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Caravan
Hound
Puppies for Sale
Caravan Hound
(Mudhol Hound)
(Maratha Hound) (Pashmi Hound)
Courtesy of Neil Trilokekar.
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Pronunciation |
Car-a-waan |
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Description |
The head is long and narrow
and broad between the ears with a tapering muzzle. The jaws are long and
powerful, but deceptively weak looking. The nose is large and may be black or
liver colored. The ears are moderate in size and hang close to the skull. The
eyes are large and oval in shape, being dark hazel to amber. The expression is a
piercing gaze. The neck is long, clean and muscular and fits well into the
shoulders, which are well-laid back. The forelegs are long, straight and
well-boned. The back is long, broad and well-muscled with a slight curve over
the loin. The loins are wide and deep. The chest is strong and deep with well
sprung ribs. The abdomen is tucked in. The hind quarters appear wide and
well-muscled. The tail is strong at the base, not too long, set low and carried
in a natural curve. It should never be carried curled over the back. The gait is
high-footed flexing all the four legs. The coat may be short and smooth or of a
silky texture sporting fringes on the ears, legs, backs of thighs and tail. All
colors and combinations of colors are seen. |
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Temperament |
Aloof and independent but highly
intelligent and a keen hunter, reserved with strangers. Does not like to be
touched or handled by anyone other than its master. Can and will protect that
which it holds dear if need be. It needs a great deal of socialization starting
from a young age. Owners of this breed need to be calm, with an air of gentle, but firm authority over the dog. The rules of the house must be made clear in a way the dog can understand. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: Males 26-29 inches (66-74 cm.)
Females 23-26 inches (55-66 cm.) |
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Health Problems |
Survival of the fittest has been beneficial
to the Caravan Hound and as a result the breed suffers from no specific health
issues. |
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Living Conditions |
The Caravan Hound is not for life in an
apartment. It does best in a home with access to a large, fenced yard. It does
not fancy cold, wet climates. It is happiest outdoors, and is at home in
tropical climates. If kept in a cold environment extra protection such as winter
coats and doggy boots are required. This is not the type of dog that does well
living alone, it needs human interaction and must be an integrated member of the
family. It will not handle being crated for long periods of time very well.
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Exercise |
Being a sighthound, the
Caravan needs a tremendous amount of daily exercise in order to remain
physically and mentally sound. Daily long walks where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead are essential, coupled
with long, weekly or bi-weekly running sessions in a large, enclosed, safe area.
Never allow a Caravan off leash on unfenced ground, it has the ability to become
selectively deaf to its master’s calls should anything catch its attention and
trigger a chase. Exercise is one of the key ingredients to a well adjusted
Caravan, so if you can not provide enough of it, please do not think of owning
this breed. |
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Life Expectancy |
10-15 years |
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Grooming |
None is required for the smooth variety. A weekly brushing for the feathered is
all that is needed. The Caravan Hound is an average shedder. |
Origin |
The Caravan is an ancient breed, native to
the Deccan Plateau of India. This region covers parts of the states of
Maharashtra, Karnataka and to a lesser degree, Andhra Pradesh. The breed is
basically an offshoot of the Saluki and was first introduced into India by
traders and mercenaries from various parts of Asia, who traveled in caravans.
When local people saw the dogs running alongside the caravans, they began
referring to them as “karwani” meaning “of the caravans”. The name endures to
this day in the villages, but it was anglicized to Caravan Hound when the Kennel
Club of India recognized the breed. In Karnataka, the breed is also known as the
“Mudhol Hound”, after a small town in Bijapur district. A former ruler of Mudhol,
Sri Srimanth Raja Malojirao Gorphade, had presented a fine pair of these dogs 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”.
However, since it is not found only in Mudhol, but is widely kept throughout the
Deccan, the correct name for the breed remains Caravan Hound. The feathered
variety may be referred to as a Pashmi. |
Group |
Hound |
| Recognition |
KCI, INKC, DRA |
KCI =
Kennel Club of India
INKC =
Indian National Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
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Amit Desai, Feathered variety of Caravan, a.k.a. Pashmi. Courtesy of Neil Trilokekar.
Prasad Mayekar. Feathered variety of Caravan, a.k.a. Pashmi. Courtesy of Neil Trilokekar.
Courtesy of Neil Trilokekar.
Courtesy of Neil Trilokekar.
Courtesy of Neil Trilokekar.
Photo Courtesy of Praveen.
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