The Mahratta Greyhound is a dog breed originating in the Indian subcontinent

Indian subcontinent

The Indian subcontinent, also Indian Subcontinent, Indo-Pak Subcontinent or South Asian Subcontinent is a region of the Asian continent on the Indian tectonic plate from the Hindu Kush or Hindu Koh, Himalayas and including the Kuen Lun and Karakoram ranges, forming a land mass which extends...

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Portrait

This rare breed, unknown outside his native province of Mahratta, is best described as resembling the smooth-coated Saluki

Saluki

The Saluki, also known as the Royal Dog of Egypt and Persian Greyhound is one of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dog. From the period of the Middle Kingdom onwards, Saluki-like animals appear on the ancient Egyptian tombs of 2134 BC. They have connections both to the Bible and Imperial...

, for he gives the impression of enduring speed coupled with active strength. Standing only 21 inches (53 cm) at the shoulder, the Mahratta is, however, slightly smaller than the Saluki. The Mahratta is a compact sighthound

Sighthound

Sighthounds, also called gazehounds, are hounds that primarily hunt by speed and sight, instead of by scent and endurance as scent hounds do.-Appearance:...

, well-muscled, deep-chested, and strong-backed. The common color pattern consists of dark blue and tan. The coat is short and provides good protection against the various Indian elements.

Development

Uncertainty prevails over the Mahratta's lineage. Whether the Mahratta is a descendant of the Saluki or a localization of other indigenous Indian sighthounds remains the essential question. The Mahratta's small size, in relation to the Rampur

Rampur Greyhound

The Rampur Greyhound is native to the Rampur region of Northern India, which lies between Delhi and Bareilly. The Rampur hound is a member of the big sighthound family. In North West of India it is often described as a smooth haired sighthound, substantially built...

 and other Indian dogs, makes either Saluki heredity or a pure, ancient origin the most likely hypothesis concerning development. With exceptional speed and concentrated strength, the Mahratta is used successfully for coursing

Coursing

Coursing is the pursuit of game or other animals by dogs—chiefly greyhounds and other sighthounds—catching their prey by speed, running by sight and not by scent. Coursing was a common hunting technique, practised by the nobility, the landed and wealthy, and commoners with sighthounds and lurchers...

small and medium-sized game in the province for which he was named. The Mahratta Greyhound is not recognized by any major kennel club.

Character

The Mahratta possesses instinctive courage and ability for the hunt. He uses these to full advantage in conjunction with his excellent eyesight, fleet feet, and able muscle. The Mahratta is used almost exclusively for the hunt; life in India makes owning a dog solely as a pet a frivolous venture. Though, if given the chance, these high-strung working canines could make faithful companions.