Indian Breed Dogs Lead BSF’s March Towards Aatmanirbhar K9 Force

Since ancient times, dogs have held a place of honour in India's history, culture, and mythology. From royal courts to battlefields, indigenous breeds have been symbols of courage, loyalty, and strength. Reviving this legacy, the Border Security Force (BSF) has taken a historic step by inducting Indian breed dogs into its K9 units - a milestone that echoes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and "Vocal for Local."

The initiative traces its roots to January 2018, when the Prime Minister visited the National Training Centre for Dogs (NTCD) at Tekanpur and stressed the need to promote Indian breeds in security forces. Later, in his Mann Ki Baat address on August 30, 2020, he urged citizens to adopt native breeds - a message that inspired the BSF to act decisively.

Acting on this vision, the BSF inducted two indigenous breeds - the Rampur Hound from Uttar Pradesh and the Mudhol Hound from Karnataka. Agile, resilient, and disease-resistant, these dogs have proven highly effective in India's diverse terrains. Today, more than 150 Indian breed dogs serve with pride along the country's most challenging borders and in anti-Naxalite operations.

The Rampur Hound, once bred by the Nawabs of Rampur for hunting, is known for its unmatched speed and stamina. The Mudhol Hound, native to the Deccan Plateau and linked to Maratha warriors, was revived by Raja Malojirao Ghorpade of Mudhol and is renowned for its alertness and loyalty.

Speaking to OneIndia, Dr. Gopesh Nag, DIG (Vet), BSF, said, "Breeding has posed no issues, but training demands human association - moulding them for attack, chase, and sniffing roles takes time, usually three generations. These dogs are sleek, sturdy, and disease-resistant, with promising litter sizes of 8-10 pups." He added that genetic mapping and trait enhancement studies are underway with support from the Ministry of Animal Husbandry to further refine the breeds.

The excellence of Indian dogs was internationally recognised in 2024 when "Riya", a Mudhol Hound of the BSF, created history by winning both Best in Tracker Trade and Best Dog of the Meet at the All India Police Duty Meet in Lucknow - outperforming 116 foreign breed competitors.

The journey continues with pride as, during the upcoming Ekta Diwas Parade at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, a BSF contingent of exclusively Indian breed dogs will march in unison - a powerful symbol of India's self-reliant and confident K9 force.

In every stride of these loyal sentinels lies the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat - fearless, homegrown, and devoted to the nation's service.