5 | Not named | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| 17 | Bichon Frise | 67.5 | 62.5 | Good with conditions | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| 18 | Maltese | 67.5 | 62.5 | Good with conditions | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| 19 | Belgian Malinois | 65 | 65 | Not named | 4 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| 20 | Dalmatian | 62.5 | 62.5 | Not named | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 21 | Pit Bull | 62.5 | 62.5 | Not named | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 22 | Bull Terrier | 60 | 60 | Not named | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 23 | Dachshund | 57.5 | 72.5 | Hard | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| 24 | Bully Kutta | 50 | 50 | Not named | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 25 | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 47.5 | 62.5 | Hard | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| 26 | Lhasa Apso | 47.5 | 62.5 | Hard | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| 27 | German Spitz | 45 | 60 | Hard | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| 28 | Japanese Spitz | 45 | 60 | Hard | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| 29 | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 45 | 60 | Hard | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| 30 | Shiba Inu | 45 | 60 | Hard | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| 31 | Cane Corso | 42.5 | 57.5 | Hard | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 32 | Boxer | 40 | 55 | Hard | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| 33 | Shih Tzu | 40 | 55 | Hard | 2 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| 34 | Labrador Retriever | 37.5 | 52.5 | Hard | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| 35 | Pomeranian | 37.5 | 52.5 | Hard | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| 36 | American Eskimo Dog | 35 | 50 | Hard | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| 37 | Cocker Spaniel | 35 | 50 | Hard | 1 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| 38 | French Bulldog | 32.5 | 47.5 | Hard | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 39 | German Shepherd | 32.5 | 47.5 | Hard | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 40 | Great Dane | 32.5 | 47.5 | Hard | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| 41 | Pug | 32.5 | 47.5 | Hard | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| 42 | Rottweiler | 32.5 | 47.5 | Hard | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| 43 | Australian Shepherd | 30 | 45 | Hard | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 44 | Border Collie | 30 | 45 | Hard | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 45 | Golden Retriever | 30 | 45 | Hard | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| 46 | Dogo Argentino | 27.5 | 42.5 | Hard | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 47 | Alaskan Malamute | 27.5 | 27.5 | Not named | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 48 | Bullmastiff | 25 | 40 | Hard | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| 49 | Kangal | 25 | 40 | Hard | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 50 | Pekingese | 25 | 40 | Hard | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| 51 | English Bulldog | 20 | 35 | Hard | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| 52 | English Mastiff | 17.5 | 32.5 | Hard | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| 53 | Samoyed | 17.5 | 32.5 | Hard | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 54 | Chow Chow | 15 | 30 | Hard | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| 55 | Bernese Mountain Dog | 12.5 | 27.5 | Hard | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 56 | Saint Bernard | 12.5 | 27.5 | Hard | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 57 | Siberian Husky | 12.5 | 27.5 | Hard | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 58 | Tibetan Mastiff | 12.5 | 27.5 | Hard | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
Which dog is best for Mumbai's climate?
The Indian Pariah Dog scores 100 of 100 in our Mumbai ranking of 58 breeds. The Indian Spitz and Miniature Pinscher follow at 90. All three have short or light coats that dry fast in the monsoon.
Can a Labrador live in Mumbai?
Yes, with daily drying in the monsoon, but it ranks 34th of 58 for Mumbai with 37.5 points. Its guide says humidity keeps the coat damp and feeds skin and ear trouble.
Can a Husky live in Mumbai?
A Husky is among the worst choices, joint last with 12.5 of 100. It scores 1 of 5 for heat, and Mumbai averages about 151 muggy days a year.
Which small dog is best for a Mumbai flat?
The Miniature Pinscher (90), Chihuahua (87.5) and Poodle (82.5) rank highest among small imported breeds that score 4 or 5 for flat living. The Indian Spitz also scores 90.
How humid is Mumbai?
Modelled humidity averages 88% in July and August and 64% in January, on ERA5 data for 1991 to 2020. Mumbai averages about 151 days a year with a mean dew point of 24 C or more.
How much rain does Mumbai get in the monsoon?
Santacruz averages 2,390.5 mm from June to September. It received 3,112.0 mm in 2025 and 2,530.5 mm in 2026, per IMD's monthly totals.
Is a dog licence compulsory in Mumbai?
Yes. Sections 191A and 191B of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888 require a dog tax and licence, as BMC guidelines of 20 March 2025 restate. The BMC does not publish the fee.
How many stray dogs are there in Mumbai?
BMC's 2024 survey estimated 90,757 street dogs, down 4.64% from 95,172 in 2014. Only 62.9% were sterilised, against 74.8% in 2014.
Methodology and limitations
Breed scores are dogeats.in editorial ratings from 1 to 5, taken from our 58 breed guides (October 2026). The Mumbai score is a weighted average: Handles monsoon x3, Tolerates Indian heat x2, Suits a flat x2 and Copes without AC x1. The average is multiplied by 20 to give a score out of 100.
We then read each guide's good-city and hard-city lines for Mumbai, Bombay or Thane. A good line with no condition adds 10 points, a good line with a condition such as a clip or careful drying adds 5, and a hard line subtracts 15. Scores are capped at 0 and 100.
Climate normals are IMD climatological tables for Santacruz and Colaba, 1991 to 2020. Monsoon totals by month are read from IMD Regional Meteorological Centre Mumbai charts for Santacruz and Colaba, and summed by us. Heatwave days are IMD sub-division counts from Lok Sabha question 4494.
AQI counts come from 651 CPCB daily bulletins (4 pm) from 2 January 2025 to 14 October 2026, which we downloaded and parsed. Humidity, dew point and muggy days come from the Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via the Open-Meteo archive and are modelled, not measured.
Licence rules, survey counts, bites and vet numbers come from BMC documents, Lok Sabha answers and named news reports, with dates in the tables.
Sources
- IMD Regional Meteorological Centre Mumbai, Mumbai rainfall: monthly totals for Santacruz and Colaba, 1991 to 2026, Monsoon rainfall by month and year
- Central Pollution Control Board, daily AQI bulletins, 2 January 2025 to 14 October 2026 (14 October 2026 shown), AQI categories for Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan, Bhiwandi
- BMC Street Dog Population Survey Report 2024-2025, 90,757 street dogs, sterilisation, ward counts
- Also consulted: India Meteorological Department, Mumbai (Santacruz) climatological table, 1991 to 2020, India Meteorological Department, Mumbai (Colaba) climatological table, 1991 to 2020, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Lok Sabha unstarred question 4494, 20 August 2025, Annexure 1, Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis (Hersbach et al. 2020) via the Open-Meteo historical weather API, ETV Bharat, 11 March 2026, UNI, 13 October 2026, BMC Veterinary Health Department guidelines, signed 20 March 2025, Free Press Journal, 20 August 2026, PTI via Deccan Herald, 13 December 2025, OpenCity, 3 February 2026, DAHD, district-wise stray dogs, 20th Livestock Census 2019, Lok Sabha unstarred question 279, Registered Veterinary Doctors, 2 December 2025, NCRB, Crime in India 2024, population annexure, Lok Sabha unstarred question 405 (5 December 2023), DAHD, Lok Sabha unstarred question 4570 (28 March 2023), DAHD, Citizen Matters, 26 April 2024, Skymet Weather, 5 October 2026 note on Santacruz and Colaba season totals (agrees with our sums).
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