The Rampur and Mudhol Hounds: Reviving India's Ancient Canine Legacy

India, a land of ancient civilizations and diverse cultures, is also home to a rich and often overlooked canine heritage. Among the many indigenous breeds that have graced the Indian subcontinent for centuries, the Rampur and Mudhol Hounds stand out as living testaments to a glorious past. These are not just dogs; they are symbols of royal grandeur, unparalleled hunting prowess, and a deep-rooted connection with the land and its people. Once on the brink of obscurity, these magnificent sighthounds are now experiencing a resurgence, a revival of a legacy that was almost lost to the annals of time. This is the story of the Rampur and Mudhol Hounds, a journey from the opulent courts of Nawabs and Maharajas to the frontlines of national security, a tale of decline and a hopeful renaissance.

The Winds of Change: A Renewed Appreciation for Native Breeds

For decades, the allure of foreign dog breeds cast a long shadow over India's native canines. The preference for breeds like German Shepherds, Labradors, and Pugs led to a decline in the populations of many indigenous dogs, including the majestic Rampur and Mudhol Hounds. These native breeds, perfectly adapted to the Indian climate and conditions, were relegated to the background, their rich histories and unique characteristics largely forgotten.

However, a cultural shift is underway. A growing sense of national pride and a renewed interest in India's heritage have sparked a movement to protect and promote these indigenous treasures. This revival has been championed by dedicated breeders, canine enthusiasts, and, significantly, the Indian government and armed forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public endorsements of native Indian dog breeds have played a pivotal role in bringing these canines into the national consciousness, encouraging citizens to "bring home an Indian breed" and fostering a spirit of self-reliance. This newfound appreciation has been instrumental in the ongoing efforts to revive the Rampur and Mudhol Hounds, ensuring that their legacy continues for generations to come.

The Rampur Hound: The Royal Hunter of Rohilkhand

The story of the Rampur Hound is intrinsically linked to the princely state of Rampur in modern-day Uttar Pradesh. Nestled between Delhi and Bareilly, Rampur was the heart of the Rohilkhand region, ruled by the Nawabs who were known for their patronage of art, culture, and, notably, fine canines.

A Princely Creation: The History of the Rampur Hound

The credit for the creation of the Rampur Hound goes to His Royal Highness Ahmad Ali Khan Bahadur, the Nawab of Rampur. A passionate hunter, the Nawab sought to develop a dog that possessed the courage and ferocity of the Afghan Hound (Tazi), brought to the region by Afghan traders, combined with the speed and obedience of the English Greyhound. Through meticulous selective breeding, he created a hound that exceeded all his expectations. The result was a dog with the striking looks and stalwart character of its Afghan ancestors and the incredible speed of the Greyhound. This new breed, named the Rampur Hound after its place of origin, was a formidable hunter, capable of taking down large and dangerous game.

These hounds were the favoured companions of the Maharajas for jackal coursing, a popular sport among the royalty. It was said that it took a single, courageous Rampur Hound to take down a golden jackal. But their prowess was not limited to jackals; they were also used to hunt lions, tigers, leopards, and panthers. Their ability to cover great distances at high speed made them invaluable assets on the vast hunting grounds of princely India. For about a century, these dogs were highly sought after, with Pathan traders taking them to Rajputana, Central India, and lower Bengal.

The Decline of a Royal Breed

The golden era of the Rampur Hound began to wane with the decline of the princely states after India's independence in 1947. The abolition of the privy purses and the decline of hunting as a royal pastime meant that the patronage these hounds had enjoyed for centuries dwindled. It was no longer fashionable or practical for the wealthy to maintain large kennels of hunting dogs, and the poorer population could not afford to keep them.

The introduction of foreign breeds further accelerated their decline. The English Greyhound, one of the ancestors of the Rampur Hound, was crossbred with some lines, making it difficult to find purebred specimens. The once-celebrated hunter of Rohilkhand was now facing the threat of extinction, its numbers dwindling to a precariously low level. By the early 2000s, the breed was on the verge of disappearing, a victim of changing times and shifting preferences.

Characteristics of the Rampur Hound: A Blend of Grace and Power

The Rampur Hound is a sighthound of substantial build, more muscular than the English Greyhound. They are the epitome of canine athleticism, with a sleek, powerful frame built for speed and endurance.

