MEDICINAL VALUES OF SNAKE VENOM

     Charles Lucien Bonaparte, younger brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, was the first to establish the proteinaceous nature of snake venom in 1843.

Proteins constitute 90-95% of venom's dry weight and they are responsible for almost all of its biological effects. Among hundreds, even thousands of proteins found in venom, there are toxins, neurotoxins in particular, as well as nontoxic proteins (which also have pharmacological properties), and many enzymes, especially hydrolytic ones.[2] Enzymes (molecular weight 13-150 KDa) make-up 80-90% of viperid and 25-70% of elapid venoms: digestive hydrolases, L-amino acid oxidase, phospholipases, thrombin-like pro-coagulant, and kallikrein-like serine proteases and metalloproteinases (hemorrhagins), which damage vascular endothelium. Polypeptide toxins (molecular weight 5-10 KDa) include cytotoxins, cardiotoxins, and postsynaptic neurotoxins (such as α-bungarotoxin and α-Cobratoxin), which bind to acetylcholine receptors at neuromuscular junctions. Compounds with low molecular weight (up to 1.5 KDa) include metals, peptides, lipids, nucleosides, carbohydrates, amines, and oligopeptides, which inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and potentiate bradykinin (BPP). Inter- and intra-species variation in venom chemical composition is geographical and ontogenic.[3] Phosphodiesterases interfere with the prey's cardiac system, mainly to lower the blood pressure. Phospholipase A2 causes hemolysis by lysing the phospholipid cell membranes of red blood cells.[6] Amino acid oxidases and proteases are used for digestion. Amino acid oxidase also triggers some other enzymes and is responsible for the yellow colour of the venom of some species. Hyaluronidase increases tissue permeability to accelerate absorption of other enzymes into tissues. Some snake venoms carry fasciculins, like the mambas (Dendroaspis), which inhibit cholinesterase to make the prey lose muscle control.[7]

MAIN ENZYMES OF SNAKE VENOM

TYPE	NAME	ORIGIN
Oxydoreductases	dehydrogenase lactate	Elapidae
	L-amino-acid oxidase	All species
	Catalase	All species
Transferases	Alanine amino transferase
Hydrolases	Phospholipase A2	All species
	Lysophospholipase	Elapidae, Viperidae
	Acetylcholinesterase	Elapidae
	Alkaline phosphatase	Bothrops atrox
	Acid phosphatase	Deinagkistrodon acutus
	5'-Nucleotidase	All species
	Phosphodiesterase	All species
	Deoxyribonuclease	All species
	Ribonuclease 1	All species
	Adenosine triphosphatase	All species
	Amylase	All species
	Hyaluronidase	All species
	NAD-Nucleotidase	All species
	Kininogenase	Viperidae
	Factor-X activator	Viperidae, Crotalinae
	Heparinase	Crotalinae
	α-Fibrinogenase	Viperidae, Crotalinae
	β-Fibrinogenase	Viperidae, Crotalinae
	α-β-Fibrinogenase	Bitis gabonica
	Fibrinolytic enzyme	Crotalinae
	Prothrombin activator	Crotalinae
	Collagenase	Viperidae
	Elastase	Viperidae
Lyases	Glucosamine ammonium lyase

TOXINS

NUEROTOXINS

 A) An exchange of ions (charged atoms) across the nerve cell membrane sends a depolarising current towards the end of the nerve cell (cell terminus).

B) When the depolarising current arrives at the nerve cell terminus, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), which is held in vesicles, is released into the space between the two nerves (synapse). It moves across the synapse to the postsynaptic receptors.

C) If ACh remains at the receptor, the nerve stays stimulated, causing incontrollable muscle contractions. This condition is called tetany. An enzyme called acetylcholinesterase destroys the ACh so tetany does not occur.

Fasciculins:

These toxins attack cholinergic neurons (those that use ACh as a transmitter) by destroying acetylcholinesterase (AChE). ACh therefore cannot be broken down and stays in the receptor. This causes tetany, which can lead to death. The toxins have been called fasciculins since after injection into mice, they cause severe, generalized and long-lasting (5-7 h) fasciculations.

Snake example: found mostly in venom of Mambas and some rattlesnakes

Dendrotoxins:

Dendrotoxins inhibit neurotransmissions by blocking the exchange of positive and negative ions across the neuronal membrane lead to no nerve impulse, thereby paralysing the nerves.

