According to a news report, Mudhol hounds, a breed of hunting dogs native to north Karnataka, have been inducted into the Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite force protecting the Prime Minister of India.
Key highlights
- The dogs already serve with the Indian armed forces and some paramilitary forces and become the first indigenous breed to be part of the SPG.
- The Mudhol hounds have a reputation for being fiercely loyal to their owners and are excellent hunting dogs.
- They have a striking resemblance to the Greyhound and are known to thrive on human companionship.
- They grow up to 72 centimetres and weigh between 20 to 22 kilograms. Known for their hunting and guarding skills, the characteristically lanky Mudhol hounds get their name from the erstwhile kingdom of Mudhol (in present-day Bagalkot), whose rulers first began to breed them.
- The dogs are fast runners, with excellent stamina and agility, and have a sharp vision and a keen sense of smell.
- The Mudhol hounds are believed to have been bred first by Raja Malojirao Ghorpade of the erstwhile Deccan kingdom of Mudhol who, after seeing the qualities of the dogs that the tribals of his territory kept, decided to breed them selectively.
- The Raja is said to have presented a couple of these dogs to King George V on a visit to England, whereafter the breed got the name of Mudhol hound.
