Indian Air Force to Recruit Mudhol Hounds

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to bring in the Mudhol Hounds. This Indian breed will be put to service to keep flightless birds and animals away from the runway in order to reduce the risk of animal accidents during flights.

Although it is not the first time that the Mudhol Hounds are working with the Indian Security Force, the breed was first introduced in the Indian Army’s inventory in the year 2017. Six canines were given to the Army by the Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Science University (KVAFSU). The canines had to undergo rigorous training for six-years at the Army’s Remount and Veterinary Corps Centre (RVC) in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Govind M Karajol, the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka handed over two male canines and two female canines to the Indian Air Force (IAF).  The pups were given by the Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Science University (KVAFSU) and were flown to Agra’s airbase.

The Mudhol Hounds are usually based in the region that borders Karnataka and Maharashtra, India. There are several popular beliefs about this breed of canines that say they were originally from the Middle East and they accompanied traders during their travel to the Indian subcontinent.

According to some of the legends, the hounds became popular with the Indian royalties too. The Maratha warrior, Shivaji Maharaj had got these canines trained and had made them a part of his Maratha Army.

The Mudhol Hounds look similar to the Grey Hounds, they have a slim built and a small head but have tall legs. The canines are known for their agile movement, stamina, endurance and razor-sharp bites. The canines are suited for tropical climates and cannot adapt or handle cold weather. They also have a reputation of being fiercely loyal to their owners and are great hunting canines.

The RVC has trained these canines to sniff out explosives. Apart from being hired in the Army, these canines have also been taken in by the National Security Guard (NSG) and are being trained to guard at the border along with the forces. They are also being trained for infantry patrolling, for search and rescue operations.