Rampur Greyhound
RAHM-poor GRAY-hound
India· Uttar Pradesh, India
The Rampur Greyhound is a large, powerful sighthound native to the Rampur region between Delhi and Bareilly in northern India. Developed under the patronage of the Nawabs of Rampur during the colonial era, the breed was created by crossing local sighthounds—predominantly ancestral stock closely related to the Mudhol Hound and Afghan Tazhi—with imported English Greyhounds. The objective was to combine the blistering speed and agility of the British hound with the endurance, hardiness, and fierce hunting drive required to navigate the harsh Indian terrain and climate.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
High
Home size suited to
Medium to large
Grooming frequency
Low
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Low to moderate
Lifespan
10–13 years
Town or country
Country or semi-rural preferred
Garden size needed
Large and securely fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Rampur Greyhound
Bred in the princely state of Rampur, northern India, as a fleet-footed, resilient coursing hound.
- Region
- Uttar Pradesh, India
- Climate it was bred for
- Subtropical with hot, semi-arid summers and mild winters
- Original job
- Hunting jackals, hares, deer, and boar over open terrain
The long read
About the breed
Historically, the breed was employed for hunting jackals, deer, hare, and occasionally wild boar. Physically, it is characterised by a strong, lean frame that is somewhat sturdier and broader across the skull than its English counterpart. While prized for centuries by regional nobility, documented written standards from the era remain sparse, leaving much of the precise foundational pedigree based on local accounts and kennel tradition.
In modern times, the Rampur Greyhound is rare, with limited numbers concentrated in northern India and among dedicated sighthound enthusiasts. It is an affectionate, loyal dog within its household, though typically aloof with unfamiliar people. Because of its pronounced prey drive, formidable speed, and independent disposition, the breed is best suited to rural or semi-rural environments with experienced owners who understand sighthound behaviour.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Rampur Greyhound's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Colours & patterns
Recognised coats
Which coats the standard accepts — and which are simply popular.
Mouse Grey / Slate
Standard colour
A classic and traditionally prized greyish-blue or mouse colour.
Black
Standard colour
Solid black, occasionally with small white markings on the chest or toes.
Fawn
Standard colour
Ranging from light sand to rich reddish-tan.
Brindle
Standard colour
Dark tiger-striping over a fawn or grey base.
Pied
Standard colour
White ground colour with patches of black, grey, or fawn.
Timeline
History & development
c. 1800s
Princely Patronage
The Nawabs of Rampur began selectively breeding local sighthounds with imported European hounds to create a coursing dog capable of tackling swift and dangerous quarry.
c. 1850–1900
English Greyhound Crosses
Frequent introduction of high-calibre English Greyhounds refined the breed's galloping speed while preserving the rugged resilience and broader jaw structure of indigenous hunting stock.
1947
Post-Independence Decline
Following the dissolution of the princely states after Indian independence, royal breeding programmes collapsed, leading to a steep decline in hound numbers.
c. 2000s–Present
Preservation Efforts
Native hound revivalists and the Kennel Club of India have undertaken documentation and preservation programmes to safeguard surviving bloodlines from extinction.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Deep, capacious chest with well-sprung ribs; powerful, slightly arched loin; distinct tuck-up of the belly.
- coat
- Short, dense, and smooth to the touch, lying flat against the body.
- ears
- Medium in size, fine in texture, carried folded back in rose formation when relaxed and semi-erect when alert.
- eyes
- Oval, dark hazel to amber depending on coat colour, with a keen, far-reaching expression.
- gait
- Effortless, low, and ground-covering at the trot; explosive, flexible, and powerful double-suspension gallop.
- head
- Long and lean, but broader between the ears than an English Greyhound, tapering gently towards the nose with minimal stop.
- size
- Height typically ranges from 60 to 75 cm at the withers; weight generally spans 27 to 34 kg.
- tail
- Long, low-set, tapering smoothly to the hock, carried in a slight upward curve when in motion.
- colour
- Commonly mouse-grey, black, fawn, brindle, or pied (white with coloured patches).
- muzzle
- Substantial and strong, with powerful jaws, dry lips, and a complete scissor bite.
- temperament
- Gentle, calm, and loyal with family; reserved with strangers; intensely driven and focused when pursuing quarry.
- general appearance
- A powerful, lean, and statuesque sighthound of noble carriage, displaying great reach, speed, and endurance.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
Watch closely
A deep-chested build predisposes the breed to bloat; feeding smaller divided meals and avoiding post-feeding exercise is advisable.
Anaesthetic Sensitivity
Watch closely
Typical sighthound metabolism requires sighthound-safe anaesthesia and tailored drug protocols.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Screen for it
High-speed coursing and sudden turns can lead to ligament tears, toe fractures, or muscle strains.
Sensitivity to Cold
Screen for it
A low percentage of body fat and short coat make the breed susceptible to chilling in cold or damp climates.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
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