Caravan Hound

The Caravan hound is an ancient breed, native to the Deccan Plateau of western India. This region covers parts of the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and, to a lesser degree, Andhra Pradesh. The name, Karwani, endures to this day in the villages, but it was anglicized to Caravan Hound when the Kennel Club of India recognized the breed.

Many hound dog varieties like the Saluki and the Afghan Hound were brought by the Pathans, Arabs, Persians and Afghans when they came to India through the Khyber Pass. The Karwani is probably descended from these dogs. They followed their nomad masters in caravans from place to place, hence the name – Caravan Hound. It is said that the Afghans were given lands to act as a buffer between Aurangazeb’s Deccan kingdom and the Maratha Empire, therefore the dogs are also found in the same area.

The Caravan hounds were bred for their functional qualities like the ability to withstand the harsh weather, hunting skills, speed and endurance, among others, rather than for aesthetic qualities. In Karnataka, the breed is also known as the Mudhol Hound, after a small town in Bagalkot District. A former ruler of Mudhol, Sri Srimanth Raja Malojirao Gorphade (Maloji Rao Ghorpade), is said to have presented a pair of hound puppies to King George V of England. Upon inspecting these curiosities, the monarch found them true to sighthound conformation and dubbed them “the Hounds of Mudhol”. It is found not only in Mudhol, but is widely kept throughout the Deccan; however, the Indian National Kennel Club uses the Mudhol Hound name.

The Caravan hound breed is above all a working hound, capable of providing an excellent performance in the field on a consistent basis, under gruelling conditions that would decimate most other dogs. It is therefore elegant, graceful and courageous. Its physical strength couples with great speed and plenty of stamina to allow it to catch and kill several types of game, from hare to blackbuck, over rough country.

The Caravan Hound is not ideal for an apartment

It is not an ideal dog for the apartment dweller, as it needs a great deal of space to exercise, although if arrangements are made to exercise the dog regularly in a sufficiently large, safely fenced area, it may do well in a flat or any other dwelling. The breed, if treated with kindness and respect, can be exceptionally loyal. They are not very friendly, and do not like to be touched by strangers. However, a Caravan should never be aggressive, as this sort of temperament is not ideal for a hunting dog, which must tolerate other dogs and human beings, especially when they are not intruding on his territory.

The Caravan hound makes a reasonable watch dog, and can protect that which he holds dear, should the need arise. He should always be treated in a kind, consistent, fair, and respectful manner, otherwise he may develop a nervous or vicious nature – either of which are difficult to live with.

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