| Dhole
The Wild Dog of the Mahrattas possesses a similar
conformation; and the fact is, that the East Indian wild dog is
essentially the same in every part of that immense extent of country.
There is no more reason, however, for concluding that it was the primitive
dog, than for conferring on the Indian cattle the same honour among the
ruminants. The truth of the matter is that we have no guide what was the
original breed in any country. The lapse of 4 000 years would effect
strange alterations in the breeds. The common name of this dog, in the
track lying between South Bahar and the Mahratta frontier towards Maghore,
is Dhole,
the Chryseus Scylex of Hamilton Smith.
Captain Williamson, in his Oriental Field Sports, gives the following
account of the Dholes:
"They are to be found chiefly, or only, in the country from Midnapore
to Chamu, and even there are not often to be met with. They are of the
size of a small greyhound. Their countenance is enlivened by unusually
brilliant eyes. Their body, which is slender and deep-chested, is
thinly covered by a coat of hair of a reddish-brown or bay colour. The
tail is dark towards its extremity. The limbs are light, compact, and
strong, and equally calculated for speed and power. They resemble many
of the common pariah dogs in form, but the singularity of their colour
and marks at once demonstrates an evident distinction.
"These dogs are said to be perfectly harmless if unmolested. They do
not willingly approach persons; but, if they chance to meet any in
their course, they do not show any particular anxiety to escape. They
view the human race rather objects of curiosity, than either of
apprehension or enmity. The natives who reside near the Ranochitty and
Katcunsandy passes, in which vicinity the dholes may frequently
be seen, describe them as confining their attacks entirely to wild
animals, and assert that they will not prey on sheep, goats, &c.; but
others, in the country extending southward from Jelinah and
Mechungunge, maintain that cattle are frequently lost by their
depredations. I am inclined to believe that the dhole is not
particularly ceremonious, but will, when opportunity offers, and a
meal is wanting, obtain it at the expense of the neighbouring village.
"The peasants likewise state that the dhole is eager in
proportion to the size and powers of the animal he hunts, preferring
the elk to every other kind of deer, and particularly seeking the
royal tiger. It is probable that the dhole is the principal
check on the multiplication of the tiger; and, although incapable
individually, or perhaps in small numbers, to effect the destruction
of so large and ferocious an animal, may, from their custom of hunting
in packs, easily overcome any smaller beast found in the wilds of
India.
"They run mute, except that they sometimes utter a whimpering kind of
note, similar to that sometimes expressed by dogs when approaching
their prey. This may be expressive of their own gratification, or
anxiety, or may serve as a guide to other dholes to join in the
chase. The speed of the dhole is so strongly marked in his form
as to render it probable no animal in the catalogue of game could
escape him for any distance. Many of the dholes are destroyed
in these contests; for the tiger, the elk, and the boar, and even many
of the smaller classes of game are capable of making a most obstinate
defence. Hence the breed of the dholes is much circumscribed."
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