Meitei Hui
| Meitei Hui | |
|---|---|
An individual Meitei Hui dog | |
| Common nicknames | Meetei Hui |
| Origin | India |
| Distribution | Manipur, northeast India |
| Notes | "Hui" means dog in Meitei language (Manipuri language)[1] |
| Dog (domestic dog) | |
Meitei Hui (ꯃꯩꯇꯩ ꯍꯨꯏ), also spelled as Meitei Huei,[2][3] is a lesser-known indigenous dog variety from the Indian state of Manipur. It is traditionally domesticated by the eponymous Meitei people.[4] It has often been undervalued and poorly recognized compared to non-native dog breeds.[5][6]
Background
The Meitei Hui is believed to have been domesticated by early Meitei communities in the Imphal Valley of Manipur. As these communities began practicing agriculture, they also tamed local wild wolves, which gave rise to the Meitei Hui dog. This process of domestication is estimated to have occurred around 10,000 years ago, contributing to the development of settled and more organized societies in the region.[4]
The Meitei Hui has traditionally lived alongside local communities in Manipur. Over time, local dogs were sometimes regarded as inferior or lacking intelligence.[5][6] However, observations and public events involving Meitei Hui dogs have challenged this perception.[2][3]
Public recognition
In 2004, the Meitei Hui was featured in the first organized canine show in Imphal, held at the Polo Ground. The breed participated alongside four local Awang Huijao dogs and more than 150 other dogs. The event, organized by the United Kennel Club of Manipur, marked one of the earliest public recognitions of the Meitei Hui in a formal exhibition setting.[7]
A major moment in public recognition of the Meitei Hui occurred on 14 February 2004 at the First All Breed Dog Show Championship, held at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal. During this event, a Meitei Hui dog named Jone, owned by Nongmeikapam Jotin, a resident of Thongju Part II, Imphal East district, participated in the competition.[2][3]
Jone received the Best of the Breed award at the show. The award drew attention from a large audience and helped increase local awareness and acceptance of the Meitei Hui as a capable and competitive dog variety.[2][3]
Conservation awareness efforts
Following the public recognition of Jone, Nongmeikapam Jotin carried out long-term awareness activities to promote the protection of indigenous dog breeds in Manipur. He led a campaign known as “Hui Chaba Toklase”, which focused on discouraging the killing and consumption of local dogs and encouraging respect for indigenous breeds.[2][8][3]
As part of this campaign, Jotin visited various meat shops along with his Meitei Hui dog named Jone, to raise public awareness about indigenous dogs and their value. These activities became one of the more visible efforts connected with the Meitei Hui.[2][3]
Perception and abilities
Public demonstrations and participation in dog shows helped counter the belief that local dogs, including Meitei Hui, are unintelligent or incapable. The performance of Jone in competitive settings was often cited locally as evidence of the breed's ability.[6][2][9][3]
Participation in dog welfare events
The Manipur Dog Lovers Club (MDLC) organized a Festival of Dogs, also called a Canine Carnival, at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal, under the themes “Stop Dog Meat” and “Health First”. Meitei Hui dogs were among the breeds presented during the event, highlighting their presence in dog welfare and awareness programs in the state.[6][10]
See also
References
- ^ Sharma, H. Surmangol (2006). "Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary (Meaning of "Hui")". dsal.uchicago.edu.
- ^ a b c d e f g "A Manipur man's 18-year crusade against dog meat consumption". The Times of India. 2019-10-01. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
- ^ a b c d e f g B, Sanjay (2019-09-30). "Manipur Man On A Quest Against Dog Meat Consumption | DogExpress". Retrieved 2026-01-19.
- ^ a b Irengbam, Mohendra (25 June 2023). "THERE WILL ALWAYS BE AN INTACT MANIPUR | MANIPUR A CRADLE OF MEITEI CIVILISATION" (PDF).
... As they began to settle down with agriculture ie domesticating plants, they also learned to domesticate animals, such as Meitei hui (dog) from wild wolves. This was about 10, 000 year ago. So, they became more civilised. ...
- ^ a b "Dog trainer on mission to benefit society : 14th jul13 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
...the people of the State have failed to protect and preserve indigenous dog breeds like Meitei Hui, Tangkhul Hui, which are very sensitive apart from being one of the best kinds of dog breeds. ... These indigenous dog breeds are on the brink of extinction today due to the inflow of other varieties of dog breeds from outside, he expressed concern, adding that cross breeding of dogs should not be done without the approval of Kennel Club of India.
- ^ a b c d Admin, IT Web (2015-12-26). "Dogs loyalty to humankind elaborated in Festival of dogs". News from Manipur - Imphal Times. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
One of the most debating question is: are we going to make all our local dogs meant for our consumption and imported dogs to breed? One should not forget its capability since it has been here for ages and now have well adapted with our climatic conditions one should not treat our local breed cheaply. The belief of local dog being "dumb" was proved wrong by Jone's (local breed Meitei hui).
- ^ "Imphal show delights dog lovers". www.telegraphindia.com.
... Four local breeds of Awang Huijao and one Meitei Hui also participated in the show...
- ^ "Manipur: Man running campaign against dog meat consumption since last 18 years". The Times of India. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
... officially introduced 'Meitei Huei' a local dog breed, ...
- ^ "Jone Dog Care Centre: A promising dog training centre in Manipur". manipurtimes.com. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
Dog trainer Nongmeikapam Jotin said that Meitei Hui and Tangkhul Hui are more intelligent and have stronger will power in comparison to ...
- ^ "Canine carnival 2015: Talents of Dogs mesmerizes viewers". manipurtimes.com. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
Local breeds of Awang Huijao (Tangkhul hui) and Meitei Hui also participated in the show. Breed show, Talent show, free veterinary camp, talks by animal experts ...