Mudhol Hound
The Mudhol Hound (Caravan Hound) is one of India's premier sighthound breeds — a tall, elegant, extremely fast hunting dog developed in the Deccan Plateau region of Karnataka.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
India
Lifespan
10–14 years
Weight
22–28 kg (48–62 lbs)
Height
63–72 cm (25–28 in)
Diet
Obligate carnivore tendency — high-protein diet. Traditional diet in Karnataka included buttermilk, cooked rice, and meat. High-quality commercial or raw diet appropriate.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Mudhol Hound (Caravan Hound) is one of India's premier sighthound breeds — a tall, elegant, extremely fast hunting dog developed in the Deccan Plateau region of Karnataka. Named for the town of Mudhol in Bagalkot district (and the erstwhile Mudhol State whose rulers were the breed's great patrons), the Mudhol Hound was used for coursing hare, fox, and blackbuck in the open grasslands of the Deccan. The breed exists in two coat varieties — the smooth-coated Mudhol Hound and the feathered-coat Pashmi. The Indian Army has inducted Mudhol Hounds for border surveillance work along the Pakistan border, utilising their extreme speed, endurance, and agility.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A tall, lean, elegant sighthound — deep-chested with a pronounced tuck-up, long muscular neck, narrow head, and long muscular legs. The smooth-coated variety has a fine, close coat; the Pashmi variety has long silky feathering on the ears, legs, and tail. The overall impression is of a dog built for explosive speed — similar to the Saluki and Sloughi to which it is related.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Loyal to its owner and family but deeply aloof with strangers. Like all sighthounds, the Mudhol Hound has a strong prey drive and is not suitable for multi-pet households. It is independent and not obedient in the conventional sense. Sensitive and can be reserved. Requires experienced ownership.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •2+ hours exercise daily including free running in an enclosed space — these dogs can reach speeds of 65 km/h. Lean body means cold sensitivity — provide warm sleeping areas. Low grooming for smooth variety; brush feathered (Pashmi) variety 2–3 times weekly.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Generally healthy due to natural development. Sensitive to anaesthesia — inform the vet of the breed's sighthound status before any procedure. Hip dysplasia can occur. Thin skin and lean body mean the breed is vulnerable to cold and rough terrain abrasions.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
The Indian Army inducted Mudhol Hounds into its canine unit in 2017 specifically for border surveillance — their exceptional speed (up to 65 km/h), keen senses, and agility make them ideal for rapid response patrol work in the open terrain of the India-Pakistan border.
The Mudhol Hound appeared on an Indian postal stamp in 2005 as part of the "Dogs of India" series — along with the Rajapalayam, Himalayan Sheepdog, and Rampur Greyhound.
In the Deccan Plateau, Mudhol Hounds were traditionally kept by the Dhangar (shepherd) communities — the dogs hunted game for the family while also guarding the flock, combining sighthound speed with guardian instincts.
