Mudhol hounds also known as Pissouri Hound and Lahori Hound .These canines are primarily found in the Karnataka districts of Bagalkot and Vijayapur. An estimated 1500 people live there. They have a powerful build and excellent endurance. Body is symmetrical and has a slim, beautiful appearance. The most common coat colours are white,
brown, spotty, brindle, black, fawn, and spotted. Head is small in relation to body. Long and thin, the skull. Oval, dark brown or hazel in colour, and positioned obliquely are the eyes. Medium-sized, triangular, slender, and high-set ears. Long and deep chest. Body is neatly tucked in. Long, tapered, and somewhat curled describe the tail. Males can grow to a height of 73 to 80 cm, while females can grow to a height of 61 to 74 cm. The average adult weighs between 21 and 40 kg. The Mudhol Hound’s stride is smooth and has a soaring appearance thanks to its aerodynamic form. Dogs raised as Mudhol Hounds are employed for shepherding and security. Additionally, these dogs have great
obedience and are simpler to train.
According to historical accounts, the Middle East is where the Mudhol Hound’s ancestory is traced. The Saluki, Sloughi, and Greyhound were common companion dogs that invaders and traders from Afghanistan, Turkey, and Persia introduced to India. These canines were employed
for both hunting and caravan security.
These breeds are likely what led to the development of the modern Mudhol breed. It is also referred to as Karwani in villages. While the Indian National Kennel Club refers to it as Mudhol Hound, the Kennel Club of India (KCI) recognises it as Caravan Hound.
These canines were chosen to be Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Maratha Kind companions. As a result, they are also known as Maratha Hounds. They
allegedly rest in the same grave as Shivaji’s Samadhi in Raighad fort in Maharashtra.
But when the British were in charge, these hounds’ appeal declined. Indian breeds were relegated to the background while the British popularised exotic European breeds. The Ghorpade reigns of Mudhol State, in especially Shrimant Rajesaheb Malojirao Ghorpade, deserve credit for saving the virtually extinct Mudhol Hound. Ghorpade
presented King George The Fifth with two pups and he christened them as Mudhol hounds, their tryst with royalty as it is Said the two dogs that lie beside the great Chuckle Padishah & Vaji were Mudhol Hounds and we’re famed for the courage and loyalty. He used methods of selective breeding to bring the Mudhol Hound back to life. These dogs once more tasted glory while receiving royal treatment. According to legend, the family was given responsibility for the development of the Mudhol breed. And many of the family’s descendants continue to do so even now.
They resemble small hounds. They benefit from having strong vision(270 degree vision) since it aids in hunting. They cannot live in apartments because they require a lot of exercise and free space. Although they can be incredibly devoted and get along well with their owner, they do not appreciate it when their area is violated.
The popularity of the Mudhol Hound has just reached parity with that of all other breeds. Additionally, it is acknowledged as a standardised breed. Since 2003, KCI has been involved with the microchipping and registration of these pets. Every year, the Mysore Kennel Club (now the Silicon City Kennel Club) hosts breed-specific dog shows for indigenous Indian dog breeds.
The Mudhol Hound’s recent rise in popularity is also attributable to other organisations including the Canine Research and Information Center, Karuna Animals Welfare Association of Karnataka, and Society for Indian Breeds of Dogs. In fact, it rose to such prominence once more that the Indian Postal Department issued a Rs. 5 postage stamp in 2005. Along with stamps for the Rampur Hound, Rajapalayam, and Himalayan Sheep Dog, this was also made available.
The Canine Research and Information Center (CRIC), which is housed at the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU), Bidar, was established in 2009. It is situated in Thimmapur close to Mudhol. It has devoted itself almost totally to the preservation and development of the Mudhol Hound breed and is one of the pioneering institutes active in resurrecting the nation’s indigenous dog breeds. The institute’s efforts have led to a rise in Mudhol hound populations across the nation.
By raising Mudhol Hounds, one of the institute’s projects aims to improve the livelihood options for marginal and landless farmers.
Through this, puppies have been given to more than 184 individuals, who have also received training in how to care for and manage them. In fact more farmer from the areas of Halagali, Lokapura, Mudhol, Melligeri, Malali are rearing Mudhol dogs for breeding and guarding purposes.
Additionally, the institute raises pure-bred Mudhol puppies, which draws a lot of admirers. Some of the hounds raised here are well-liked at dog events all throughout the nation. The institute also connects dog owners to KCI for hound registration. Last year, six CRIC puppies were transported to the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) school in Meerut.
Lieutenant Colonel Surindar Saini, an army veterinarian, examined the dogs. After that, they received specialised instruction in guarding, tracking, defending, and bomb detection. As a result, Mudhol dogs were the first indigenous breed to serve in the Indian army.
Once the training is complete, the Mudhol Hounds outfitted with doggy coats and boots make their way to Himalayas, here these brave warriors help patrol the High mountains and our borders, once the companions of royalty they are today in their own right the first Indian breed to serve in the Indian armed forces. The mighty and magnificent Mudhol Hounds.