Gallah Cockatoo

The Gallah Cockatoo is a medium dog, affectionate, living around 40–50 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 a Gallah Cockatoo through a Mumbai year

• Monsoon: four months of rain shape the routine. Dry the dog thoroughly and never let bedding stay damp.
• Paws: check between the pads after every walk; this is where problems start and get missed.
• Teeth: brushed or given something to chew; dental trouble is the most under-treated thing we see.
• 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.