The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

The Purebred Rampur Greyhound

Information and Pictures

Right Profile - A tall, skinny, high arched, white brindle Rampur Greyhound dog is standing in dirt, its mouth is open and it is looking to the right.

Laila the 3-year-old Rampur Greyhound, photo courtesy of Ankur

Other Names
  • North Indian Greyhound
Pronunciation

rahm-poor gray·hound

Description

The Rampur Greyhound is a sleek athletic dog with tall legs, a long snout, and a narrow torso. They have a thin, whip like tail that reaches almost down to their ankles. They are more handsome and majestic than adorable. Rampur Greyhounds have a scissor bite and large oval eyes. Their coat is short, flat, and smooth and can be in a wide range of colors. Many are solid colors such as black, white, tan, or grey, while others have spots and some are brindle.

Temperament

Rampur Greyhounds are typically shy dogs but are extremely loyal to their leader. They are fantastic with children because of their gentle behavior and playfulness. Just be mindful of the size of this breed when they are running, they can easily knock over small children. These dogs were meant to hunt small animals so it is not the best dog if you have other animals in the house. They are full of energy so they will be more attentive to humans as opposed to sleeping all day. This breed can easily adjust to being around other dogs so long as they have been socialized and trained. When they play with other dogs, they tend to run at high speeds and butt their chests together with force.

Height, Weight

Height: Males: 24 - 30 inches (61-76 cm) Females: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm)

Weight: Males about 60 - 65 pounds (27 - 29 kg) Females 60 - 65 pounds (27 - 29 kg)

Health Problems

Prone to bloat and skin problems. This breed may be sensitive to anesthesia

Living Conditions

This breed can thrive in both houses and apartments as long as they get daily exercise. Rampur Greyhounds don’t bark too often so they are excellent if you have neighbors. Because they are naturally timid, they must be socialized in order to get along with others. If you have a yard, it is best to have a fence in case their hunting instinct takes over and your dog decides to run after a small wild animal.

Exercise

The Rampur Greyhound needs a daily walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. These dogs are energetic and lively and are in their glory when allowed to romp and play, especially if their owner or a companion dog joins in the fun.

Life Expectancy

About 9 - 15 years

Litter Size

About 6 to 9 puppies

Grooming

Because of its short flat coat, this dog does not require much grooming. Bathe with mild soap and warm water when necessary.

Origin

Rampur Greyhounds have been around for about 300 years, originating in Northern India. They were originally bred to hunt large animals such as tigers, lions, panthers, leopards and especially jackal. They are known to be one of the fastest dogs in the world and can reach speeds above 40mph. The Nawab of Rampur state, Ahmad Ali Khan of Rampur, bred these dogs by breeding Tazi and English Greyhound. Rampur Greyhounds were primarily used for preying on animals for hunts or protection. In 1947, the breed fell from popularity because the Maharajahs were not in power any longer. This change of power influenced the breeding of the Rampur Greyhound. Many lines were bred with English hounds which makes it difficult to find a purebred Rampur Greyhound today. Because of the changing times, dogs are no longer needed to hunt therefore the Rampur Greyhound is near extinction. This rare breed has just recently began gaining popularity but there are still very few that are alive today.

Group

Sighthound

Recognition
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Side view - A tall, long legged, high arched reddish brown and white dog with a long muzzle, long neck and long tail standing next to a man who is squating down beside the dog. There is a trophy case behind them.

Flamey the Rampur Greyhound at 10 years old—"Flamey is a female Rampur Greyhound specimen owned by Mr Irshad Ali Khan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. She is a sweet, active and intelligent female, always ready to run and is very fast. She likes to please her master. She is never aggressive and is good tempered. Mr Irshad Ali is the biggest breeder and promotor of Rampur Greyhound breed."—Picture courtesy of Ajit Roy

Back side view - A tall, long legged, high arched reddish brown and white dog with a long muzzle, long neck and long tail standing next to a trophy and a squating man in dark sunglasses.

Flamey the Rampur Greyhound at 10 years old—Picture courtesy of Ajit Roy

Side view - A white with black, tall dog with a high arch and a very long tail and long muzzle with a black nose and black lips standing in a room with tan tiled floor in front of two men who are sitting down on a bench. The dog has ears that are pinned back and hang down and out to the sides.

"Lovely is a female Rampur Greyhound shown here at 9 months old, owned by Mr Irshad Ali Khan, Lucknow, Utar Pradesh, India. Lucky is an active, friendly and sweet female pup. She is very tall even at 9 months of age."—Picture courtesy of Ajit Roy

Side view of a white with black dog that has a long muzzle, a black nose, black lips and a long back standing in front of two men who are sitting on a bench inside of a room that has a green wall and a tan tiled floor.

Lovely the Rampur Greyhound at 9 months old—Picture courtesy of Ajit Roy

The right side of a tall, skinny, high arched white brindle Rampur Greyhound that is looking forward.

Laila the 3-year-old Rampur Greyhound, photo courtesy of Ankur