Indian-Bred Dog 'Riya' Triumphs Over 116 Foreign Breeds at All India Police Duty Meet 2024

In a groundbreaking accomplishment for India's native dog breeds, the Border Security Force's (BSF) trained indigenous hound, 'Riya,' has made history by outperforming 116 foreign breeds to win two prestigious awards: 'Best Tracker Trade Dog' and 'Dog of the Meet' at the All India Police Duty Meet 2024 in Lucknow. This event marks the first occasion an Indian-bred dog has achieved such recognition in a national competition typically dominated by imported breeds.

This success follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2018 initiative, which urged the inclusion of Indian dog breeds in the country's security forces. Inspired by this directive, the BSF launched a structured program at the National Training Centre for Dogs (NTCD) in Tekanpur to train and breed native dogs like the Mudhol Hound and Rampur Hound. These breeds are now being actively deployed along India’s borders and in counter-insurgency and anti-Naxal operations, showcasing their effectiveness in diverse and challenging environments.

Riya, a Mudhol Hound trained under the BSF’s K9 program, showed remarkable tracking, stamina, and discipline during the competition. Her triumph highlights the increasing recognition of Indian breeds for their agility, adaptability, disease resistance, and low maintenance, making them well-suited to India's climatic and operational conditions.

Currently, over 150 Indian-bred dogs are serving in various BSF units across key and sensitive areas. Their outstanding performance has significantly enhanced confidence in India's self-reliance efforts and demonstrated the potential of native breeds in national security roles.

In recognition of this indigenous success, a contingent of Indian dog breeds will participate in the upcoming National Unity Day Parade, symbolizing India's spirit of self-reliance and pride in homegrown capabilities. A special K9 display, highlighting their tactical and operational skills, will also be an integral part of the event.

The BSF's ongoing initiatives in breeding, training, and deploying Indian dogs underscore the nation's dedication to fostering indigenous pride and operational autonomy, exemplifying the "Make in India" ethos even within the sphere of national security.