The Sinhala Hound is a landrace of dog from Sri Lanka.
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.
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