Veterinary biosphere and one health: MUDHOL HOUND

MUDHOL HOUND

(Pissouri Hound or Lahori Hound)

The Mudhol Hound is one of the most versatile breed when it comes to its nomenclature . You would not have come across any another breed with so many different names.They are also known as Pissouri Hound or Lahori Hound This pure bred Indian breed is a type of sight hound.

As the other hounds that were bred in India, the Mudhol Hound also has a striking resemblance with the Greyhound. This breed thrives on human companionship and is tolerant of other dogs. Mudhols are fiercely loyal to their owners and can even attack strangers if they feel that the owner is in danger.

The Mudhol hound is one of the most healthy dogs to have around and do not have any particular health issues attached to it. Their lineage and breeding has made sure that they can combat the Indian weather conditions.

Their loyalty towards the family makes them good guard and watch dogs but there fragile temperament will not see make them a good therapy dog.

HISTORY:

The Mudhol Hound is a very ancient breed that was predominant in the Deccan Plateau region. It is believed that this majestic breed is the descended of the Saluki and Tazi that were brought to India by the Pathans, Afghans, Arabs and Persians India through the Kyber Pass. They were mostly with the nomads and followed them in caravans from one place to the other .The mudhol hound gets its name from Bagalkot district of Karnataka region. It is believed that the former ruler of Mudhol presented two puppies to King George V.

DOG BREED GROUP: HOUND DOG

HEIGHT: 26-28 INCHES

WEIGHT: 22-28 kg

LIFE SPAN: 13-14 Yrs

LITTER SIZE: 6-9 puppies

MUDHOL HOUND PUPPY

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

The Mudhol Hound has well-defined characteristics.
The head is long and narrow, broad between the ears with a tapering muzzle.
The jaws are long and powerful.
The nose is large and may be black, liver, or flesh colored also.
The ears are medium sized, very slightly rounded at the tips and hang close to the skull.
The eyes are large and oval in shape, and may be dark or light in colour. They always have a piercing gaze.
The neck is long, clean, and muscular, and fits well into the shoulders.
The forelegs are long, straight and well-boned.
The back is long, broad and well-muscled.
The loins are wide and deep. The chest is strong and deep with well sprung ribs.
The abdomen is tucked in.
The hind quarters appear wide and well-muscled.
The tail is strong at the base, not too long, set low and carried in a natural curve.

COMMON HEALTH ISSUES:

The Mudhol Hound is one of the healthiest breeds around and is not prone to any specific ailment.
Their long lineage and the ability to face the harsh Indian weather has made them not only versatile but have also helped them to successfully avoid ailments as well.
The most common disease in the Mudhol Hound is issues related to the skin, they do not have fat layer in the body, which makes them vulnerable to rain and cold as their can develop chilly bites easily. In addition in harsh sun can give them a sunburn .
The other problem that can be seen in a Mudhol is of marasmus, in this the liver malfunctions and the food is not absorbed in the body. In such a case your pet might eat a lot but or she will not gain weight in fact on the contrary it might just look malnourished.

TEMPERAMENT :

Mudhol Hounds are good family companions and develop a special bond with one person in the family. These Hounds may not be the right breed for younger children but they bond well with the older children and are warm and affectionate towards them.
Your Mudhol might do well with other dogs but will not be tolerant towards smaller pets because of their high prey drive.
This breed has an abundance of energy and will need regular exercise to ensure agility and give its mind the required stimulation. So, they are not the perfect breed to keep in an apartment.
They are intelligent and devoted dogs.
They need socialization with a lot of people and sound on regular basis.

ENVIRONMENT:

Mudhol Hound can adapt to any kind of living environment, whether an apartment or a house. Though, you have to remember one thing when you keep them in apartments; it is necessary to give them exercise on a regular basis. Their preferred living condition includes a large yard with fences to allow them a free run.
The best thing about the breed is that it was bred in India so it adaptable to all weather conditions.
Along with this you have to remember that they will not be happy to just sit at home and will require regular and long exercise, whether on leash or without leash.
The only thing to remember is that they have to be treated with kindness and respect and they can in turn be extremely loyal pets.

TRAINING AND INTELLIGENCE:

The Mudhol Hound will need consistent training, they need a firm trainer and remember that this breed has a nervous temperament inherently and will not respond well to harsh treatment.
In fact if this nervous temperament if not curbed can escalate when they grow a little older.
The Mudhol Hound has to be trained to socialize with other animals especially smaller animals as they were developed to chase and he or she might either scare them away or just thing that they are prey

UNIQUE ASPECTS:

One of the most unique aspects about Mudhol Hound is the various names by which this breed is known across the country. We have not come across any other dog that has such a vast and varied nomenclature. This sight hound is called Mudhol in the south, it was called Caravan hound by the British as they accompanied people in caravans and Karwaani by the local villagers who owned the dog.

The other thing that makes the sight hound different is their amazing sight that helps them to chase away rabbits and other small animals. All this is because of the position of their eyes. These hounds have a long elongated skull with a tapering muzzle. This helps to have a 270 degree field of vision. This is almost twice of what you and I can see. It would not be wrong to say that this hound can see behind its head also.

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