What makes the Combai Unique?
The Combai is a very ancient breed of dog, used in hunting as early as the 9th century B.C., when the Maravar kings held sway over South India.
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Is the Combai Right For You?
A Combai is as intelligent and sensible a family dog as a German Shepherd, and as ferocious as a Rottweiler to intruders. It is an athletic and intelligent breed. Contrary to the popular belief of its savage temper, the Combai is very alert, a good family dog, loves to play with children and enjoys human companionship. It clearly senses who is welcome and not. As an intelligent dog, the Combai strives to please its master and generally responds to the mood and command of its master from its infancy. It is difficult to find a purebred Combai now-a-days, as the importance of this dog has diminished.
In 5 Words
- Savage
- Aggressive
- Intelligent
- Sensible
- Family Dog
Characteristics
Learn About the Combai
Description
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, black mask and a savage temper. It has, like Rhodesian Ridgeback, a ridge of fur along its back.
Short History of the Combai
The Combai Dog originated from India. These dogs are also known as Indian Bear Hound, Indian Beardog and Kombai. It was believed that these red or brown coated and black masked dogs have evolved from wolves just like the majority of ancient dogs. These dogs that were used to hunt boar, deer and bison have a long rich and proud history. The Combi dog’s existence can be traced back to the 15th century. However, breed enthusiasts and natives of the southern parts of India believed that the breed has existed as far back as the 9th century when south India is under the influence of the Marava Kings.
This theory though was not supported by documents thus it was not scientifically proven. Combai dogs are considered to be ancient treasures. These dogs have been used by the army of the Marudhu brothers. The Marudhu brothers, widely known as Marudhu Pandias headed the revolt against the British subjugation of the Kalaiar Koil of the Sivkasi Kingdom at the beginning of the 19th century. The Combai is considered to be a rare breed. Years ago these dogs existed in large numbers in Southern India but because hunting has declined due to wildlife preservation programs breed population has decreased as well.
While other countries have established programs to restore their indigenous canine breeds, India seemed to have made no serious attempts to preserve Indian canine breeds until in 1981 when a breeding unit was established in Chennai to breed the Rampur Hound, the Rajapalayam and the Combia. Presently finding purebred Combai would be difficult as the dogs are only found in some special kennels and in some areas in Tamil Nadu.Combai dogs also contributed in Marudhu brothers’ revolt against the British conquerors.
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 tigers and leopards. A Combai is as intelligent and sensible a family dog as a German shepherd, and as ferocious as Rottweiler to intruders. It is an athletic and intelligent breed. Against the popular belief of its savage temper, the Combai is very alert, a good family dog, loves to play with children and enjoys human companionship.
It clearly senses who is welcome and not. As an intelligent dog, the Combai strives to please its master and generally responds to the mood and command of its master from its infancy. Combai breed dogs 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.
As mentioned, a Combai’s vicious temperament is similar to that of a Bull Terrier. In recent years, these dogs are commonly utilized as guard dogs. Very protective of its family, the dog will not hesitate to give its own life to save its people from danger. A Combai is an easy breed to train especially if the master has established its position as the pack leader of the dog. A Combai will not do well in an apartment as this is a very energetic breed. The dog will thrive in a home with a large yard where the dog can satisfy its exercise requirements.
Caring for Your Combai
Grooming & Bathing
The Combai is a short coated breed. A potential owner opting to have this dog for a pet will be saved from the tedious grooming routine. Brushing the coat occasionally would be enough to maintain its good condition. Frequent bathing will not be necessary. The dog has pendent ears. This type of ears is prone to infection thus ears must be cleaned regularly.
Exercise & Training
The Combai is a very active and athletic dog that requires a substantial amount of exercise. Individual breed members vary tremendously in their exercise requirements, with hunting lines usually requiring more and guarding lines usually requiring less. Combai is almost exclusively used as a guard and hunting dog, there are almost no reports as to its trainability other than for those tasks although it is said to take to both naturally with essentially no training.
Combai Picture Gallery