Snake example: Mambas

α-neurotoxins:

This is a large group of toxins, with over 100 postsynaptic neurotoxins having been identified and sequenced.[8] α-neurotoxins also attack cholinergic neurons. They mimic the shape of the acetylcholine molecule and therefore fit into the receptors → they block the ACh flow → feeling of numbness and paralysis.

Snake examples:

- King Cobra (known as hannahtoxin containing α-neurotoxins)[9]

- Sea snake (known as erabutoxin)

- Many-banded krait (known as α-Bungarotoxin)

- Cobras (known as cobratoxin),

Phospholipases:

Phospholipase is an enzyme that transforms the phospholipid molecule into a lysophospholipid (soap) ==> the new molecule attracts and binds fat and ruptures cell membranes.

Snake example: Japanese Habu

Cardiotoxins:

Cardiotoxins are components that are specifically toxic to the heart. They bind to particular sites on the surface of muscle cells and cause depolarisation ==> the toxin prevents muscle contraction. These toxins may cause the heart to beat irregularly or stop beating, causing death.

Snake example: King Cobra, Mambas, and some members of Naja genus

Hemotoxins:

The toxin causes hemolysis, or destruction of red blood cells (erythrocytes).

Snake example: most Vipers and the many members of Naja genus.

EVOLUTION

    Snake venom consists of many different toxin proteins: these can either have enzymatic activity, which typically assists in digestion, or can be shorter peptides that are used to immobilize prey. [10] Toxin proteins make up many multigene families, and arose from gene recruitment of proteins that do not code for toxins, followed by extensive evolutionary modification. [11][12][13] Toxin evolution follows the birth-and-death model of gene families, where duplication followed by functional diversification results in the creation of structurally related proteins that have slightly different functions. It is thought that venom as a way to immobilize prey was beneficial in allowing the uncoupling of feeding system and locomotion, which are coupled in the Haenophidians, which then enabled snakes with venom systems to colonize open areas.[14] Venom continue to evolve as specific toxins are modified to target a specific prey, and it is found that toxins vary according to diet in some species.[15][16]

The presence of enzymes in snake venom was once believed to be an adaptation to assist digestion. However, studies of the western diamondback rattlesnake, a snake with highly proteolytic venom, show that venom has no impact on the time required for food to pass through the gut.[17]

IMMUNITY

Among snakes

The question whether individual snakes are immune to their own venom is not yet definitely settled, though there is a known example of a cobra which self-envenomated, resulting in a large abscess requiring surgical intervention but showing none of the other effects that would have proven rapidly lethal in prey species or humans.[19] Furthermore, certain harmless species, such as the North American Lampropeltis getula and the Brazilian Rhacidelus brazili, are proof against the venom of the crotalines which frequent the same districts, and which they are able to overpower and feed upon. The Tropical Rat Snake, Spilotes variabilis, is the enemy of the Fer-de-lance in St. Lucia, and it is said[by whom?] that in their encounters the Tropical Rat Snake is invariably the victor. Repeated experiments have shown the European Common Snake, Tropidonotus natrix, not to be affected by the bite of Vipera berus and Vipera aspis, this being due to the presence, in the blood of the harmless snake, of toxic principles secreted by the parotid and labial glands, and analogous to those of the venom of these vipers. Several North American species of Rat snakes as well as King snakes have proven to be immune or highly resistant to the venom of rattlesnake species.

Among other animals

The Hedgehog, the Mongoose, the Honey Badger, the Secretary Bird and a few other birds that feed on snakes are known to be immune to a dose of snake venom. Whether the pig may be considered so is still uncertain, although it is well known that, owing to its subcutaneous layer of fat, it is often bitten without ill effect. The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) has recently been added to the list of animals refractory to viper venom. Some populations of California Ground Squirrel are at least partially immune to Rattlesnake venom as adults.

Among humans

The acquisition of human immunity against snake venom is one of the oldest forms of vaccinology known to date (about AD 60, Psylli Tribe). Research into development of vaccines that will lead to immunity is ongoing. Bill Haast, owner and director of the Miami Serpentarium injected himself with snake venom during most of his adult life, in an effort to build up an immunity to a broad array of venomous snakes. It is a practice known as mithridatism. Haast lived to age 100, and survived a reported 172 snake bites. He donated his blood to be used in treating snake-bite victims when a suitable anti-venom was not available. More than twenty of those individuals recovered.[20][21][22]

MEDICINAL PROPERTY

1)   CANCER THERAPY

          Snake venoms are supposed to be the most complex of animal secretions containing a vast number of compounds with different pharmacological and biochemical activities. Literature shows that cobra venom components especially DNAase and RNAase and other enzymes inhibit cancer growth. A PROTEIN found in copperhead snake venom dramatically retards the growth of breast tumours. In studies with mice implanted with human breast cancer cells, a 60 to 70 per cent reduction in the growth rate of the breast tumours and a 90 per cent reduction of tumours that spread to the lungs was found in rodents treated with the protein. However, it will take at least 18 months before the venom protein will be ready to test on patients. The copperhead protein acts by inhibiting the development of new blood vessels to nourish the tumours and by putting tumour cells into a "suspended state of animation". Prof Markland said the dual action helped prevent the spread of cancer, a process called metastasis.

