Mudhol Hound Dog Breed

Below are details and specs for the Mudhol Hound dog breed.

Male members of this breed reach a height of 24 - 30 inches while females reach a height between 22 - 28 inches. Adult males weigh anywhere from 48 - 90 pounds and females 45 - 85 pounds. Their lean, muscular body makes them extremely fast, capable hunters.

These dogs are natural hunters that form a loyal bond with their family and get along well with other dogs. They do not like strangers and may be display signs of aggression if they feel their owner is in danger. Small non-canine pets will present a problem for this breed if it is not socialized from a young age.

This is a low to medium maintenance dog breed. Both varieties of coats will only need brushing about once or twice a week. They are working dogs and will need ample exercise each day to stay happy and healthy.

This breed has existed for many centuries and was introduced to western India by settlers from Central Asia and Arabia. It traveled with the nomadic caravans, which is where its name derives. It is thought to be a direct descendant of the Saluki or Tazi. It has remained popular in India since this time as a guardian and hunting dog for both rich and poor families. In the late 1800's the breed declined significantly but was revived by Shrimant Rajesaheb Malojirao Ghorpade of Mudhol (from where it got its other name, the Mudhol Hound). The breed was introduced to England via King George V, who was given several of the dogs by the Maharaja of Mudhol State in the early 1900's. Today the breed is now recognized by the Kennel Club of India (KCI) and the Indian National Kennel Club (INKC).

The Caravan Hound is a dog of striking, Greyhound-like features. Its head is long and narrow and tapers from the ears down to the liver or black colored nose. Its limbs and neck are strong and muscular, giving it great speed when chasing prey. The eyes are large and deep-set, and its ears are floppy and fall down towards the neck. Two kinds of coat exist for this breed: it may have a smooth, short coat, or a slightly longer coat that features silky outcroppings on the ears, legs and tail.

This breed has been raised as a hunter and home guardian and therefore enjoys human companionship and is well-mannered towards other dogs. These dogs demand respect from their owners, but will repay this respect with their loyalty and fierce work ethic. Caravan Hounds are not welcoming of strangers; they do not like being touched by unfamiliar people and may display aggression if they feel their owners are being threatened. These dogs are intelligent but require a firm and consistent owner. Socialization at a young age is a must, especially if this dog will be living amongst children or non-canine pets.

There are no known genetic health problems for this type of dog, and you can expect them to live to be 10 to 14 years old if properly cared for. Due to its low percentage of body fat to muscle ratio, the Caravan Hound is very sensitive to anesthesia. Owners should not take their Caravan Hound on a run right after it has eaten due to torsion bloat concerns.