Physical Appearance: Rampur Hounds are large dogs, with males standing between 60 to 75 cm and females between 55 to 60 cm in height. They weigh around 27 to 30 kg. They have a broad skull, a long and powerful jaw with a scissor bite, and a deep chest. Their legs are long and their feet have arched toes with strong claws. The tail is long, tapering, and carried low with a slight upward curve. Their coat is short and smooth and comes in a variety of colours, including black, grey, brindle, fawn, and white.
Temperament: Rampur Hounds are known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners, often forming a strong bond with one person. While they can be affectionate with their families, they are typically aloof and reserved with strangers. They are intelligent and can be playful and inquisitive once they are comfortable in their surroundings. Though naturally timid, they possess a strong protective instinct and can be ferocious towards intruders, making them excellent guard dogs. They have a tendency to be more active and alert at night. They are not excessive barkers but will alert their owners with a loud bark when necessary.

The Revival of the Rampur Hound: A Glimmer of Hope

The story of the Rampur Hound's revival is one of renewed interest and a growing recognition of its unique qualities. While there isn't a single, large-scale government-backed program for the Rampur Hound akin to what has been established for the Mudhol Hound, several initiatives are contributing to its comeback.

The most significant of these is the induction of Rampur Hounds into the Border Security Force (BSF). Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to promote native breeds, the BSF has started training Rampur Hounds for various duties, including border guarding and counter-insurgency operations. These hounds have shown great promise, with their agility, speed, and ability to handle tasks like jumping from heights making them well-suited for the demanding conditions of border patrol. The BSF has trained around 150 Indian breed dogs, including Rampur Hounds, and has established breeding centres to ensure a steady supply of these capable canines.

Apart from the efforts of the armed forces, individual breeders and canine enthusiasts are also playing a crucial role in the revival of the Rampur Hound. They are working to preserve the pure bloodlines of the breed and raise awareness about its heritage and qualities. While the breed is still rare and not widely known outside of India, these dedicated individuals are ensuring that the royal hound of Rampur does not fade into history.

The Mudhol Hound: The Pride of the Deccan Plateau

From the arid plains of the Deccan Plateau comes another of India's ancient canine treasures – the Mudhol Hound. Also known as the Caravan Hound, this breed has a history that is as rich and fascinating as that of its northern counterpart.

A Hunter's Companion: The Ancient Lineage of the Mudhol Hound

The origins of the Mudhol Hound can be traced back to the Saluki and Tazi hounds that were brought to the Deccan Plateau by traders and mercenaries from Central Asia and Arabia. These dogs, which ran alongside the caravans, came to be known as "Karwani" or "of the caravans," a name that eventually evolved into the Caravan Hound. Over centuries, these hounds adapted to the harsh, rugged terrain of the Deccan, evolving into the lean, athletic dogs we know today.

The breed gained prominence under the patronage of the Maratha rulers, particularly the Ghorpade dynasty of the erstwhile princely state of Mudhol in present-day Karnataka. Shrimant Rajesaheb Malojirao Ghorpade of Mudhol is credited with reviving the breed in the early 20th century. He noticed the exceptional hunting skills of the hounds kept by the local tribal communities and, through selective breeding, was able to restore the royal Mudhol Hound. The breed's fame spread far and wide when the Raja presented a pair of these hounds to King George V of England, who is said to have dubbed them "Mudhol Hounds".

A Breed in Decline: The Fading Glory of the Mudhol Hound

Like the Rampur Hound, the Mudhol Hound also faced a period of decline. The end of princely rule and the ban on hunting in India led to a decrease in the demand for these hunting dogs. The growing popularity of foreign breeds further pushed the Mudhol Hound to the brink of extinction. By the early 2000s, this once-celebrated hunter of the Deccan was a rare sight, its numbers dwindling alarmingly.

Characteristics of the Mudhol Hound: The Epitome of Endurance

The Mudhol Hound is a sighthound renowned for its incredible stamina and agility. Its appearance is a perfect example of form following function, with every feature designed for speed and endurance.

