The Mudhol Hound is a unique and fascinating breed of dog that originated in India.
This breed has a long history dating back to the 16th century, when it was used for hunting by the royal family of Mudhol.
The Mudhol Hound is known for its incredible speed and agility, with the ability to reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
It's a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors.
History
The Mudhol hound has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Shrimant Rajesaheb Malojirao Ghorpade of Mudhol is credited with reviving the breed.
He noticed local tribal people, called Bedar or Berad, using these hounds for hunting. Using selective breeding, he was able to restore the royal Mudhol hound.
The Maharaja of Mudhol State presented King George V a pair of hounds during a visit to England in the early 1900s. This helped popularize the Mudhol hound breed.
The Indian Army has shown interest in using the Mudhol sighthound for surveillance and border protection duties.
Breed Characteristics
Mudhol Hounds are good family companions and develop a special bond with one person in the family.
They are intelligent and devoted dogs, but can be a little reserved at times, so don't take their shyness as unfriendliness.
They will not respond well to harsh treatment, so it's essential to deal with them kindly and respectfully.
Mudhol Hounds have a high prey drive, which means they might not be tolerant towards smaller pets.
They have an abundance of energy and need regular exercise to ensure agility and give their minds the required stimulation.
They bond well with older children and are warm and affectionate towards them, but may not be the right breed for younger children.
Caring for Your
Mudhol Hounds are sensitive to cold and rain, making them vulnerable to chilly bites and sunburn.
Their short hair requires brushing only twice a week, and bathing once a month is sufficient.
They have a high energy level, so their walks and runs naturally trim their nails, but manual trimming is needed if they grow long.
Mudhol Hounds thrive in warm and dry climates, and cold hilly regions are not ideal for them.
They need at least 1.5 hours of walk time and 30 minutes of exercise or playtime daily.
Processed food is not recommended due to chemicals that can cause digestive issues.
A canine diet should include fresh and natural ingredients, such as protein, fibre, fat, and carbohydrate.
Genie Pet Meal offers customised food that meets the nutritional requirements of Mudhol Hounds, using 100% fresh and natural ingredients.
The smooth variety of Mudhol Hound requires no grooming, while the feathered variety needs only weekly brushing.
Life Span/Health
The Mudhol Hound is a relatively long-lived breed, with an average life span of 12-16 years.
They are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and eye problems like cataracts.
Proper diet and regular exercise are crucial to maintaining their overall health.
You'll also want to keep up with yearly vaccinations, deworming tablets every three months, and regular blood tests with a vet.
It's especially important to prevent hip dysplasia, so avoid letting your Mudhol Hound jump from heights or repeatedly jump down from furniture onto a smooth floor.
Consider reading: Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Issues
About the Breed
The Mudhol Hound is a unique breed that requires a great deal of socialization starting from a young age. This is because they are aloof and independent, but highly intelligent and a keen hunter.
They can be reserved with strangers, but they will fiercely protect their loved ones if need be. This means that owners need to be calm and assertive, with a gentle but firm authority over the dog.
The Mudhol Hound's head is long and narrow, with a tapering muzzle and a large nose that can be black or liver colored. Their eyes are dark hazel to amber in color, giving them a piercing gaze.
What Makes the Hound Unique?
The Mudhol Hound is a one-of-a-kind breed with a unique personality. It's aloof and independent, but highly intelligent and a keen hunter.
Its reserved nature makes it wary of strangers, but with proper socialization from a young age, it can become a loyal companion. Owners need to be calm, gentle, and firm to establish a strong bond with their Mudhol Hound.
This breed is also known by various names across the country, which is a fascinating aspect of its identity. It's called Mudhol in the south, Caravan Hound by the British, and Karwaani by local villagers who owned the dog.
Its strong protective instincts make it fiercely loyal to its family and territory, but it requires clear rules and boundaries to thrive in a household.
Description
The Mudhol Hound's head is long and narrow, broad between the ears with a tapering muzzle. The jaws are long and powerful, but deceptively weak looking.
Their nose is large and may be black or liver colored. The ears are moderate in size and hang close to the skull. The eyes are large and oval in shape, being dark hazel to amber in color.
The neck is long, clean and muscular and fits well into the shoulders, which are well-laid back. The forelegs are long, straight and well-boned.
Their back is long, broad and well-muscled with a slight curve over the loin. The loins are wide and deep. The chest is strong and deep with well sprung ribs.
The coat may be short and smooth or of a silky texture, sporting fringes on the ears, legs, backs of thighs and tail.
Where Serve
The Mudhol hound is a versatile breed that serves in various capacities. It's supplied to the Indian Army and Air Force, among other agencies.
The Mudhol is also used by the Remount Veterinary Corps and Sashastra Seema Bal. Additionally, it's used by the Central Reserve Police Force and Central Industrial Security Force in Sriharikota.
The Mudhol hound serves in the Border Security Force and Bandipur Tiger Reserve. It's also used by the State police and the elite Special Protection Group.
The Mudhol hound is protected and cared for by the Centre for Breeding and Training of Mudhol Dogs (CRIC). The CRIC supplies certified Mudhol pups to breeders and the general public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mudhol Hound aggressive?
The Mudhol Hound is naturally aggressive and hunting-oriented, but proper training and socialization can help temper its instincts.
What are Mudhol dogs used for?
Mudhol Hounds are versatile working dogs used for guarding, shepherding, and obedience tasks. Their intelligence and trainability make them a valuable asset for various roles.
How fast is a Mudhol dog?
A Mudhol dog can run at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour, making it a swift and agile breed.
What is the price of Mudhol Hound in India?
The current price of a Mudhol Hound in India is between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000. Prices have increased significantly over the past two years, rising from Rs 3,000-3,500.
How tall is a Mudhol Hound in feet?
A Mudhol Hound typically stands around 2 feet tall at the shoulder. This breed's height is a notable feature of its athletic build.
Sources
- "Mudhol's royal chapter" (deccanherald.com)
- "Tracking the hounds of Mudhol" (deccanherald.com)
- "Mudhol's top dogs" (indiatimes.com)
- Mudhol Hound Breed Guide - Pet Paw (petpaw.com.au)
- Mudhol Hound (dogsindia.com)
- Mudhol Hound: The Swift and Graceful Guardian with a ... (geniepetmeal.com)
- Karnataka's own Mudhol hound officially recognised as ... (thehindu.com)
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