General Description

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(Mudhol Hound, Maratha Hound, Pashmi Hound) The Caravan Hound is a slender breed of sighthound. Their head is narrow, long, and features a tapered muzzle with a large, dark nose. Despite their delicate appearance, the jaws of this breed are strong and powerful. The breed’s large eyes are oval-shaped and may be any color between amber and dark hazel. The Caravan Hound has a long, lean, muscular neck that fits properly into its laid-back shoulders. The forelegs are long, lean, and well-boned, and the back is well-muscled and curved over the loin. They have strong, deep chests with well-sprung ribs and a tucked in abdomen. The tail of this breed is strong at its base, and it is set low and carried in a curve. The Caravan Hound has one of two varieties of coat textures. The first is short-haired and smooth, and the second is feathered, fringed, and silky to the touch. The breed’s coat exists in a number of colors.

Character

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The Caravan Hound is somewhat aloof and independent. Rather than catering to the wants and wishes of their master(s), they tend to approach tasks on their own terms. They are highly intelligent and they are capable, keen hunters. The breed is suspicious of strangers, but they are loyal and protective of their owner(s) and territory. They do not like to be touched by anyone other than their master. They will protect their home and family if a threat presents itself. It’s especially important for this breed to receive a significant amount of socialization from an early age.

General Health

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Only the strongest and most hardy Caravan Hounds have withstood the test of time. For this reason, there are no recorded health issues or concerns. This breed typically lives for 10 to 15 years.

History

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The Caravan Hound is an ancient breed that is native to the Deccan Plateau of India. The Deccan Plateau includes some parts of the states, as well as the regions of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and parts of the Andhra Pradesh. The Caravan is best described as an offshoot of the Saluki. It was first introduced to the region by traders and mercenaries that arrived from Asia by way of caravan. These people began calling the Caravan Hound “karwani”, or “of the caravans”. Even after the breed was re-named by the Kennel Club of India, this name continued to be utilized in the villages of this area. Throughout the region of Karnataka, the Caravan Hound is often called “Mudhol Hound”, a name that was given to the breed after the small town in the Bijapur district. Sri Srimanth Raja Molojirao Gorphade, a former ruler of Mudhol, had given a pair of Caravan Hounds to King George V of England. The King loved the dogs and called them “the hounds of Mudhol”. The breed is not only found in Mudhol, so the officially recognized name continues to be “Caravan Hound”. Feathered types of Caravan Hounds may also be called “Pashmi”.

The Caravan Hound is an extremely rare breed of sight hound from Maharashtra. Its history goes back into the mists of time. It is also found along the Maharashtra/Karnataka border up to Kolhapur. The smooth Saluki is a very close relative of the Caravan along with the Sloughi. It is said that these three breeds along with Azawakhs and Afghan Hounds all developed in the middle-east around the same time. The name Caravan Hound might originate from two different sources. First, because they were seen coming to India with the traveling Caravans from the middle-east as well as Afghanistan. Second, from the name Karwar Hound;. In the old days, ships used to sail on wind currents blowing towards the south. Thus they landed up in Karwar, just south of Goa. From there, hounds might have gotten loose and hunted their way up to the Maharashtra/Karnataka border and inter-bred. The Caravans of today look a lot like all of their ancestors. They always have a smooth coat that usually comes in the colors of red, fawn, cream, beige and off white; which match the Caravans hunting area in the fields and tropical rainforests of central India. They are elegant, graceful and courageous; their expression dignified, the eyes piercing. The Caravan's hunting method is similar to that of a Saluki. Once game is sighted the hound is released, it sprints at its prey making many mid-air turns and twists as it courses. They don’t stalk prey like for example, the Pashmis does. Once caught, they either suffocate the larger prey or give a vigorous jerk. They do not retrieve, but try to devour their prey instead. For this reason the hunter must follow his hounds fast, in order not to lose his catch. In their native tracts the Caravans are bred as true working hounds. The Caravan is currently recognized by the Kennel Club of India and the Indian National Kennel Club. It has excellent potential as a hound, a showdog, and first and foremost, as a loyal companion.

Maintenance

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The smooth variety of Caravan Hound does not require any method of grooming. The feathered type of Caravan Hound should be brushed on a weekly basis. This breed is an average shedder.

Ideal Environment

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The Caravan Hound is not suited for life in a small household or apartment. They are a sighthound and need a great deal of daily exercise. They are happiest with at least a large-sized, fenced yard. They don’t care for cold, wet climates, as they are used to tropical weather conditions. They need human interaction, and they aren’t accustomed to spending long periods of time in a kennel or crate. They need to feel as though they are an important part of the family. The Caravan Hound shouldn’t be let off its leash, because they are likely to chase after interesting scents.

Caravan Hound Q&AAsk a Question

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  Is caravan hound prone to tick fever as in other breeds ?

  Is caravan hound prone to tick fever as in other breeds ?

  Asked by Anonymous - 1 answers

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