Chippiparai

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Chippiparai is a sight hound originating in south of India. This dog is similar to the Saluki in resemblance as well as Greyhounds. Mainly used as hunter of wild boars and other small to medium game, the dog has other attributes such as guarding instincts, friendliness and loyalty to its master. Generally aloof to strangers, the dog does not like to be handled, petted for fed by people other than its master or handler. This attitude can be taken care of through proper socialization and training.

The dog is tall and lean with a height between 27-32 inches and weighs around 25-40 lbs. The dog has long, doomed and fine head with small erect or rose shaped ears. Eyes are dark. The body is shorter than tall. The chest is deep with slightly roached back and tucked up belly. The legs are straight and strong while tail is thin and hocked. The coat is short and shiny and the typical color is a silver-grey, with very limited or no white markings. Other colors, particularly variations of grey and fawn, also occur. This is a robust and strong dog that is very resistant to climatic changes.

This dog is NOT recognized by AKC or any other major club.

Color

The Chippiparai dog comes mostly in fawn, reddish brown, silver grey colours with very little or no white markings.

Coat

It has a short coat that is very close; on the whole the coat if kept groomed has a shine on it. A shining, shell-like appearance is greatly desired. This kind of coat makes it ideal for hot climates.

Personality

The Chippiparai is best described as a loyal, robust and independent dog. The dog is a great hunter of small and medium game like boar, deer and hare as well as guardian of the house. Though suspicious of strangers, with proper socialization the dog shows its friendly nature and affectionate personality. Primarily used as a hunting sighthound, the dog is mistakenly considered a one man's dog. It needs proper training and socialization from very early age to reveal its friendly nature to people around it. The dog is happy when it is around people. The dog may not be suitable around other pets in the family due to high prey drive unless very well socialized. It is a very hardy dog and a tireless worker when it comes to its primary job; hunting. It not only hunts with its master but also protects its property from dangerous animals and intruders. Chippiparai loves human companionship and it hates to be in isolation. It is capable of great speed and can overtake a hare with ease. In motion, The Chippiparai is a treat to watch and, when seen running, it is a breathtaking spectacle, almost floating through air. It is not a fussy eater, and eats to live and not vice versa. The dog is used as symbol of dignity and royalty in its area of Origin. This is a great family pet, hunting dog and guard dog but needs early age training and socialization with people.

Care

The short coat is very easy to groom. Brush the coat with hard bristle brush once a week to keep it clean. Bathe when necessary. A rub down with a wet cloth will help keep the coat shiny and glossy.

Training

It is an intelligent dog but independent mind. It may listen to some orders but can turn a deaf ear to some other commands. Training needs to be started from young age and the owner should establish himself as dog's true packleader.

Activity

Though not a fussy eater, the Chippiparai has lots of energy. It needs to be given jobs to do to keep the dog happy and busy. Ample exercise time in the form of walking, jogging or hiking is necessary as well as free run and playing opportunities in a secure area.