Chippiparai
State of Origin: Tamil Nadu – particularly from the southern districts like Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar and Tenkasi.
Purpose: Traditionally used for hunting small game such as hare.
Temperament: Friendly and social with people and other dogs. Exhibits a strong prey drive.
Proportions: Slightly longer than tall, with a long-legged, athletic build.
Topline: Straight back, shoulders set well back, with hips level or slightly higher than the withers. Features a bony sloping croup with prominent hip bones.
Underline: Chest reaches close to the elbows, followed by a well-defined tuck-up.
Build: The dog is muscular yet has a lean and racy appearance.
Head: Muzzle is half the total head length. The head is narrow—less than half the head's length in width. Moderately sized with a limited stop.
Eyes: Round eyes, light hazel to dark.
Ears: High-set ears. Drop ears are preferred, though rose ears are acceptable.
Tail: Very fine and bony, reaching down to the hocks. When alert, it may be carried above the horizontal line.
Gait: Springy, racy, and elegant movement.
Coat: Extremely short, smooth, and velvet-like coat.
Coloration: Black and tan (referred to as Kanni), shades of fawn, red and white.
Size: Males range from 26 to 30 inches, females range from 24 to 28 inches, slight deviation permitted.
Caravan Hound
State of Origin: Maharashtra – primarily from the Solapur and Osmanabad districts.
Purpose: Traditionally used for hunting small game such as hare and the Bengal fox.
Temperament: Even-tempered and friendly with family. Generally wary of strangers.
Proportions: Square or slightly taller than long.
Topline: Distinct straight and level back with a bony croup and prominent hips.
Underline: Deep chest reaching the elbows, followed by a distinct fall and a high tuck-up.
Build: The dog is extremely lean and has a racy appearance with dry muscle.
Head: Long and narrow. There are two head types found: a moderate head, and a
refined one.
Eyes: Oval or almond shaped, light hazel to dark.
Ears: High-set, drop ears only (no rose ears allowed).
Tail: Extremely fine and bony, reaching down to the hocks. When alert, it may be carried above the horizontal line.
Gait: Springy and prancing, with limited extension and an upright posture. Tail may be carried high when alert.
Coat: Extremely short and harsh coat.
Coloration: Earthy hues and shades of black, grey, and fawn allowed.
Size: Males range from 26 to 28 inches, females range from 24 to 26 inches.
Mudhol Hound
State of Origin: Karnataka – specifically from the Bagalkot region.
Purpose: Traditionally used for hunting small game such as hare and the Bengal fox.
Temperament: Affectionate and loyal with family; highly reserved and aloof with strangers.
Proportions: Longer than tall. The tallest among the Indian sighthound breeds.
Topline: Level or slightly rising towards the hips, with a very gentle arch over the loin area, and at least three vertebrae showing
Underline: Moderate chest with a balanced tuck-up.
Build: The body shows defined bony structure and strong, lean muscle.
Head: Proportionately long and narrow, domed or flat and occiput moderately pronounced, very mild stop.
Eyes: Dark to light hazel and bright; large, almond shaped.
Ears: High-set ears. Only drop ears are permitted.
Tail: The longest tail among Indian sighthounds, not as fine as the other two breeds.
Gait: Effortless, smooth, and floating.
Coat: Slightly coarser coat compared to the other two breeds.
Coloration: White, black, grey, seal, fawn, red, and cream.
Size: Males range from 28 to 32 inches, females range from 26 to 30 inches, slight deviation permitted.