Physical Appearance: The Mudhol Hound is a lanky and muscular dog with a long, narrow head and a tapering muzzle. They have long, powerful jaws with a scissor bite and a large black nose. Their eyes are large, oval-shaped, and can range from dark to hazel, with a piercing gaze. The neck is long, clean, and muscular, and the back is long, broad, and well-muscled. Their long legs give them a high-footed gait, and they are capable of running at great speeds.
Temperament: Mudhol Hounds are known for their loyalty and devotion to their families, but they can be reserved and standoffish with strangers. They are intelligent and courageous, with a strong hunting instinct. They are generally good with children, but their high prey drive means they may not be suitable for homes with smaller pets. They are excellent watchdogs, ever vigilant and quick to alert their owners to any perceived threat.

The Resurgence of the Mudhol Hound: A Model for Conservation

The revival of the Mudhol Hound is a remarkable success story and a model for the conservation of indigenous breeds in India. The efforts to save this breed have been systematic and well-organized, involving government agencies, research institutions, and local communities.

At the forefront of this revival is the Canine Research and Information Centre (CRIC) in Thimmapur, near Mudhol. Established in 2009 under the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, the CRIC has been instrumental in the conservation and development of the Mudhol Hound breed. Through scientific breeding programs and awareness campaigns, the center has not only increased the population of these hounds but has also provided a source of livelihood for many families in the region who are involved in breeding and rearing them.

The Indian Army has also played a significant role in the revival of the Mudhol Hound. In 2016, a batch of Mudhol Hound puppies was inducted into the Army's Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) for training, marking the first time an indigenous breed was trained for military service. Their exceptional performance in training and their suitability for Indian conditions have led to their deployment in various operational areas, including for surveillance and border protection. The success of the Mudhol Hound in the armed forces has brought national recognition to the breed and has further boosted the revival efforts.

The story of 'Riya', a Mudhol Hound trained by the BSF, who won the 'Best Tracker Dog' award at the All India Police Duty Meet in 2024, is a testament to the capabilities of this remarkable breed. Her victory over 116 foreign-bred dogs was a proud moment for India and a significant milestone in the journey of reviving its native canine heritage.

A Tale of Two Hounds: A Comparative Look

While both the Rampur and Mudhol Hounds are magnificent Indian sighthounds with royal pedigrees, there are several key differences between them.

Origin and Breeding: The Rampur Hound is a product of a deliberate crossbreeding program initiated by the Nawab of Rampur, combining the bloodlines of the Afghan Hound and the English Greyhound. The Mudhol Hound, on the other hand, evolved more naturally from the sighthounds brought to the Deccan Plateau by traders and was later refined through selective breeding by the rulers of Mudhol.
Physical Characteristics: The Rampur Hound is generally more powerfully built and muscular than the Mudhol Hound, with a broader head. The Mudhol Hound has a leaner, more streamlined physique, built for endurance over long distances.
Temperament and Trainability: Both breeds are intelligent and loyal to their owners, but the Rampur Hound is often described as being more reserved and a one-person dog. The Mudhol Hound is also reserved with strangers but is known to be a good family companion. In terms of trainability, the Rampur Hound is considered to be easily trainable, while the Mudhol Hound can be more independent and stubborn at times, requiring a firm and patient hand.
Revival Efforts: The revival of the Mudhol Hound has been a well-organized and successful endeavor, with the CRIC playing a central role. The revival of the Rampur Hound, while gaining momentum through its induction into the BSF, has been more fragmented, relying heavily on the efforts of individual breeders and the armed forces.

The Future of India's Canine Legacy

The revival of the Rampur and Mudhol Hounds is a heartening story of a nation rediscovering and celebrating its rich heritage. These are not just dogs; they are a link to a glorious past and a symbol of a self-reliant future. Their journey from the brink of extinction to a place of pride in the nation's security forces is a testament to the dedication of those who have worked tirelessly to preserve them.

The success of the revival efforts for these two breeds offers a blueprint for the conservation of other indigenous Indian dogs that are still facing the threat of extinction. By promoting awareness, supporting ethical breeding practices, and recognizing the unique qualities of our native breeds, we can ensure that India's rich canine legacy continues to thrive.

The Rampur and Mudhol Hounds are more than just a part of India's history; they are a living, breathing part of its present and a hopeful symbol for its future. As they stand guard on our borders and win accolades on the national stage, they remind us of the importance of preserving our heritage, one paw print at a time. The revival of these ancient hounds is a journey that has just begun, a journey that promises to restore these magnificent creatures to their rightful place as the pride of India.