New Delhi: The Mudhol Hounds, the indigenous (desi) breed of dogs are set to get inducted into the Special Protection Group (SPG) squad, the elite forces that provides 24×7 security cover to the Prime Minister.
Being native to Karnataka, they are also known as the hunting dogs and known for sharp vision and strong predatory skills.
Reports suggest that the desi breed has already found its place in the Indian Armed Forces and other paramilitary forces and soon they may get elevated to the SPG squad.
In April this year, a team of SPG comprising 2 doctors & soldiers visited the Canine Research and Information Center (Mudhol hound), Timmapur and took 2 male puppies. The training of these breed of indigenous dogs has already begun, according to reports.
Features & its induction in Armed Forces
Being lanky, tall & sharp features, these dogs have earned international reputation and are known for agility, fast running & strong sense of smell.
They draw their name from the former Mudhol Kingdom where the rulers used to bred them for their guarding, hunting & surveillance skills.
The structure of these dogs is such that they become de-facto fast runners & have a strong stamina.
They were inducted in the Indian Army in February 2016. Mudhol Hound Puppies were brought in and trained by Armymen along with Labrador & German Shepherd. Eventually, out of 8 dogs, 6 were selected by Srinagar-based HQ 15 Corps and Nagrota-based HQ 16 Corps. They were trained to detect explosive devices and search & rescue operations, according to a report in The Indian Express.
When PM Modi talked about Mudhol Hounds
The Mudhol Hounds dogs shot to national fame in May 2020 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about them in Mann Ki Baat address.
PM Modi’s reference to Mudhol Hounds was in reference to Atmanirbhar Bharat, a path-breaking initiative to create & attain self-sufficiency in every sphere.
In the Mann Ki Baat program, PM Modi name-checked several Army & disaster mission dogs and hailed the Mudhol Hound breeds.
“Among the Indian breeds, Mudhol hound & Himachali hound are of excellent pedigree,” PM Modi said.
“Rajapalayam, Kanni, Chippiparai, and Kombai are fabulous Indian breeds. They cost less to raise and are better adapted to the Indian environment and surroundings”, he said further.
