Mudhol Hound
Updated December 2, 2025
The Mudhol Hound is a sighthound of Indian origin, bred for hunting and guarding. They are valued for their loyalty, speed, and endurance, and have recently been inducted into the Indian armed forces for their exceptional skills.
Loyal, Graceful, Courageous, Intelligent, Reserved
22-28 kg
64-72 cm
10-15 years
Fawn, Red, Cream, Black, Mouse-grey, Brindle
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About Mudhol Hound
The Mudhol Hound is a sighthound of Indian origin, bred for hunting and guarding. They are valued for their loyalty, speed, and endurance, and have recently been inducted into the Indian armed forces for their exceptional skills.
What Makes Mudhol Hounds Special
The Mudhol Hound is a graceful and athletic sighthound, known for its incredible speed and stamina. They are loyal and protective of their family, with a reserved nature towards strangers.
These dogs are more of a working companion than a playful pet, excelling in roles that utilize their natural hunting and guarding instincts.
Mudhol Hound History & Origin
The Mudhol Hound's ancestry is traced back to the Saluki and Tazi, brought to India's Deccan Plateau by traders and mercenaries from Central Asia and Arabia. They were named 'Caravan Hounds' from their association with the caravans they guarded.
The breed was popularized by the ruling family of Mudhol State in present-day Karnataka, who are credited with reviving the breed.
They were the companions of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji and are also known as Maratha Hounds.
The Kennel Club of India (KCI) recognizes the breed as the 'Caravan Hound', while the Indian National Kennel Club uses 'Mudhol Hound'.
In recent years, they have gained recognition for their service in the Indian Army.
The cost of a Mudhol Hound puppy from a breeder in India can vary, but is generally more affordable than many foreign breeds.
Mudhol Hound Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
Mudhol Hound Appearance
The Mudhol Hound has a lean, muscular build that is aerodynamic and built for speed. They carry themselves with an elegant and alert presence.
Their coat is typically short and fine, coming in a variety of colors. There is also a less common feathered variety with silky fringes on the ears, legs, and tail.
Physical Features
Ears
Medium-sized, V-shaped ears that hang close to the head.
Eyes
Large, oval-shaped, and expressive, ranging in color from dark brown to hazel.
Nose
Prominently black and large.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
The coat is short and smooth. A feathered variety also exists with silky hair on the ears, legs, and tail.
Coat Color
The Mudhol Hound comes in various colors including fawn, red, cream, black, and brindle, sometimes with minimal white markings.
Tail
The tail is long, set low, and tapers to a point, carried in a natural curve.
Mudhol Hound Temperament
Mudhol Hounds are deeply loyal to their families but can be reserved and aloof with strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.
They are intelligent but possess an independent streak, which can make training a challenge for novice owners. They respond best to calm, consistent, and positive reinforcement-based training methods.
Bred for hunting, they have a very high prey drive and may not be suitable for homes with smaller pets unless socialized from a very young age.
While they can be gentle with children in their own family, their high energy and sensitivity mean interactions should always be supervised.
They are not overly playful in the traditional sense and are more focused on running and chasing, befitting their sighthound lineage.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
The Mudhol Hound is a generally hardy breed with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. They have evolved to be resilient in their native environment, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular veterinary check-ups, a proper diet, sufficient exercise, and early screening for genetic conditions can help ensure a long and healthy life.
How to Care for a Mudhol Hound
The Mudhol Hound is a hardy and athletic breed that requires significant exercise but minimal grooming. Understanding their independent nature is key to a harmonious life together.
Grooming
The smooth, short coat of the Mudhol Hound requires very little grooming. A weekly brushing with a rubber mitt or a soft brush is sufficient to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy.
The feathered variety may require more frequent brushing to prevent tangles.
Bathing should only be done when necessary to avoid stripping the natural oils from their skin.
Regular nail trims are important, as is weekly ear cleaning to prevent infections, especially for dogs with pendulous ears.
Dental hygiene is also crucial; regular teeth brushing should be part of their grooming routine.
Training
Training a Mudhol Hound requires patience and consistency due to their intelligent but independent nature. They do not have a strong desire to please in the same way as some other breeds.
Early socialization is critical to ensure they are comfortable around new people, other animals, and different environments.
Positive reinforcement techniques work best. Harsh training methods can lead to nervousness and resistance.
Training sessions should be kept short and engaging to maintain their focus. Basic obedience commands are important for their safety, given their high prey drive.
Diet
A high-quality, balanced diet is essential for the energetic Mudhol Hound. The specific amount of food will vary based on the dog's age, size, activity level, and metabolism.
Typically, 2-3 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals, is a good starting point.
Ensure the diet is rich in protein to support their lean muscle mass. Monitor their body condition to prevent them from becoming overweight.
Fresh, clean water should be available at all times.
Exercise
As sighthounds bred for speed and endurance, Mudhol Hounds have very high exercise requirements. They need at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day.
Long walks on a leash and opportunities to run in a securely fenced area are essential for their physical and mental well-being.
Due to their strong prey drive, they should never be allowed off-leash in an unsecured area.
Activities like lure coursing and agility can be excellent outlets for their energy and natural instincts.
Without sufficient exercise, they can become bored and may develop destructive behaviors.
Environment
Mudhol Hounds are not well-suited for apartment living due to their size and high energy levels. They thrive in homes with a large, securely fenced yard where they have ample space to run.
They are adaptable to various climates but are particularly well-suited to hot and dry conditions. They have low body fat and a short coat, which makes them sensitive to cold weather, so they may require a coat in colder climates.
They are best suited for active individuals or families who can meet their demanding exercise needs.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
A home with a large, securely fenced yard is a necessity.
Climate Adaptability
Tolerant of heat but sensitive to cold.
Apartment Living
Not suitable for apartment living.
Best Suited For
Best for active owners in a suburban or rural environment who can provide ample exercise.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mudhol Hounds good with children?
They can be tolerant of children within their own family if raised with them, but interactions should always be supervised. They are not known for being overly patient or playful with kids.
How much do Mudhol Hounds shed?
They are low to moderate shedders with a short, easy-to-maintain coat.
How much exercise do Mudhol Hounds need?
They are a very high-energy breed and require at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily, including opportunities to run at full speed in a safe, enclosed area.
Are Mudhol Hounds easy to train?
No, their intelligence is offset by a strong independent streak, making them a challenge to train. They require an experienced, patient, and consistent owner.
Do Mudhol Hounds make good apartment dogs?
No, their size, high energy, and exercise requirements make them unsuitable for apartment living.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Early socialization with various people, sounds, and environments is crucial. Begin gentle, positive training early.
Senior Care
Adjust exercise to their ability to prevent joint strain. Monitor for age-related health issues and maintain a healthy weight.
First-Time Owner Tips
Not recommended for first-time dog owners due to their independent nature and high exercise needs.
Looking for a Mudhol Hound?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.