Combai

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Combai is an ancient breed of dog originating in South India. It is named after the town Kombai. History tells us that these hardy dogs have a long history of existence. They were used as hunting dogs since 9th century B.C. It was used to hunt bears, boars, bisons and deer. This ferocious dog is also believed to have taken part in Marudh brother's revolt against British conquerors.

The Combai is similar in appearance to another Indian dog Rajapayalam, only shorter and heavier in built. It resembles Rhodesian Ridgeback in that the Combai sports a ridge of fur on its back that grows in the opposite direction to the growth of hair on the rest of the coat.

A Combai is as intelligent and sensible a family dog as a German shepherd, and as ferocious as Rottweiler to intruders. Temperamentally, the dog is ferocious like a Bull Terrier with a savage temperament. Contrary to common believes, the dog makes an excellent family pet.

The Combai is a medium sized dog that has the appearance of a Dingo. This hardy breed is a noted hunter of deer, wild boar and bison as it is well equipped with an athletic muscular body, strong jaws and powerful legs. The dog has a moderately sized head that is proportionate to the rather short but well developed compact body. The dog has a slightly long tapering muzzle, a black mouth and pendent ears. The long and muscular neck sits on muscular shoulders. The Combai is a short coated breed. This breed normally has a rich red or brown colored coat and a black mask. The Combai is a rare breed. This breed is commonly seen in Tamil Nadu but relatively unknown even in other parts of India. As such the dog is often mistaken as the Rajapalayam. The ridge of fur along the back of a Combai distinguishes the dog from other Indian breeds. High set moderately long tail is carried erect. This once a large population dog is quickly becoming rarer and rarer and is in a danger of extinction.

This dog is not recognized by AKC or any major Kennel club.

Color

Coat colour ranges from rich red to brown with a black mask.

Coat

The coat is short and easy to maintain.

Personality

Intelligent, loving and kind to its family and savagely ferocious to intruders, the Combai is a true guard dog. It was used to hunt medium and large game including bears, lions, tigers and was later given the role of protecting farms and homesteads from thieves and predators, the dog has adapted itself to protecting its family until death. It is a dog with a temperament of Rottweiler and intelligence of German Shepherd. The resulting Combai levels its guarding instincts with gentle and playful personality remarkably. When the dog is with its master and family, it is very friendly and loving, showing its affectionate, gentle and playful nature. When assigned a task to protect its family and possessions, the dog is entirely a different story. It will be brutal with intruders; human or animal, and will counter them with courage and fearless attitude. These dogs fight lions and leopards thus it would not be surprising if these dogs will manifest aggressive behavior against other dogs and against humans. The dog is intelligent enough to distinguish between a true threat and a guest and makes an excellent family pet and companion dog for the whole family.

Care

This short-coated dog is very easy to take care of. Its coat is very low maintenance as weekly brushing will be enough to keep the coat in good condition. Bathe when necessary. Ears should be regularly checked for infection.

Training

The Combai is relatively easy to train dog. It is a bright dog who will obey its master specially if the master has established himself as dog's packleader.

Activity

This is a working dog with lots of energy. The dog will need lots of physical activities to burn off its excessive energy levels. It can make a very good jogging partner. The dog should be taken on daily walks and given sufficient playing time in an open and secure area. The Combai is not suitable for apartment or small house living. It is best suited for families with a yard in the house.