Resolution says no other breeds would be allowed to be reared at Phungcham locality. The owners of the non-local breed of dogs are advised to dispose of their dogs before the month of March 2022. A fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed on those who do not abide by the resolution
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
Haofa is an indigenous breed of dogs from the land of Tangkhuls. Good in hunting and faithful to the master, Haofa breed is on the verge of extinction, and there is an urgent need to preserve this breed.
Sensing the urgent need to preserve the Haofa, the Phungcham villagers adopted a resolution to preserve Haofa at the Village Half Yearly Assembly held on Monday.
Haofa promoter Yangpen Yangya had put up an agenda for discussion in the assembly for preservation of Haofa. The members present after thorough discussion unanimously agreed and resolved that “in order to maintain purity of the indigenous breed and for better preservation environment, no other breed would be allowed to be reared at Phungcham locality. The owners of the non-local breed of dogs are advised to dispose of their dogs before the month of March 2022. A fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed on those who do not abide by the resolution.”
The village assembly further resolved that “in order to increase the numbers of Haofa, no Haofa puppy will be sold to outsiders in 2022. However, there will be no restriction for sale of Haofa puppies for the year 2021 considering the pre-bookings by outsiders.”
Possessing excellent hunting instincts, they were an indispensable company for a Tangkhul hunter in the earlier days. Commonly, two types of Haofa are known among the Tangkhuls, one smaller and the other bigger.
The smaller one is favoured for hunting small games, particularly those that live inside burrows and holes. The bigger breed (like the one here) has a short bluish-black coat with a long muzzle and wide jaws, somewhat resembling a bear.
They have thick chest which tapers slightly into their waist and their wide paws provide the traction and grip needed when cornering fast games. Though not known to be speedy, they have superb stamina and can chase games for long distances.
Traditionally, the ears and tails of male Haofa are cut off when they are about two months old and only the tails of female Haofa are cut to distinguish their gender. This modification in the ears and tails prevent opponents from biting these appendages while fighting.
Dogs generally curl their tails between their legs when they are frightened. Thus, the logic of cutting their tails is to prevent their opponents from sensing their fear. Haofa is very loyal. However, their temperament can be somewhat aloof and nonchalant. Usually, their intelligence grows with age.
Yangpen Yangya stated that “the numbers of Haofas are decreasing. The sole purpose of putting the agenda is to revive their dwindling numbers and preserve Haofa because the name “Haofa” is almost synonymous with our roots.”
The enthusiasm for rearing Haofa diminished with the introduction of other breeds into the community for some time. However, there is renewed interest in keeping Haofa as pets among the community. The best puppies are those delivered in the months of September and October. The puppies are generally separated from their mothers when they reach two months.