The Border Security Force (BSF) is training more than 150 native Rampur Hound and Mudhol Hound dogs for high-risk commando operations for the first time. This is a big step toward using native resources in national security. According to officials who are aware with the situation, these specialized K9 teams are getting ready to be sent to India’s eastern and western borders, as well as to areas afflicted by Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
The Indian government started this big project to promote and use Indian dog breeds in operational duties in 2018, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the BSF’s National Training Centre for Dogs in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh. The Prime Minister had stressed how important it was for national security forces to recognize and use native dog breeds during his visit.
The Rampur and Mudhol Hounds Make the Best Working Dogs
The BSF has carefully brought in the Rampur Hound and the Mudhol Hound since they know they will do well in India’s many different working conditions. An official explained the choice of breeds by saying, “These breeds are well-suited to India’s diverse geo-climatic conditions because they are known for their agility, endurance, adaptability, and resilience.”
Also, they are very good in tough field situations because they are naturally resistant to illness, tough, and don’t need much care. The officer went on to say that the force has not only begun training but also began breeding programs and expanded subsidiary K9 training centers to make sure that Indian breed dogs can be trained and deployed quickly and on a broad scale throughout the BSF.
A senior officer informed the news agency media that “about a dozen Indian breed dogs are being trained for the first time to do dangerous commando operations with their handlers.” This shows how unique this deployment is.
Proven Greatness on the Field
The Indian breeds’ skills have already been shown in high-stakes situations. A Mudhol Hound named Riya made history at the All India Police Duty Meet 2024 in Lucknow by becoming the first Indian-bred dog to win both the Best in Tracker Trade and the Best Dog of the Meet honors. She beat out 116 foreign-bred dogs. This accomplishment is clear indication that these native hounds are very good at their jobs and can do them well in important security duties.