Banjara Hound

The Banjara Hound is a large Indian sighthound carried across the subcontinent by the Banjara, a nomadic trading people.

History

The Banjara moved goods by bullock caravan across India for centuries, and their dogs travelled with the caravans, guarding them and coursing game on the way. The breed is taller and heavier-boned than the southern Indian sighthounds, and it is sometimes considered a variant of the Rampur type. It has faded with the caravan trade that carried it.

Temperament

The breed is known for being loyal to one household, reserved with strangers and alert — a sighthound that also guarded, which the caravan work required.

Care and training

It needs room to gallop and secure fencing. Early socialising helps with the natural reserve. The short coat needs nothing.

Health

Generally hardy, with the anaesthetic sensitivity of the sighthound build. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.