Mudhol Hound

Also called Caravan Hound, Kathewar Dog, Pashmi Hound (long-haired variety)

Recognised breedShort profile

From India, around the town of Mudhol in Karnataka on the Deccan Plateau.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight9.1 to 13.6 kg1

Sizemedium

Wikipedia gives 20-30 lb without separating the sexes.

fast and agile sighthound

hardy dog of the Deccan Plateau

valued working heritage in India

Coat and looks how to spot one

smooth short coat; feathered in the Pashmi variety

A lean, long-legged sighthound with a smooth, close coat. The Pashmi variety carries extra silky hair on the ears, tail and underside.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A sighthound bred for coursing game, so it needs regular chances to run at speed in a safely enclosed area as well as daily walks.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The smooth coat is low-maintenance; the Pashmi variety's feathering benefits from a little extra brushing.1

The story where it all began

Local Bedar hunters kept these sighthounds on the Deccan Plateau long before they became famous. Shrimant Rajesaheb Malojirao Ghorpade of Mudhol (1884-1937) selectively bred them and presented a pair to King George V, which brought the breed wider attention.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The Maharaja of Mudhol gave a pair of these hounds to King George V of Britain in the early 1900s.1
2
India Post featured the breed on a postage stamp in 2005 celebrating native dogs.1
3
The Indian Army took on six Mudhol Hounds to trial them for surveillance and border work.1
4
Around 750 families in and around Mudhol breed these dogs.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the town of Mudhol in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India, where it has been historically bred and developed.2

Name ideas for your new friend

RajaIndiraKaviChakraMiraVeerAnjaliBoltNilaRaviSonaZara

A day in the life told by a Mudhol Hound

The sun warms my back as I stretch in the courtyard. My human takes me to the open field where I can really run. I love the wind in my ears and the ground flying beneath me. I spot a rabbit far off, just for fun, I chase, but I'm not really hunting. After a good sprint, I trot back to my human for a pat. We walk the village roads, and I greet everyone with a wag. At dusk, I lie on the cool tiles, dreaming of tomorrow's run.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Kennel Club of India (KCI): Registered under the name Caravan Hound.1
Indian National Kennel Club (INKC): Registered under the name Mudhol Hound.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

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

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

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
Splash of water (as needed)

How

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

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 Mudhol Hound, and at what times?

Feed your Mudhol Hound at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Stick to consistent times each day. For exact amounts, follow the food label and consult your vet.3

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

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always check with your vet for a complete list.4

How often should I bathe a Mudhol Hound?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 56 days, and general guidance recommends at least every three months. Adjust if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Mudhol Hound need brushing?

For the smooth coat, weekly brushing is enough; the Pashmi variety's feathering benefits from a little extra brushing. Furry Diary's starting plan is to brush once a week.1 5 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Mudhol Hound need?

This sighthound needs daily walks and regular chances to run at speed in a safely enclosed area. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play. Provide at least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily.1 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush your Mudhol Hound's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently; never insert anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Mudhol Hound live?

The Mudhol Hound's senior years typically start around age 8, and with good care they can live many more years. For a more precise lifespan, ask your vet or breeder. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Mudhol Hound good with children and other pets?

This varies by individual temperament and socialization. Consult a good breeder or your vet for advice on introducing your Mudhol Hound to children and other pets.

Can a Mudhol Hound be left alone?

It depends on the dog's personality and training. Some sighthounds may be independent, but they generally prefer company. For specific guidance, ask your breeder or a professional trainer.

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.