When first diagnosed with breast cancer, many women already have metastatic disease, which means that the cancer has spread to another site such as the lymph nodes, brain or bone.

Called contortrostatin, CN, the protein is purified from the venom of the southern copperhead and is one of a cocktail used by the snake to immobilise prey, keeping blood fluid so that other damaging proteins can spread through the body.  Snake venoms in general are loaded with proteins, many of which lead to tissue destruction at the site of the bite. The mice trials had not revealed any side-effects other than local bleeding. CN belongs to a class of proteins known as disintegrins, so named because they disrupt the function of certain other proteins, called integrins, on the surface of cells that enable them to stick together.

CN should be administered periodically over time in the hope of shrinking the tumour to a size is effective in retarding the spread of tumour cells because it inhibits their adhesion to and invasion of normal cells. CN would need to be administered per where treatment could be scaled back or stopped.

2)   IN STROKE

      A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Lack of oxygen and food to the brain can lead to serious central nervous system impairments and even death. Snake venom has been found to have properties that can be useful in the treatment of strokes. A substance called ANCROD, derived from snake venom, allows stroke victims to recover their mental and physical abilities. Researchers found that more than 40% of patients who received ANCROD recovered all of their mental faculties versus more than 30% for placebo patients. The researchers hope that snake venom may provide an alternative to Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA) which currently is the only FDA-approved treatment for acute stokes.

ANCROD is a substance formulated from the venom of the Malayan pit viper. In previous observations, scientists had noted that the blood of people bitten by the snake failed to clot. Since stokes are caused by blood clots, researchers were hopeful that this anticoagulant might have applications in stoke victims.

The most striking difference between ANCROD and TPA is the method of administration. TPA is normally injected in a single dose, preferably in the first three hours after the onset of a stroke. ANCROD, on the other hand, is administered by IV over a 3 to 5 day period.

While TPA dissolves clots that cause strokes, ANCROD works by reducing the level of fibrinogen in the blood. Since fibrinogen is the clotting factor in the body, lower levels allow the blood to flow more freely through the blood vessels, thereby reducing the chances for clotting.

Scientists found that those patients whose fibrinogen was reduced and maintained at a target level had the most successful treatment after a stroke. The amount necessary to produce this result was determined by both the body weight of the patient and the relative amount of fibrinogen in the patient's blood. During the treatment period, the additional amount of ANCROD needed was based on the relative level of fibrinogen present in the blood at that time.

The target level was 40-70 milligrams of fibrinogen per deciliter of blood. Doctors found that if this level was maintained in the body, the patients regained their mental faculties after the stroke, had less chance of bleeding, and had less chance of another stroke during the therapy period.

Researchers hope to provide an alternative to the use of TPA. They speculate that having a wider range of treatments will benefit patients. Depending on the kind of stoke and the particular patient, one of the two could be more effective than the other.

Patients participated in a follow-up three months after the stroke. Various mental and physical tests were performed to gauge whether these patients had returned to normal and regained their mental faculties. Researchers noted that patients who received ANCROD were more likely to have a higher risk of bleeding in the brain compared to TPA patients.

3)   BRAIN DISORDERS

   The paralyzing effects of the venom of African mamba snakes can be so powerful that bites from these snakes have been known to topple giraffes and lions, and can kill a person within 20 minutes. But that hasn’t stopped biochemist Dr. Krishna Baksi of the Universidad Central Del Caribe in Puerto Rico from working with the venom of these snakes. With funding from the NIH National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Dr. Baksi is trying to figure out what enables proteins in the mamba venom from latching on so tightly and specifically to certain structures called receptors, which jut out of the surface of brain and nerve cells. The brain uses certain kinds of these receptors to receive the chemical signals that let it learn, form memories, perceive pain, and do many other functions. Nerve cells use the same receptor type to pass on signals to neighboring muscles that trigger them to contract or stay at rest, and affect breathing and heart beat rates. There are five known subtypes of these receptors, each of which are thought to play a role in various diseases, including asthma, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and certain pain disorders. So researchers are eager to find drugs that can alter the actions of these receptors.

