Since ancient times, dogs have held a place of honor in India’s history, culture, and mythology. Indigenous Indian breeds have long been celebrated for their courage, loyalty, and strength. Their presence in royal courts and on battlefields reflects the deep bond between humans and dogs that is woven into India’s martial and cultural heritage.
A new chapter in this proud legacy began in January 2018 when the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited the National Training Centre for Dogs (NTCD) of the Border Security Force (BSF) at Tekanpur. During his visit, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of promoting and utilizing Indian dog breeds in national security forces. His visionary guidance sparked a renewed mission to recognize, develop, and deploy indigenous breeds in operational roles. To further strengthen this vision, the Prime Minister urged citizens during his Mann Ki Baat address on August 30, 2020, to adopt and promote Indian breeds, aligning with the spirit of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Vocal for Local. This appeal resonated deeply, inspiring a nationwide movement rooted in self-reliance, national pride, and the revival of India’s indigenous heritage.
Acting on this inspiration, the BSF took pioneering steps by inducting two Indian breeds: the Rampur Hound and the Mudhol Hound. Known for their agility, endurance, adaptability, and resilience, these breeds are well-suited to India’s diverse geo-climatic conditions. Their natural disease resistance, hardiness, and low maintenance needs make them particularly effective in demanding field environments. Among the many native breeds, the Rampur Hound and the Mudhol Hound stand out for their historical significance and excellent working abilities.
The Rampur Hound, originating from the princely state of Rampur in Uttar Pradesh, was historically bred by the Nawabs for hunting jackals and large game. This breed is renowned for its speed, stamina, and fearlessness.
The Mudhol Hound, native to the Deccan Plateau, is traditionally associated with guarding and hunting. Local accounts link similar hounds to the Maratha forces, valued for their alertness and loyalty. The breed was later revived and refined by Raja Malojirao Ghorpade of Mudhol, who introduced it to the British as the “Caravan Hound.”
The BSF has not only trained these indigenous breeds at NTCD Tekanpur but has also taken the lead in breeding and propagation at the NTCD and across various field formations. This initiative has expanded to include subsidiary K9 training centers, ensuring the large-scale development and deployment of Indian breed dogs across the Force.
Today, over 150 Indian breed dogs have been deployed across multiple operational theaters, including the Western and Eastern borders, as well as in anti-Naxalite operations, where they have performed admirably. Their commendable performance has validated the decision to integrate Indian breeds into critical security and operational roles.
A landmark moment in this journey occurred during the All India Police Duty Meet 2024, held in Lucknow, where BSF’s “Riya,” a Mudhol Hound, made history by becoming the first Indian breed dog to win both the Best in Tracker Trade and Best Dog of the Meet titles, outperforming 116 foreign breed competitors. This extraordinary achievement highlighted the capability, discipline, and excellence of Indian breeds in modern working dog standards.
As we carry this legacy forward, it is a moment of great national pride that during the upcoming Ekta Diwas Parade at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, a marching contingent comprising exclusively Indian breed dogs of the BSF will participate. The event will also feature a dog training demonstration, showcasing tactical skills and operational excellence, serving as a living symbol of India’s self-reliant and proud K9 force.
The induction, breeding, and operational deployment of Indian breed dogs by the Border Security Force stand as a powerful testament to India’s commitment to self-reliance, national pride, and the revival of indigenous heritage. These initiatives not only honor the legacy of India’s native breeds but also reaffirm the nation’s resolve to advance with confidence, strength, and dignity, with Indian dogs leading the way in service to the nation.
