Combai

Overview of Combais

The Combai is a bear hound found in the south of India. This breed of dog is slightly shorter than the Rajapalayam, but appears heavier because of its powerful build.

Description

Appearance

The Combai is usually red or 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, rich red colour and a savage temper. It has, like Rhodesian Ridgeback, a ridge of fur along its back.

Their coats are easily maintainable and are less prone to skin disorders, fungal and yeast infections, and ticks–fleas infestation. The breed, having evolved naturally many centuries ago, are very immune to most diseases that haunt the man-designed breeds.

Temperament

As a guard dog, the Combai is superior to the Rajapalayam. It has a savage temper; it is very much like the Bull terrier in its temperament. 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 lions and leopards. Combai is an intelligent and sensible family dog, as a German Shepherd and as ferocious as Rottweiler to intruders. Its athleticism and obedience has become a well known past. It is very hard to find a pure breed of combai nowadays, as the importance to this dog has faded away.

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

History

The Combai is a very ancient breed of dog, used in hunting as early as the 9th century B.C. when the Marava 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 Tamilnadu and to some special kennels

External links

• rajapalayamdogs.org - pictures from Rajapalayam dogs
• Combai

Notes

*It is commonly confused with the Rajapalayam hound, and so is often referred to, or known as, a Rajapalayam.

• It tends to be only really recognised in India.

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