Would like to share the insights I learnt from my elders regarding the difference between hound breeds .I will be talking about the Karvani and the Mudhol but will clarify a bit about Pashmi and Alaknoori as well. Technically the genetic reports will do more talking but who would bear the expense? The KCI hasn’t researched about the 50+ indigenous canine breeds so far. Most of these breeds are extinct already due to ban on hunting and diminishing game lands to increasing population. Enough of the rant.
Now all breeds come under same species. Moreover, the breed is recognized upon the phenotype and the not the genotype. I know lines have been vigorously mixed and stirred hence the resulting litter’s varying characteristics from that of the parent. But the breeds are developed for different purposes and in different areas having a different terrain and climate.
ALAKNOORI : H.H. CH. Shahu Maharaja of Kolhapur is the man who influenced the “make life large” philosophy of we GHATIS [ people from the mountain ranges ]. He loved animals, kept them, and hunted in vast region. He imported some grey hounds to his personal hunting grounds in Alaknoor village in Karnataka State .Greyhounds were faster but weaker in this harsh climate and couldn’t manage the rough terrain. Greyhound would suffer strokes within a couple of courses in the heat. Their digits and limb are often fractured by taking tumbles while being dodged by the hare or due to the rough terrain. He bred these hounds with the Karvani to enhance characteristics suitable for the terrain. He succeeded making a new breed altogether known by the village it was originated around….ALAKNOORI. One can call it a breed when some specific characteristics of the parents are exhibited throughout down their line as it proceeds. Alaknoori was developed into an independent breed aiming to eliminate these shortcomings of the greyhound. The following characteristics were carried forward :
1. signature short white coat with black patches preferably but other colors exist as well.
2. long muscular torso but a deep chest and a level top line unlike that seen in a Greyhound
3. flying ears and a sloping stop
4. Good front and rear angulation
5. Speed of a greyhound and agility of a Karvani.
Unfortunately this breed has been vigorously mixed with many things , recent interests being the derby greyhound, This breed being from the Mudhol hound catchment , was frequently mixed with them. There is some greyhound in the Mudhol hounds found now a study from the government canine centre states which raged a debate .Those greyhound genetics might have passed from these Alaknooris. This doesn’t make it a mixed breed, read the previous blogs for reference .Need not be worried about.
Would like to share the insights I learnt from my elders regarding the difference between hound breeds .I will be talking about the Karvani and the Mudhol but will clarify a bit about Pashmi and Alaknoori as well. Technically the genetic reports will do more talking but who would bear the expense? The KCI hasn’t researched about the 50+ indigenous canine breeds so far. Most of these breeds are extinct already due to ban on hunting and diminishing game lands to increasing population. Enough of the rant.
Now all breeds come under same species. Moreover, the breed is recognized upon the phenotype and the not the genotype. I know lines have been vigorously mixed and stirred hence the resulting litter’s varying characteristics from that of the parent. But the breeds are developed for different purposes and in different areas having a different terrain and climate.
More of the H.H. Ch. Shahu Maharaja of Kolhapur:
He lived a life fit for a king and imparted that KINGSIZE attitude to Kolhapur. He had varied interests and hobbies which he indulged in . Wrestling and Hunting mainly.
Himself being a good wrestler, he had an extraordinarily huge physique. He established the arena named Khasbag maidan for the Indian style Wrestling called ans KUSTI. He also established many gymnasiums known as TALIM providing excellent amenities for the players.
We can say hunting was his favorite of all sports. Mainly use to hunt menacing animals. Sources tell he had a KUTTA KHANA {dog breeding centre} in Radhanagri. Mainly use to breed dogs for the sport. He culled to promote only the best of breed..A dog heavily wounded or not good at the sport would be culled immediately to avoid further pass of the genetics. Only the dog which has sustained the ground without serious injuries and played well would be bred. Hence the lines were genetically very strong in their game.
During the last days of his time when he couldn’t walk , he still use to hunt travelling in a cart. It is said that a male and a female parti-colored were the prime foundations .The male with a broken leg and a female bruised by some animal was sent for cull to a Dhangar {a person from the shepherd clan} of his Shikaar Khana {Hunting House}.This Dhangar , resident of the village ALAKNOOR didn’t cull these dogs but kept them hidden as he had disobeyed the culling orders and could be punished if brought to notice. In the meantime the hounds recovered but Shahu Maharaj deceased. Now he started breeding these two dogs and the whole lineage of Alaknoor got its signature particolor coat of white and black. This was a story told by an 85+ year old man named Turiappa in Alaknoor village .The Dhangar he mentioned was his father……Turiappa and his brother were owners of 350 acres of land inherited from his father. Such vast land was gifted to the men close to the Kings when the Land acquisition act came into force.
A few of what we hear are truths and most are myths. I leave it up to you to believe it or not. But the Alaknoori still plays mightily braving the barbs and the sun. Already forgotten and awaiting extinction due to ban on hunting and no recognition in the show circuit.