But their efforts have been hampered by an inability to find compounds that act specifically on only one type of receptor--you don’t want a drug that acts on the receptor involved with Alzheimer’s disease if you have Parkinson’s disease, for example. And that’s where the mamba snake comes in. Its venom has proteins that are highly specific for which receptors they will latch on to. By studying the structure of these proteins, Dr. Baksi hopes to have results that drug makers can use to design new and more selective drugs for a wide range of neurological disorders.

4)   AIDS

  

Snake venom contains Phospholipase A2 (PLA2)[11,16], which protect human primary blood leukocytes from the replication of various macrophage and T cell-tropic human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) strains. PLA2 which is found in the venom of many snakes has been shown to block viral entry into cells before virion uncoating through prevention of intracellular release of viral capsid protein [16]. This is mainly due to the specific interaction of PLA2 to host cells and not due to catalytic activity.

       Immunokine - an oxidized derivative of alpha - cobra toxin (Naja naja siamensis), has been shown to inhibit the infection of lymphocytes by HIV and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) through chemokine receptors (CCR 5 and CXCR 4).

   L- amino acid oxidase (LAO), present in the venom of Trimeresurus stejnegeri[18], C. Atrox, P. australis[19]; inhibits infection and replication of HIV virus through P24 antigen in a dose dependant manner[18]. P24 antigen is a core protein of HIV and its level associates with viral load[20]. Besides the binding of protein to cell membrane, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced as a free radical could inhibit the infection/replication of HIV, thereby further enhancing the anti viral activity. In contrast, catalase - a scavenger of H2O2, reduces the anti- viral activity [18].

    Protein fragment isolated from Oxyuranus scutellatus snake venom is a potent inhibitor of p24 antigen and blocks viral replication of resistant strains [21].

 Snake venom contains metalloprotease inhibitors[16,22] which could prevent the production of new viruses through inhibition of protease enzymes. HIV infects a CD4 cell of a person's body and then it copies its own genetic code into the cell's DNA. Then, CD4 cell is "programmed" to make new HIV genetic material and proteins. These proteins are degraded by HIV protease enzyme and again these proteins are used to make functional new HIV particles. Protease inhibitors are used to block the protease enzyme and prevent the cell from producing new viruses.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a membrane protein, is an energy-dependent efflux transporter driven by ATP hydrolysis[23]. P-gp transports a wide range of substances with diverse chemical structures. In general, P-gp substrates appear to be lipophilic and amphiphatic, and are recognized to play an important role in processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of many clinically important drugs in humans [23]. Because of its importance in pharmacokinetics, inhibition or induction of P-gp by various components of snake venom can lead to significant drug-drug interactions, thereby changing the systemic or target tissue exposure of the protease inhibitors. At the same time one has to remember genetic polymorphism of P-gp,[23] which has also been recorded recently, because it may affect drug disposition and produce variable drug effects.

5)   Analgesic effect

 Scientists have used the venom of Africa's lethal black mamba to produce an effective pain relief without toxic side effects. peptides isolated from black mamba venom may be a safer pain killer than morphine.

In mice at least, the peptides bypass the receptors in the brain that are targeted by morphine and other opioid compounds which sometimes cause side-effects like breathing difficulties or nausea.

Nor do the peptides pose the same risk of addiction or drug abuse. natural peptides, mambalgins, from the venom of the snake Black Mamba that are able to significantly reduce pain in mice without toxic effect, It is remarkable that this was made possible from the deadly venom of one of the most venomous snakes," she says.

"(It) is surprising that mambalgins, which represent less than 0.5 per cent of the total venom protein content, has analgesic (pain-relief) properties without neurotoxicity in mice, whereas the total venom of black mamba is lethal and among the most neurotoxic ones."

Morphine is often regarded as the best drug to relieve severe pain and suffering, but it has several side effects and can be habit-forming.

The black mamba's venom is among the fastest acting of any snake species, and a bite will be fatal if not treated with antivenom - the poison attacking the central nervous system and causing respiratory paralysis.

Mice are among the agile adder's favourite prey in the wild in eastern and southern Africa.

