Rainbow Lorikeet

The Rainbow Lorikeet is a small dog, high energy, living around 20–30 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 Rainbow Lorikeet through a Mumbai year

• Monsoon: four months of rain shape the routine. Dry the dog thoroughly and never let bedding stay damp.
• 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.
• Paws: check between the pads after every walk; this is where problems start and get missed.
• Clinic: number saved and records kept in the same place.