Creature Companion - Interzoo Special Interzoo Special 2018 | Page 35

Th e Rajapalayam Th e Rajapalayam or Poligar Hound is an Indian sight hound that was used to hunt wild boar. It is local to the town of Rajapalyam in Tamil Nadu. In the late eighteenth century the Poligar Hound was bred for battle against British cavalrymen. Th ese days, it is used by the Indian armed forces to monitor the Kashmir fringe. Th e Mudhol Hound Giving tough competition to the German shepherd, the Mudhol or Caravan Hound originated in Karnataka in southern India. Surprisingly, it is believed to have been fi rst brought to western India by travelers from Arabia and Central Asia during the early twentieth century. A pair of Mudhol Hounds was presented to King George V of England by the king of Mudhol State. Today, the Indian army uses the Mudhol Hound for guarding borders and for surveillance purposes. Despite the fact that the Rajapalayam is the most prized Indian hunter and a fantastic guard dog, it is prone to deafness. It is remarkable for being smooth white in shading, and having a trademark pink nose and brilliant eyes. Unfortunately, the Rajapalayam is, by all accounts, headed towards extinction. Th e Kennel Club of India has launched a ‘Save the Rajapalayam’ drive to ensure its survival. Th e Mudhol Hound has a long elongated skull with a tapering muzzle which makes it appear quite ferocious. Th e breed needs consistent exercise and training and, hence, requires a fi rm trainer but not a harsh or a ruthless one as this breed is also known for its short temperament. Th ese dogs have stunning speed and stamina and are swift as their body is narrow, reminding us of the Chippiparai. Th eir coat colour varies, ranging from cream to black, fawn, fallow, red and gray, and occasionally some white. Th ere is a hairier variety of the breed with a feathered look called the Pashmi. Th is breed is known by many names across various regions, subcultures and groups in the country. Th e Kennel Club of India recognizes this breed as the Caravan Hound, while the Indian National Kennel Club has categorized it as the Mudhol Hound. to the greyhound, their medium-sized streamlined body shows agility and strength and their coat ranges from black to silver grey, fawn and reddish brown, making them suitable for the hot and humid climate of India. Chippiparais are sighthounds; their eyes are positioned in a way that gives them 270 degree vision, a much greater range than that of most other breeds. Th eir muscles and bones weigh more than their body fat. Th ey make for perfect guard dogs, are known to love human company, and hate being secluded. Th e Chippiparai is loyal to just one master during its entire life. Sadly, this exquisite hunting dog is now close to extinction and unless ethical breeders work hard to preserve the breed, it will soon be relegated to the portals of memory. 35 Interzoo Special 2018 | Creature Companion