6)   ANTI AGING

  A topical treatment incorporating imitation snake venom is being marketed as an alternative to Botox. The results of this product, called Wrinkle Defence, are typical of topical treatments in their cumulative effect. While Botox injections are immediately active on the facial muscles, the “freezing” results of this topical begin to appear after about two weeks. It is claimed that Wrinkle Defence visibly reduces wrinkles by 52%.

umaanaalysis@yaho.co.in

common dog breeds of india: COMMON DOG BREEDS OF INDIA1) INDIAN PARIAH DOG T...

common dog breeds of india: COMMON DOG BREEDS OF INDIA1) INDIAN PARIAH DOG   T...: COMMON DOG BREEDS OF INDIA 1) INDIAN PARIAH DOG    The Indian Pariah Dog (also pye dog, pie dog, or pi dog) is the aboriginal landrace...

COMMON DOG BREEDS OF INDIA

1) INDIAN PARIAH DOG

   The Indian Pariah Dog (also pye dog, pie dog, or pi dog) is the aboriginal landrace, or naturally selected "breed" of the Indian sub-continent. It is also called the Indian Native Dog and is nowadays referred to as the INDog by experts and enthusiasts. The term "pariah dog" is not derogatory in the canine context and refers to a class of primitive dogs of a specific appearance known as the "long-term pariah morph."

India's Pariah Dog, the dominant village and street breed, is thought to be a descendant of an early Chinese immigrant according to Peter Savolainen, a professor of evolutionary genetics at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.[1] However the place of origin has not been determined so far.

 The Indian Native Dog (INDog) is an ancient autochthonous (landrace) type of dog that is found all over India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and even beyond South Asia. It was featured on National Geographic Channel's film, 'Search for the First Dog' along with the other related ancient types such as the Canaan Dog of Israel and the Australian Dingo. This is the original breed of the country, found free-living as a commensal of man all over the Indian subcontinent. Where not mixed with the blood of European dogs or other breeds and types, it is similar in appearance all across the entire country. The type represents one of the few remaining examples of mankind's original domestic dog and its physical features are the same as those of the dogs whose fossil remains have been found in various parts of the world, from very early remains in Israel and China to later ones such as those found in the volcanic lava at Pompeii, near Naples in Italy. In India these were the hunting partners and companion animals of the aboriginal peoples of India. They are still found with the aboriginal communities who live in forested areas. Since these dogs have never been selectively bred, their appearance, physical features and mental characteristics are created by the process of natural selection alone. The INDog has not been recognized by any kennel club although similarly ancient or 'primitive' dogs have been recognized such as the Azawakh and the Basenji both of which are also sighthound and Pariah. It has been recognized by the Primitive and Aboriginal Dog Society (PADS), a worldwide grouping of enthusiasIt is a medium sized dog of square to slightly rectangular build and short coat. The dog has a double coat, a coarse upper coat and a soft undercoat. The most commonly observed colours are brown, range from dark to reddish-brown, with or without white markings. Solid blacks are rare but some dogs are pied. Spotted, brindle and white are considered faults. Spots are seen in the undercoat of pied dogs. White markings at the ends of limbs and tip of tail are common. Red/fawn dogs frequently have dark muzzles. The jaws have a clean, scissor bite.

The head is medium sized, wedge shaped. The muzzle is pointed and is of equal or slightly greater length than the head. The neck is noble and the forequarters are erect. Hind quarters are minimally angled. The trot is short. The eyes are almond shaped and dark brown in colour. The ears are held erect and are pointed at the tips, with a broad base, set low on the head and the tail is curled and held high, when excited.

Adult Dogs: Height: 20 - 25 inches high at the withers Weight: 20 - 30 kilograms

Adult Bitches: Height: 18 - 23 inches at the withers Weight: 15 - 25 kilogramsts which is based in the USA.[2]

INDogs are found throughout the Indian subcontinent, often kept as pets in remote villages and many are ownerless scavengers found in cities. However the ones in large cities and towns are no longer pure indigenous dogs but are often mongrelized with modern breeds.

They are territorial to a particular area, though a certain amount of immigration occurs to maintain population levels and also for the purpose of mating. They are more active and engage in play during mornings and evenings. But during breeding season they become more aggressive during the evening and late night hours to prevent the stranger male dogs and also to protect the pups from other animals including humans. Territorial aggressions are common in free-ranging dogs mostly during breeding season (August to January). On some occasions some males enter into another’s territory for extra-group mating.[3]

The pariah group of dogs, including the INDog, breeds once a year. During the mating season the oestrous female may mate with several males. Most of the aggression from the alpha male is directed to the young males, but they are not driven away. When the young males fail in the mating competition, they disperse. As a result the pack size is maintained

2) MUDHOL HOUND

       The Mudhol Hound is an Indian breed of dog of the sight hound type. The breed is also known as Caravan Hound and the feathered variety is commonly referred to as a Pashmi. In the villages he is known as the Karwani. It is a common companion amongst village folk in India's Deccan Plateau, who use the dog for hunting and guarding.

