Albino Monk

The Albino Monk is a medium dog, highly intelligent, living around 15-25 years. In a city where space is measured carefully, this breed asks less of a floor plan than people expect - it cares far more about whether anyone is in the room.

The real work here is seasonal. Four months of rain shape the coat care, the drying routine and the walk schedule, and a household that plans for that enjoys the dog considerably more than one surprised by it each June.

Caring for an Albino Monk through a Mumbai year

• Monsoon: four months of rain shape the routine. Dry the dog thoroughly and never let bedding stay damp.
• Nails: trimmed before you can hear them on hard flooring.
• Socialising: new people, surfaces and noises early and often, while it is still easy.
• Exercise: two walks a day, and do not over-exercise a young dog while the joints are still forming.
• Clinic: number saved and records kept in the same place.