Rampur Hound

Rampur Hound

• The Rampur Hound is in the news after two Indian Army dogs of this indigenous breed, Victor and Rowdy, participated in specialised tactical drills during Yudh Abhyas 2026, the India–US bilateral military exercise. 

• Along with other trained Army canines, they demonstrated skills including room intervention and rappelling, allowing U.S. personnel to observe their training, agility and coordination with soldiers during demanding operations.

• The Rampur Hound is an Indian sighthound associated with the Rampur region of Uttar Pradesh. 

• The breed was developed under the Nawabs of Rampur and is historically associated with hunting. 

• It was reportedly developed through crosses involving Afghan Hounds (Tazi) and English Greyhounds, with emphasis on speed and strength.

• As a sighthound, the breed is characterised by a lean, athletic build, long legs, agility, endurance and strong visual hunting ability. 

• Its physical attributes have also contributed to its growing use in specialised military roles.

• The Indian Army has increasingly explored indigenous dog breeds for operational roles. Rampur Hounds have previously demonstrated their capabilities during a multinational exercise at Umroi in Meghalaya and were subsequently deployed along the Manipur border, where they successfully detected improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

• The breed’s growing military use reflects efforts to integrate India’s indigenous canine heritage into modern defence and security operations.

MCQ English

Consider the following statements regarding the Rampur Hound:

1. It is an indigenous Indian sighthound associated with the Rampur region of Uttar Pradesh.

2. It was historically developed under the Nawabs of Rampur for hunting.

3. Rampur Hounds Victor and Rowdy participated in Yudh Abhyas 2026.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The Rampur Hound is an indigenous sighthound associated with Rampur in Uttar Pradesh and has a historical association with hunting under the Nawabs of Rampur. During Yudh Abhyas 2026, Army canines Victor and Rowdy, both Rampur Hounds, participated in specialised tactical drills.