Sinhala Hound
The Sinhala Hound is a landrace of dog from Sri Lanka.
| Sinhala Hound | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Sri Lanka |
| Breed status | Not recognised as a breed by any major kennel club. |
| Dog (domestic dog) | |
The Sinhala Hound is the native dog found throughout Sri Lanka, often living in a semi-wild state scavenging for food.[1] Legend has it that when Prince Vijaya first set foot on Sri Lanka in the 6th century BC, he was greeted by the barking of dogs; the Mahāvaṃsa dated 500 BC mentions domestic dogs belonging to the island’s Stone Age inhabitants, the Yaksha.[2][note 1]
The Sinhala Hound can be found in a variety of colours, but brown or dark brown brindle are most common; they are described as alert, watchful, amiable and obedient with a keen scenting ability.[1][2] They are very similar in form to the African Basenji, the New Guinea singing dog, and the Australian Dingo.[1][2]
Long overlooked by authorities in favour of imported dog breeds, only recently have the Sri Lankan Kennel Club been encouraged to recognise the landrace as a breed.[2]
See also
Notes
- Fossil evidence indicates domestic dogs have been found on Sri Lanka for over 11,000 years.[2]
References
- Barker, A. J.; Barker, H. A. (1984). The complete book of dogs. Greenwich, CT. p. 207. ISBN 0-8119-0621-3.
- Morris, Desmond (2001). Dogs: the ultimate guide to over 1,000 dog breeds. North Pomfret, VT: Trafalgar Square Publishing. p. 687. ISBN 1-57076-219-8.