Overview
The Banjara Hound is one of several sighthounds found across India and is associated with the Banjara, a nomadic community who kept it for hunting hare and small deer and for guarding their camps. It resembles a slightly heavier, rough-coated Saluki, usually brindle or grey, with the deep chest and long legs of a dog built for sustained speed. It is essentially unknown in Britain.
There is little written about the breed, so treat what follows as a description of the sighthound type combined with a guarding background rather than a precise breed profile.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour a day with the chance to stretch out properly keeps most sighthounds content. Short bursts of real speed in a secure space do more for the dog than another mile of trotting.
In between sprints these dogs are usually calm and happy to lope at your pace, and a fit adult can cover a long walk without complaint.
On the walk
- Recall: A sighthound that spots a running animal will be gone before you finish the word. Use a long line or a secure field.
- Strangers: The guarding heritage suggests reserve with people it does not know. Let the dog observe rather than forcing contact.
- Other dogs: Typically relaxed with other sighthounds and indifferent to most others, but rough play from heavy dogs may be resented.
- Equipment: A deep chest and narrow head mean standard collars slip. A martingale or a well-fitted sighthound harness is essential.
- Weather: A rough coat gives some protection, but a lean dog bred for a hot climate will still feel British cold.
Tips for professional walkers
- Book a secure field once or twice a week so the dog can run flat out without risk.
- Check the pads and nails after runs on hard ground; sighthounds often tear nails at speed.
- Keep a coat in the van for cold, wet days and put it on before the shivering starts.
- Avoid routes alongside open farmland where hares or deer are likely to break cover.
What to ask the owner
- How did the dog come to be in the UK, and how used is it to British life, traffic and other dogs?
- What has it chased, and has it ever caught anything?
- Does it accept a harness or martingale, and does it have a coat for winter?