The Kennel Club of India (KCI) and Indian National Kennel Club (INKC) recognize the breed under different breed names. The KCI registers it as a Caravan Hound while the INKC goes with the name Mudhol Hound.

The Mudhol/Caravan of today has well-defined characteristics. The head is long and narrow, broad between the ears with a tapering muzzle. The jaws are long and powerful, with a scissors bite. The nose is large, and may be black, liver, or flesh coloured. The ears are medium sized, very slightly rounded at the tips, and hang close to the skull. The eyes are large and oval in shape, and may be dark or light in colour. The expression is a piercing gaze. The neck is long, clean, and muscular, and fits well into the shoulders. The forelegs are long, straight and well-boned. The males are 68–72 cm in height at the withers and the females are 64–68 cm tall. The back is long, broad and well-muscled. The loins are wide and deep. The chest is strong and deep with well sprung ribs. The abdomen is tucked in. The hind quarters appear wide and well-muscled. The tail is strong at the base, not too long, set low and carried in a natural curve. The gait is high-footed, flexing all four legs, but should not be hackneyed. There are two coat varieties—one with an entirely smooth coat and the other with silky featherings on the ears, legs, and tail. All colours and combinations of colours are acceptable.

 he breed is above all a working hound, capable of providing an excellent performance in the field on a consistent basis, under gruelling conditions that would be far to much for most other dogs. They are elegant, graceful and courageous. Its physical strength couples with great speed and plenty of stamina to allow it to catch and kill several types of game, from hare to blackbuck, over rough country. It is not an ideal dog for the apartment dweller, as it needs a great deal of space to exercise, although if arrangements are made to exercise the dog regularly in a sufficiently large, safely fenced area, it may do well in a flat or any other dwelling.

The breed, if treated with kindness and respect, can be exceptionally loyal. They are not very friendly, and do not like to be touched by strangers. However, a Caravan should never be aggressive, as this sort of temperament is not ideal for a hunting dog, which must tolerate other dogs and human beings, especially when they are not intruding on his territory. It makes a reasonable watch dog, and can protect that which he holds dear, should the need arise. He should always be treated in a kind, consistent, fair, and respectful manner, otherwise he may develop a nervous or vicious nature—either of which are difficult to live with.

The Mudhol/Caravan is an ancient breed, native to the Deccan Plateau of western India. This region covers parts of the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and, to a lesser degree, Andhra Pradesh. The name, Karwani, endures to this day in the villages, but it was anglicized to Caravan Hound when the Kennel Club of India recognized the breed.

Many hound dog varieties like the Saluki and the Afghan Hound were brought by the Pathans, Arabs, Persians and Afghans when they came to India through the Khyber Pass. The Karwani is probably descended from these dogs. They followed their nomad masters in caravans from place to place, hence the name - Caravan Hound. It is said that the Afghans were given lands to act as a buffer between Aurangazeb's Deccan kingdom and the Maratha Empire, therefore the dogs are also found in the same area. They were bred for their functional qualities like the ability to withstand the harsh weather, hunting skills, speed and endurance, among others, rather than for aesthetic qualities.

In Karnataka, the breed is also known as the Mudhol Hound, after a small town in Bagalkot District. A former ruler of Mudhol, Sri Srimanth Raja Malojirao Gorphade (Maloji Rao Ghorpade), is said to have presented a pair of hound puppies to King George V of England. Upon inspecting these curiosities, the monarch found them true to sighthound conformation and dubbed them “the Hounds of Mudhol”.

It is found not only in Mudhol, but is widely kept throughout the Deccan; however, the Indian National Kennel Club uses the Mudhol Hound name.

3) COMBAI DOG

  The Combai is usually tan or red brown with a black mask, and with a dark line along the back. The chief differences between the Rajapalayam and the Combai breeds are that the Combai has more powerful jaws, often with a black mouth, much more pendent ears, a more savage temper, and a tendency to be much more active than the rajapalayam. It is also slightly shorter than the Rajapalayam, but appears heavier because of its powerful build. Their coats are easily maintainable, and are less prone to skin disorders, fungal and yeast infections, and parasite infestation. The breed, having evolved naturally many centuries ago, is more immune to most diseases compared to the human-designed breeds.

