Sometimes referred to as the Banjara Greyhound, or simply as the Banjara, or the Vanjari, this breed is employed for general hunting duties.
The Banjara people are Indian nomads and their dogs accompany them as they move their camps from place to place. Their rough-coated greyhound, its black coat mottled with grey, has bred true for countless years but has recently been subjected to uncontrolled interbreeding with feral dogs and its purity is at risk. It has rarely been seen outside its homeland, although a few specimens have in the past been sent to the United States.
Said to have the speed of a greyhound and the stamina of a collie, this dog is thought to have originated from crosses between the Saluki and local Indian dogs. It is primarily a sighthound employed in the pursuit of game, but it is also used as a camp guard dog and even as a flock-control dog. According to Indian sources, when it is hunting deer it attacks the quarry’s hindquarters, unlike Deerhounds, which go for the throat. During the pursuit it utters a deep baying sound which is quite unlike any vocalization made by the Indian Pariah Dogs. A fearless attacker, the Banjara Hound is said to be `sulky and treacherous with stronger dogs, though faithful to its master’.
May 24th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Hi,
Where can i get more details about Banjara Hound?
Regards,
Sarath