Combai Dog

Breed: Combai

Coat: Short coat

 

The Combai or Indian Bear Hound is a dog of Indian origin that originated in South India and draws its name from the South Indian state of Kombai, Tamil Nadu. This athletic looking dog with ferocious temper was widely used to hunt and track down animals in the past. The sturdy features, coupled with fierce temperament, made the canine a popular choice with the rural natives. During the ancient times, these dogs were used to guard cattle and homesteads from the attacks of wild animals like lions and leopards. They are alert, intelligent, and sensitive and make great home pets. The dark-colored canine creed is healthier than the rest of their creed and is less immune to common canine health problems. Once found in large numbers, today Combai’s are facing the threat of extinction. What’s worse very little is being done to save this dog from its possible threat. For more on Combai’ read on.

 

Believed to have originated in India, Combai dog, also popular as Indian Bear Hound or Indian Beardog owing to its ability to track and hunt bears and other animals like boar, bison and wolves, is widely assumed to be a progeny of wolves. While speculations regarding the origin of Combai dog still remain to be affirmed, enthusiasts and experts trace its root back to 15th century India. Some even trace down its history to the 9^th century when South India was under the supremacy of Marava Kings. Combai dogs also contributed in Marudhu brothers’ revolt against the British conquerors.

 

All the way through its history, the Combai dog has been extensively used for hunting and tracking, thus becoming popular as watch dogs.  Its excellent ability to work in almost any terrain and climate and offer companionship, apart from safeguarding homes, won the breed immense regional popularity. Since this dog was mostly kept by the rural hunters who didn’t pay much heed to their selective breeding, the Combai was crossbred with other rural dogs and this explains their diverse morphological features. Due to its reduced importance as working dogs in India, today Combai dogs are almost on the verge of extinction and are found only in certain regions of Tamil Nadu and some special kennels.

 

This medium sized dog, that somewhat resembles a Dingo in appearance, is a sturdy, athletic looking dog, equipped with muscular body, strong jaws, powerful legs and a savage temper. This compact looking dog comes with short head, long tapering muzzle, black mask, black ears and pendent ears. It has a short coat and the color normally ranges from rich red to brown. The ridge of fur, along the back of a Combai, distinguishes the dog from other Indian breeds. It has a long tail that stands erect.

 

A Combai dog almost resembles a Bull terrier in its savage temperament. Owing to its aggressive status, Combai dog was extensively kept and used to hunt and protect farms from lions and leopards. However, today Combai is mostly kept as guard dogs because of its high protective instinct and lovable companionship. Combais’ are extremely intelligent and sensible breed of dogs and are always inclined to impress their masters, which make them excellent choice as home pets. This energetic breed of dog is easy to train and does well in open surroundings, rather than closed apartments. They are attacking towards intruders, but gentle towards acquaintances and kids.

 

Combai dogs are less prone to skin disorders, fungal/yeast infections, and ticks/fleas infestation. Since this breed is a naturally-evolved one, it does not run the risk of acquiring disorders that are more common to man-bred dogs.

 

Due to the short coat, Combai dogs do not need tedious grooming session. Occasionally brushing of their coat is all what it takes to keep these canines in good condition. Also, these dogs don’t require everyday washing. However, regular cleaning of ears is advised, since they are prone to infection.