  As a guard dog, the Combai is superior to the Rajapalayam. The Combai were used for hunting and keeping watch. Nowadays, these are mostly used as guard dogs in farm houses. Years ago they were used to guard people's cattle from tigers and leopards. A Combai is as intelligent and sensible a family dog as a German shepherd, and as ferocious as Rottweiler to intruders. It is an athletic and intelligent breed. Against the popular belief of its savage temper, the Combai is very alert, a good family dog, loves to play with children and enjoys human companionship. It clearly senses who is welcome and not. As an intelligent dog, the Combai strives to please its master and generally responds to the mood and command of its master from its infancy. It is difficult to find a purebred Combai now-a-days, as the importance of this dog has diminished.

In demanding circumstances, they can fight intruders (whether humans or animals) until death.

The Combai is a very ancient breed of dog, used in hunting as early as the 9th century B.C., when the Maravar kings held sway over South India. The Combai was used for hunting boar, bison and deer. Once available in large numbers throughout Southern India, the Combai is now restricted to certain parts of Tamil Nadu and to some special kennels.

4) CHIPPIPARAI

   The Chippiparai is a sight hound breed of dog from the south of India. Thought to be a descendant of the Saluki, today it is found in the area around Periyar Lake. It is used primarily for hunting wild boar, deer and hare. It is also used for guarding the home. Bred by royal families in Chippiparai near Madurai district Tamil Nadu, it was kept as a symbol of royalty and dignity in tirunelveli and madurai rulers.

The typical color is a fawn, reddish brown, slight black tinged coat, silver-grey, with very limited or no white markings and long curved tail. Other colors, particularly variations of grey and fawn, also occur. This is a medium dog, around 25 inches at the withers.[1] It has a short coat that is very close; on the whole the coat if kept groomed has a shine on it. A shining, shell-like appearance is greatly desired. This kind of coat makes it ideal for hot climates. This hound is also less prone to ticks and fleas, with their short coat providing easy detection. The overall appearance is very similar to that of the Sloughi, or the Rampur Greyhound.

The Chippiparai is a robust animal needing little or no veterinary care. It does need lots of exercise, as it was and is a breed meant to hunt. Chippiparai is an intelligent breed and a wonderful watch dog. Contrary to the belief that it is a one -man dog, Chippiparai gets along well with people if it is properly socialized. Chippiparai loves human companionship and it hates to be in isolation. It is capable of great speed and can overtake a hare with ease.

The Chippiparai is a treat to watch and, when seen running, it is a breathtaking spectacle, almost floating through air. It is not a fussy eater, and eats to live and not vice versa. It is easy to groom and does not shed much due to its short coat length. The breed is rare in dog show circles and the blood line may be lost soon if steps are not taken to ensure its survival. It does not cost much in its native regions and with some attention and breeding programs the breed can be revived.

5) RAJAPALAYAM DOG

   The Rajapalayam is an Indian Sighthound. It was the companion of the royalty and aristocracy in Southern India, particularly in the town Rajapalayam from where it gets its name.

t is a large dog, usually measuring about 65–75 cm (25–30 inches) at the withers. It is a hound, and therefore should be kept in optimum working condition. It tends to be heavier boned than most sighthounds, but shares the depth of chest and basic body structure.

Its facial structure is considerably different from that of a Caravan Hound, as it is meant primarily for hunting wild boar. The tail has a slight curl.

The most prized colour is milk white, with a pink nose and golden eyes. However, other colours including spotted or solid, black, and brown, are known to occur. The spots will start showing up by 80 days from birth. In the past, puppies of colour were usually culled from the litters since the owners preferred the pure white dogs. The coat is short and fine. An extremely handsome and graceful dog, the Rajapalayam has a gait similar to the trotting of a thoroughbred horse. As with many fully white dogs, there is a high incidence of deafness in this breed. Puppies born with whitish or blue eyes are deaf. Many Rajapalayam dogs suffer from mange, though this is usually not a serious problem. Though the breed dates back a few centuries, the creators of the breed unwittingly ended up fashioning an albino dog, characterized by the pink nose and the lack of pigmentation.

The Rajapalayam was used predominantly for hunting wild boar and as a formidable guard dog. It needs wide open spaces and is very affectionate and devoted towards its owner, although not always demonstrative.They do not usually like to be touched or handled by strangers and are known to be one-man dogs. Most specimens are aggressive and hostile towards strangers, and will attack intruders. Socialization in puppyhood is important. Rajapalayams usually do not get along well with other pets like cats, owing to their strong hunting instincts.

