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Journalism of Courage
The Border Security Force (BSF) has started training 150 dogs of the indigenous Rampur and Mudhol Hound breeds. These dogs will be used in BSF’s border guarding duties, counterinsurgency operations, and special tasks.
This is not the first time that Mudhol Hounds will be in service with security forces. They have been part of the Indian armed forces and some paramilitary forces.
In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also mentioned them in speeches. In a speech in Karnataka’s Bagalkot, he said that the district’s Mudhol Hounds would “protect the nation with a new battalion”.
Here is a look at both the Mudhol and the Rampur Hound dogs, and which breeds of dogs militaries around the world use.
History: Mudhol Hounds are believed to have been bred first by Raja Malojirao Ghorpade of the erstwhile kingdom of Mudhol (in present-day Bagalkot) after he saw the qualities of the dogs that tribal communities of his territory kept. The Raja is said to have presented a couple of these dogs to King George V on a visit to England, after which the breed got the name of Mudhol Hound.
Characteristics: The breed is known for its hunting and guarding skills. Mudhol Hounds are lanky and fast runners, with excellent stamina and agility. They have a sharp vision and a good sense of smell.
It is for these specific qualities that a bunch of Mudhol Hound puppies were sent by the Indian Army to its Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) training centre in Meerut in February 2016. This was the first time that an indigenous breed was trained at the centre, which had a long history of training foreign breeds such as Labrador and German Shepherd.
Subsequently, Army officers said out of the eight dogs that were inducted for training, six were selected for field evaluation and suitability trials with the Srinagar-based HQ 15 Corps and Nagrota-based HQ 16 Corps.
Concerns: One of the primary issues with Mudhol hounds is that their performance during service duties dips in cold environments, officers had told The Indian Express. This, they said, could be because the species is native to an area with a warmer climate. There is a possibility that this may impinge on their future deployment in certain areas, the officers said.
History: Rampur Hounds — also called Rampur Greyhounds — were bred around 300 years ago in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur region by the Nawab of Rampur through crosses between Afghan Hounds (or Tazi) and English Greyhounds to enhance speed and strength.
Historically used by royalty for hunting large game and as guards, the breed declined after India’s Independence as princely states lost power. Today, purebreds are rare outside India, though efforts are underway to preserve the breed.
Characteristics: Rampur Hounds are a sleek and athletic sighthound breed. They have a well-built frame with tall, long legs, a narrow torso, and a deep chest designed for speed and endurance. Rampur Hounds are one of the fastest dogs, capable of running at more than 40 mph, helping them excel in coursing and hunting.
They prefer to be aloof and reserved with strangers but are deeply loyal, obedient, and devoted to their family, often forming strong bonds with one primary person. They are intelligent, especially in hunting and running tasks, and can be extroverted and inquisitive once comfortable.
Rampur Hounds are naturally timid. However, they bark loudly when alerting and can be protective or even ferocious toward intruders or other dogs, making them effective guard dogs.
Military dogs are selected for roles such as explosive detection, patrol and apprehension, search and rescue, and tracking. Suitability depends on traits such as intelligence, trainability, physical agility, endurance, and strong scenting abilities.
The US military, for example, primarily breeds and trains Belgian Malinois. Below are the most commonly utilised breeds, based on current practices:
Why suitable: This medium-sized herding breed excels in high-energy environments due to its exceptional agility, speed (up to 30 mph), intelligence, and drive to work. They’re highly trainable, with a strong prey drive for apprehension tasks, and have superior scent detection capabilities. Often called the “top choice” for modern special operations.
Roles: Explosive detection, patrol, raid support
Why suitable: Known for loyalty, strength, and versatility, this large breed has a powerful build (up to 90 lbs), keen senses, and high trainability. They’re adaptable to various climates and have a balanced temperament for handler bonding.
Roles: Patrol, narcotics/explosives detection, search and rescue.
Why suitable: Friendly yet focused, Labs have an outstanding sense of smell (one of the best among breeds), a gentle temperament for non-aggressive tasks, and high stamina. They’re easier to handle in teams and less prone to handler aggression.
Roles: Combat tracking, explosive/narcotics detection, cadaver search.
Why suitable: Similar to the Malinois but slightly more agile and less intense, this herding breed offers speed, endurance, and quick learning. They’re versatile and thrive in dynamic field conditions.
Roles: Patrol, detection, scouting.
Why suitable: Unrivaled tracking ability from their 300 million scent receptors (as compared to humans’ six million), loose skin that traps odors, and a persistent nature. They’re large (up to 110 lbs) but methodical, not high-drive for combat.
Roles: Human tracking, fugitive apprehension, search and rescue.
