Pet Wiki

Banjara Hound

Also called Banjari Hound, Vanjari Hound, Banjari Greyhound, Wanjari Hound

Rare breedShort profile

From India (Maharashtra).1

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male27 to 31 kg1
Weight, female23 to 27 kg1
Height71 cm1
Lifespan12 to 14 years1
Sizelarge

Single source (Wikipedia).

fast and agile
great stamina
gentle and intelligent with its people
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

rough fine coat

A tall, fast sighthound with a fine but rough-feeling coat, often brindle or a solid colour.1

Coloursbrindlelight brownbrowncreamblackwhitebrown and whitemerle1

Personality what they are like

Gentle and clever with its own family, but naturally watchful and protective of its territory, with a strong urge to chase.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Built for speed and long hunts, so it needs plenty of running and exercise; training takes patience and repetition.1

Company who they like around

Better suited to experienced owners, as it can be territorial around strangers and other animals.1

The story where it all began

The Banjara Hound was developed by the nomadic Banjara people of Maharashtra as a hunting dog. They used it to course antelope, deer and hare, and valued it as a watchdog too.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is named after the Banjara, a nomadic community who bred it for hunting.1

  2. 2

    It was used to hunt fast game such as antelope, hare and deer.1

  3. 3

    Besides hunting it was prized as a watchful guard.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the nomadic Banjara people of Maharashtra, India, who bred and used these dogs for hunting.1

Name ideas for your new friend

VayuAaravChakriRaniTeerDharKiranShikarBholaMiraFalgunNila

A day in the life told by a Banjara Hound

The morning light wakes me, and I stretch long, ready for a day of motion. My human laughs as I zoom across the yard, chasing a butterfly just for fun. We head to the open field, and I run, oh, how I run! The wind whistles past my ears, and nothing else matters. When I return, my human claps, and I wag my whole body. I keep an eye on our gate, a loyal watchman, but I greet the postman with a friendly sniff. At home, I curl beside my family, my nose twitching at dinner smells. I sleep hard, dreaming of tomorrow's chase.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

None
A regional Indian sighthound without recognition by major kennel clubs.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Banjara Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Banjara Hound tip

Given their deep chest, split meals into two a day and avoid exercise right before or after eating to help prevent bloat. For dental health, daily brushing and VOHC-endorsed chews are a good idea, but always ask your vet for a tailored treat plan.

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Banjara Hound, and at what times?

Feed your Banjara Hound at least two meals a day at consistent times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for a schedule that suits your dog's age and activity.2

What should a Banjara Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always keep these out of reach and consult your vet for a complete list.3

How often should I bathe a Banjara Hound?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo and rinse well.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Banjara Hound need brushing?

Brush your Banjara Hound weekly to keep their rough fine coat healthy and remove loose hair. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This also helps distribute natural oils and keeps the coat looking good.4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Banjara Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Banjara Hound need?

This breed is built for speed and long hunts, so they need plenty of daily exercise including running. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and play. A securely fenced area or safe open space is ideal for them to stretch their legs.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Banjara Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth a few times a week using a dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears weekly and gently dry them, as floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Banjara Hound live?

A Banjara Hound typically lives 12 to 14 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long and happy life.1

Is a Banjara Hound good with children and other pets?

They are gentle and clever with their own family, but naturally watchful and protective of their territory. They can be territorial around strangers and other animals, so early socialization and experienced handling are important.1

Can a Banjara Hound be left alone?

This varies by individual dog. Some may tolerate being alone if well exercised and mentally stimulated, but they are a loyal breed that prefers company. Ask a good breeder or your vet for advice based on your dog's temperament.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia: Banjara Hound en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (only accessible source)
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.