Also known as the Mudhol Hound, Mudhol Dog, Karwani, Lahori Pashmi, Pashmi, and the Pisuri Hound, the Caravan Hound is an energetic and loyal breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the Caravan Hound can be traced back to 16th century India. Enthusiasts believe the Caravan Hound to have descended from such breeds as the Saluki, Afghan Hound, and the Italian Greyhound, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.
Throughout its history, the Caravan Hound has been most commonly used for tracking, scenting, and hunting small game such as rabbit and raccoon, proving its superior abilities to perform in most any climate and terrain while providing companionship.
Today, while the Caravan Hound has attained an underground popularity as a hunting and companion dog, the breed remains rather rare outside of its native India.
Personality Traits
Best known for its energetic and outgoing nature, the Caravan Hound is full of character. This breed thrives on strong and dependable relationships with humans, and is known to attach itself to one person in particular more so than several people. The Caravan Hound is highly intelligent, yet stubborn and somewhat independent, creating difficulty in training. As a pet, these dogs are loyal and loving, yet rarely affectionate. This breed is not suited for full-time indoor or apartment living, as it enjoys spending time outdoors and taking long walks.
Train-ability
Due to its stubborn and independent attitude, the Caravan Hound can prove quite challenging to train. These dogs are known for being especially difficult to housebreak and growing bored with repetitive exercises and tasks.
Establishing immediate dominance, trust, and respect is key to successfully training the Caravan Hound. This breed requires an experienced, patient, and strong handler with a stern and serious approach.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Caravan Hound, such as its no hassle, low maintenance coat. These active dogs are always on the go, and often quite amusing and entertaining to watch while at play. When properly socialized from a young age, the Caravan Hound gets along well with small children and other pets. This breed is loyal and loving, making an excellent hunting dog, companion, and family pet alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Caravan Hound. This energetic and athletic breed requires large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. A Caravan Hound not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The Caravan Hound has a strong instinct to hunt and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, these dogs are extremely fast, and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. The Caravan Hound must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
Proper obedience training and socialization is absolutely required with the Caravan Hound. Poorly trained specimens often show excessive aggression towards strangers and other animals.
As previously mentioned, the Caravan Hound remains rather rare outside of its native India and can prove quite difficult to obtain. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
While the Caravan Hound is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, frequent muscle strains, patellar luxation – dislocation of the knee, sensitivity to anesthesia, distichiasasis – ingrown eye lashes, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Caravan Hound? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.heydogs.com/c/caravan-hound.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/mudhol_hound