Rajapalayam hounds were primarily bred and used by Nayak dynasty of Tamil Nadu, it is speculated by some researchers that the Rajapalayam may have been one of the dogs used in the breeding of the modern Dalmatian.[dubious – discuss] The Rajapalayam dog was used during the Carnatic Wars and Polygar War to attack the British cavalry in battle as Rajapalayams were very fast,strong and aggressive in attacking the opponents. It is also believed that once 4 Rajapalayams saved the life of their master fighting against a tiger and killing it bravely many years before near forest in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu. They are largely used to guard the rice fields,houses and farms. Since last two decades Indian Army started using them as guard dogs to support the army in the borders of Kashmir. The pure Rajapalayam is more or less extinct, and only a few are to be found in isolated pockets around southern Tamil Nadu. The breed may vanish all together if efforts are not initiated soon to revive it. A dog breeding unit was established at Saidapet, Chennai, during 1980–81. This unit primarily rears native breeds like the Rajapalayam, Combai, kanni, and Chippiparai [1]. To create awareness and encourage dog lovers to rear native breeds, the Animal Husbandry Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu participates in dog show. Localities have established a cooperative and interested families are given female dogs and expertise that is required for large-scale breeding. The Indian Postal Department has brought out postage stamps on the Rajapalayam, as well as the Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, and the Himalayan Sheepdog. The Kennel Club of India has taken up the cause of the Rajapalayam. With the club's cooperation, the "Save the Rajapalayam Project" has been launched.

6) RAMPUR GREY HOUND

    he Rampur Greyhound is a breed of dogs 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. It was the favored hound of the Maharajahs for jackal control, but was also used to hunt lions, tigers, leopards, and panthers. It was considered a test of courage for a single hound to take down a golden jackal. The Rampur is built to cover great distances at high speed; thus capable of great endurance.

The length from the withers to the base of the tail is about 36 inches, the chest is deep in front but not very wide with well sprung ribs. The tail is long and tapering slightly curving upwards and carried low; it is about 24"–27" in length. The circumference of the neck is about 12 inches and its long arched and muscular and rather broad where it joins the body. The length of the jaw is 9 inches and are powerful with a scissor bite. The males measure 60–75 cm (24–30 in) in height. The females measure 55-60 cm (22–24 in) in height. They weigh about 27–30 kg (60–65 lb).

They are approximately greyhound size, but much wider and more muscular, similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback.The head of the Rampur is broader and more substantial than the head of the English Greyhound. It has a flat skull and a pointed nose. It also has a characteristic roman bend. Some other unique characteristics are their Roman nose, ears set high, pendant style, and of most interest, their "hare" feet. The Rampur's foot is a large "hare" shape, with heavy webbing. Their toes are very articulated and flexible, even able to bend backwards a bit. They are not unlike our own fingers in many ways. This maneuverability helps to give them a cat-like balance, able to walk on ledges, or to calmly clear a six foot fence. Colors are mouse-gray, grizzle, brindle, parti-colour or most rare, black. Black however is the most sought after. Eye color ranges from yellow to a golden brown. A word about the gray and grizzle color. These two colors have the ability to blend completely with the foliage of the forest, so much so that when the hound is still, you may not see them from a distance of as little as ten feet, in broad daylight. Its bite is extremely powerful.

4) KANNI

The Kanni, which means maiden, is a rare indigenous South Indian dog breedfound in the state of Tamil Nadu. The breed is a further extension of the Caravan or Mudhol Hound, and is also a descendant of the Saluki. It is used mainly forhunting.

The Kanni is found in and around Tirunelveli, Pollachi, Kovilpatti, Kazhugumalai, Kileral, Kodangipatti, Sivakasi, and Madurai. It is said that the name Kanni ( which means Unmarried Girl) comes from the fact that the dog used to be given as a gift to the bridegroom just before the marriage. In fact, it was in the list of dowry items offered to the groom. They are usually of four colours, brown, cream, black & tan and brindle. The Kanni is kept by families who do not sell them but may gift them if a promise is made to look after them well. They are not allowed to roam on the streets and brought up as pet animals. They are given a diet of milk in the morning, corn porridge in the afternoon and a "Ragi" porridge in the evening. Meat is given once a week or once a month only. The breed is now extremely rare, and on the verge of extinction. Efforts to revive the breed have not been taken up, as specimens are few, and there exists little information about them.