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The Border Security Force (BSF) is actively integrating two native Indian dog breeds, the Rampur Hound and the Mudhol Hound, into its operational K9 units, moving away from relying solely on foreign breeds. This initiative is part of India's larger push for "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) in security forces.
Here is everything you need to know about the induction and the breeds: The Induction: A Move Towards Self-RelianceSafari Flip 32L Casual Printed Backpack, 2 Compartments, Bottle Holder
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The BSF has pioneered the formal training and deployment of these indigenous breeds for critical security tasks, following an appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 'Mann ki Baat' address in 2020.
- Deployment Scale: Over 150 Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds have already been trained at the BSF's National Training Centre for Dogs (NTCD) in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh, and are now deployed across multiple operational theatres, including border areas and anti-Naxalite operations.
- Advanced Training: For the first time, these native dogs are undergoing high-risk commando training, including specialized skills like slithering down from Mi-17 helicopters and river rafting, tasks previously limited to foreign breeds like the Belgian Malinois.Also Read; Justice Surya Kant Recommended as Next Chief Justice of India by CJI B.R. Gavai
- Proven Success: A Mudhol Hound named 'Riya' created history by becoming the first Indian breed dog to win the 'Best Dog of the Meet' title at the All India Police Duty Meet (AIPDM) in 2024, outperforming over 100 foreign-bred competitors.
The Breeds: Their Characteristics and Roles-
1. The Mudhol Hound (From Karnataka)- The Mudhol Hound, also known as the Caravan Hound, originates from the Deccan Plateau region of Karnataka, particularly the Mudhol princely state.
Feature | Suitability for Security Roles |
Speed and Sight: Extremely fast, agile, and known for their sharp eyesight. | Tracking and Surveillance: Ideal for detection duties, tracking intruders over long distances, and reconnaissance due to their endurance. |
Adaptability: Highly resistant to diseases and perfectly suited for the harsh, dry, and hot climates of central and southern India. | Endurance: Their low-maintenance nature makes them highly effective in demanding field environments with minimal logistical support. |
2. The Rampur Hound (From Uttar Pradesh)- The Rampur Hound, or Rampur Greyhound, was originally bred by the Nawabs of Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, for hunting large game like jackals and deer.
Feature | Suitability for Security Roles |
Stamina and Strength: A muscular, robust breed with exceptional stamina and running speed (up to 40 mph). | Commando Operations: Their speed, muscle structure, and fearless nature are being utilized for helicopter-borne operations and conducting pack attacks during anti-insurgency missions. |
Loyalty: Highly loyal to their handlers but naturally reserved and cautious around strangers, making them excellent guard dogs. | Hardiness: Their physical characteristics allow them to handle terrain and extreme conditions better than many foreign breeds. |
The successful induction and performance of the Mudhol and Rampur Hounds mark a significant step for India's security forces in achieving self-reliance in K9 capabilities.