Karnataka’s own Mudhol hound officially recognised as native Indian breed

Mudhol hound, the majestic hunting dog breed from Karnataka, has entered the elite league of native breeds recognised by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), that documents all the animal and bird breeds in the country.

Mudhol hound, the majestic hunting dog breed from Karnataka, has entered the elite league of native breeds recognised by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), that documents all the animal and bird breeds in the country.

This is the first time the Mudhol hound has got official recognition from a government agency. All these years, the much sought after dog breed was only recognised by private agencies like kennel clubs. Along with Mudhol, Chippi Parayi and Rajaplayam dog breeds were also recognised as native Indian dog breeds.

The application for native breed recognition was made by the Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU).

“It is a matter of pride for all of us. Apart from establishing the identity of an Indian dog breed among internationally famous breeds, this certification is expected to increase its brand value in global markets and help dog breeders earn higher revenues,’‘ said K V Veeranna, vice chancellor, of the university.

A team led by director of research B.V. Shivaprakash prepared a detailed proposal that included a list of features that distinguished the Mudhol from other breeds. It includes genotype and phenotype features, and the native tract or the land area in which it is naturally occurring or usually bred by farmers.

It was based on data collected in KVAFSU’s Canine Research and Information Centre (CRIC) in Thimmapur near Mudhol. CRIC has also won the NBAGR Breed Conservation Award. Ludhiana’s Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University won the award for preserving Nili Ravi breed of buffaloes.