The Rampur Hound: Dog With Nawabi Roots That Made an Appearance at India’s Republic Day Parade

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year’s Republic Day parade on 26 January showcased a rare contingent of “animal soldiers” for the first time. The Him Yodha contingent saw Bactrian camels from Ladakh, Zanskar ponies, black kites and five indigenous breeds of army dogs, including the Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kombai and Rajapalayam.But did you know that the Rampur Hound has a Nawabi connection? Also known as the Rampur Greyhound, the breed was developed by the Nawab of Rampur, Ahmad Ali Khan Bahadur (12 October 1787 – 5 July 1840). The breed was created by crossing the bloodlines of the Afghan Tazi hound and the English Greyhound, and was named the Rampur Hound by the Nawab.

When Afghans came to India, they brought the Tazi with them. This breed is known for its ability to adapt to different weather conditions and for its ferocious nature. However, it has a temperament that is difficult to tame. The British brought the English Greyhound with them, which has an obedient temperament but is not well suited to the Indian climate. The Nawab decided to breed the two and create what is now known as the Rampur Hound.According to the website of National Purebred Dog Day, “What the Nawab got was the Tazi’s looks and stalwart character, along with the Greyhound’s speed, which earned it the nickname ‘Greyhound of the Orient’. There are those who claim to have seen a Rampur run at about 60 kilometres per hour, or 37 mph. Eyes set on a longer muzzle give the Rampur a peripheral vision of almost 270 degrees, an incredible advantage for a sighthound. In fact, some say it would not be wrong to suggest that the hound can see behind its head.”

The dogs were used by the Nawab and other royals for hunting large game and also served as guard dogs. There are three types of Rampur Hounds: Reza, Kesari and Sahi Shikari. The Reza is known for hunting small animals, while the Kesari is among the rarest. The Sahi Shikari has a strong build and is more temperamental in nature. The breed declined after the dissolution of the princely states following India’s independence from Britain in 1947. As hunting practices reduced, the popularity of the Rampur Greyhound also declined.Today, the breed is on the verge of extinction, although efforts are being made to preserve its population.

In his Mann Ki Baat address in 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the increased induction of Indian dog breeds, specifically highlighting the Rampur Hound in security forces such as the Border Security Force and the Central Reserve Police Force. At NTCD Tekanpur and its subsidiary K9 centres, the BSF has undertaken large-scale training, breeding and propagation of native breeds such as the Rampur Hound and Mudhol Hound.

Characteristics of the Rampur Hound

They have a sleek build and are known for their agility. They boast a well-built frame with a narrow torso and long legs. Built for running at high speeds, they are extremely loyal and obedient, and are known to be intelligent hunters. While naturally timid, they are known to have a loud bark. Their protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs.