Border Security Force has included Rampur Hound and Mudhol Hound in its operational squad.
Now, not foreign dogs but indigenous dogs will be seen guarding the borders of India. Taking steps towards self-reliant India, the Border Security Force (BSF) has for the first time included two indigenous breed of dogs, Rampur Hound and Mudhol Hound, in its operational squad. More than 150 Indian breed dogs have now been deployed in Naxal-affected areas including the western and eastern borders.
Till now, foreign breed dogs like Doberman Pinscher, Dutch Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, German Shepherd and high grade dogs of Labrador breed were relied upon to guard the border, but now two breeds of dogs of our country have taken over this responsibility. The strength, agility and intelligence of these dogs are no less than any foreign breed. These dogs are not just keeping watch, but like real ‘commandos’, they are taking part in difficult missions like slithering through helicopters, river rafting and search operations.
Commando training of indigenous breeds for the first time on the border
These two breeds of dogs are being given special training at the National Training Center for Dogs (NTCD) located in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh. Here these dogs are learning to work together with their handlers in difficult conditions. This includes descending from a helicopter, crossing a river or running through the jungle in search of enemies.
A BSF official said that ‘about a dozen Indian breed dogs are being prepared for commando operations for the first time. They will get down from the helicopter and go straight to the war zone. BSF is not only training these dogs but is also breeding these breeds at its K9 training centres, so that in the coming time, more Indian breed dogs can be included in the security forces.
Mudhol Hound: Swift and loyal warrior of royal lineage
The Mudhol Hound, also known as the Caravan Hound, was once a part of the armies of Indian kings. It is said that King Malojirao Ghorpade of Mudhol (District Bagalkot) of Karnataka had prepared this breed. He presented dogs of this breed to King George V of England, after which they were named ‘Mudhol Hound’. Mudhol Hound can run very fast. Along with this, its smelling ability and eyesight are very sharp. Its body is thin, strong and flexible. It can run long distances and perform well even on difficult roads.
In 2016, the Indian Army trained Mudhol Hounds for the first time at the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Center in Meerut. Recently, BSF’s Mudhol Hound Riya created history in the All India Police Duty Meet 2024 held in Lucknow. It won both the titles of ‘Best Dog of the Meet’ and ‘Best in Tracker Trade’ by defeating 116 foreign breeds.
Rampur Hound: Choice of Mughals, now sentinel of the border
The Rampur Hound breed originated in the state of Rampur in Uttar Pradesh about 300 years ago. It is said that the Nawabs prepared it by crossing the Afghan Hound and the English Greyhound. This breed was earlier famous for hunting and now they are being deployed for security.
The specialty of Rampur Hound is its speed, strength and agility. It can run at a speed of 40 miles per hour. He is extremely loyal, fearless and disciplined. Their body is long and muscular, due to which they can easily patrol hilly or sandy areas.
According to BSF officials, both Rampur and Mudhol hounds are suited to the climate and geography of India. They remain fit even with less care and are not easily affected by diseases.
He is no less than a silent hero of the army.
The role of dogs in the Indian Army and paramilitary forces is not limited to just guarding. They perform extremely difficult tasks like identifying landmines, searching for explosives, searching for missing people and detecting enemy activities. In sensitive areas like Jammu and Kashmir, army dogs play the role of ‘first responder’ in anti-terrorism operations. Before any operation, they check the security of the area.
A fact about one of the Indian Breeds dog: Mudhol Hound, being trained and deployed by BSF.#IndiasFirstLineOfDefense pic.twitter.com/70HHqcHNlV
— BSF (@BSF_India) October 27, 2025
Training is given at RVC Training Center in Meerut.
At the RVC Training Center in Meerut, dogs are given strict training for about 10 months. Every dog has a handler who trains it daily and also takes care of its mental and physical fitness. There are currently more than 30 canine units in the army, which on an average include 24 to 25 dogs. After completion of service, they are retired and kept in rehabilitation centres.
Rampur Vs Mudhol: Difference in nature, same goal
Both Rampur and Mudhol are strong and agile, but there is a slight difference in their nature and training. Rampur Hound is serious and disciplined by nature. It is very loyal to its owner, but keeps a distance from strangers. It is very reliable in guarding and security work. The Mudhol Hound, on the contrary, is more playful, alert and social. Its smelling and tracking abilities are very sharp, hence it is considered more useful in search and rescue operations.
Both breeds require regular exercise and mental training to stay fit. Rampur is taught restraint and discipline, while Mudhol is kept busy with various activities to keep his spirits up.