K9: Indigenous ‘Breeds’ at the Pinnacle of Indian Defence...

Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read. - Courtesy: Pinterest.

Courtesy: SSBCrack. Indian Border Security Force’s Indigenous Canine ‘Riya’ Outshines 116 Foreign Breeds, Wins Best Tracker and Dog of the Meet Titles.

What a delight for dog lovers in our country!.

This past week, in a Canine Competition in Lucknow (a city in Central India), an indigenous breed ‘Mudhol Hound’ won the competition hands down. Or shall I say ‘Paws Up’.

There are two major Indian Breeds, namely the Mudhol Hounds and the Rampur Hound. Even we, in-here, haven't heard much of them because we are enamoured with the Belgian, German or British breeds. Nothing wrong with that, for the latter are some of the best in business and the Indian defence forces even possess many of them with good outcomes, especially in fighting terrorists.

But, it was such a heartwarming news when I read it earlier today.

Our Border Security Force (BSF) which operates in toughest of conditions along the International Border (IB) of the nation, have set up a number of Canine Units called ‘K9’. Earlier they used to have foreign breeds.

But since 2018–19, the accent being on indigenisation of the Defence Forces in all their spheres of activity, even the canine friends are systematically being replaced with Indian Breeds such as these.

They have set up a top of the line Breeding & Training Centre in Lucknow in the Central Indian State of Uttar Pradesh (UP).

Below I reproduce exactly what SSBCrack, a top Defence Reporting & Research Organisation has reported of the event recently held at Lucknow..

‘In a remarkable achievement for India’s indigenous dog breeds, the Border Security Force’s (BSF) trained desi hound ‘Riya’ has created history by outperforming 116 foreign breeds to win two top honours ‘Best Tracker Trade Dog’ and ‘Dog of the Meet’ at the All India Police Duty Meet 2024 held in Lucknow. This marks the first time an Indian-bred dog has secured such a distinction at a national competition dominated by imported breeds.’

Courtesy: SSBCrack. A Proud BSF Soldier Companion of ‘Riya’, the Winner of the Canine Competition.

‘The success comes as a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2018 initiative encouraging the inclusion of Indian dog breeds in the country’s security forces. Inspired by this vision, the BSF began a systematic programme at the National Training Centre for Dogs (NTCD) to train and breed indigenous dogs such as the Mudhol Hound and Rampur Hound. These breeds are now being deployed across India’s borders proving their effectiveness in diverse and challenging terrains.’

(Read More: https://www.ssbcrack.com/2025/10/desi-dog-riya-outshines-116-foreign-breeds-wins-best-tracker-and-dog-of-the-meet-titles.html)

Indigenisation of the Entire Spectrum of Matters Military in India!

With emphasis being on entire spectrum of defence manufacturing from the naval ships to fighter jets to small arms to Combat Tanks & Artillery Guns, Indian Defence manufacturing has been shaken up unlike ever before.

The results are so encouraging that within a short span of about 6–7 years, India is now on the cusp of becoming a major exporter of entire ambit of defence hardware rather than being the biggest importer just a decade ago.

Over a Hundred friendly countries from Latin America, South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa have lined up to procure Indian products which are not only highly efficient but much more economical to procure, operate & maintain.

Courtesy: Unsplash!!.

The story is getting bigger by the day with backing of astounding success achieved during ‘Operation Sindoor’ during May 2025.

The modest success in the arena of Canines is part of an overall vision which shall contribute to the success of the growing ‘Vocal for Local’ chorus.

Godspeed Bharat!.