What makes the Chippiparai Unique?
Bred by royal families in Chippiparai near Madurai district Tamil Nadu, it was kept as a symbol of royalty and dignity in tirunelveli and madurai rulers.
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| Size: | Males – 63.5 cm (25 inches) Females – 63.5 cm (25 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 15 to 20 kg (48 to 65 pounds) Females – 15 to 20 kg (48 to 65 pounds) |
| Origin: | India |
| Life Span: | 12 – 14 Years |
| Colour: | Fawn, reddish brown, slight black tinged coat, silver-grey, with very limited or no white markings and long curved tail |
| Litter Size: | 3 to 6 puppies |
Is the Chippiparai Right For You?
The Chippiparai is a breed of sighthound native to Southern India. The breed is most common in the state of Tamil Nadu where it is thought to have originated, but it is also found in lesser numbers in the neighboring state of Kerala. The Chippiparai is well-known in its homeland for its minimal feeding requirements, great hardiness, gentle temperament, very fast speed, and keen hunting instincts. Like many Indian breeds, the Chippiparai is now very rare, and most experts are worried that it is in imminent danger of extinction. The breed is currently recognized by both major Indian Kennel Clubs, but most breed members remain unregistered and/or unpedigreed. The Chippiparai is also sometimes referred to as the Tamil Greyhound, Tamil Sighthound, or Tamil Coursing Dog.
In 5 Words
- Loyal
- Independent
- Robust
- Watchdog
- Intelligent
Characteristics
Learn About the Chippiparai
Description
The Chippiparai is a breed of sighthound native to Southern India. The breed is most common in the state of Tamil Nadu where it is thought to have originated, but it is also found in lesser numbers in the neighboring state of Kerala. The Chippiparai is well-known in its homeland for its minimal feeding requirements, great hardiness, gentle temperament, very fast speed, and keen hunting instincts. Like many Indian breeds, the Chippiparai is now very rare, and most experts are worried that it is in imminent danger of extinction. The breed is currently recognized by both major Indian Kennel Clubs, but most breed members remain unregistered and/or unpedigreed. The Chippiparai is also sometimes referred to as the Tamil Greyhound, Tamil Sighthound, or Tamil Coursing Dog.
Short History of the Chippiparai
The Chippiparai is a sight hound breed of dog from the south of India. Thought to be a descendant of the Saluki, today it is found in the area around Periyar Lake. It is used primarily for hunting wild boar, deer and hare. It is also used for guarding the home. Bred by royal families in Chippiparai near Madurai district Tamil Nadu, it was kept as a symbol of royalty and dignity in tirunelveli and madurai rulers.
Temperament
The Chippiparai is a robust animal needing little or no veterinary care. It does need lots of exercise, as it was and is a breed meant to hunt. Chippiparai is an intelligent breed and a wonderful watch dog. Contrary to the belief that it is a one -man dog, Chippiparai gets along well with people if it is properly socialized. Chippiparai loves human companionship and it hates to be in isolation. It is capable of great speed and can overtake a hare with ease.
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. It is easy to groom and does not shed much due to its short coat length.
Caring for Your Chippiparai
General Health
It does not appear that any health studies have been conducted on the Chippiparai which makes it impossible to make any definitive statements on the breed’s health. However, veterinarians and fanciers of the breed are universal in their opinion that this is an incredibly healthy breed. No genetic problems have been identified as being of concern in this breed, and most specimens live their entire lives with no serious health problems. This does not mean that the Chippiparai is immune to genetically inherited diseases, but it does mean that the breed suffers from fewer of them and at lower rates than most purebred dogs. Not only is the Chippiparai largely free from inherited diseases, but it is generally not susceptible to contagious diseases and parasites. After centuries of living in India, the Chippiparai has developed natural resistances and immunities to most communicable diseases and parasites, and is both less likely to develop them and die from them than most breeds.
Grooming & Bathing
The Chippiparai is a very low maintenance breed. These dogs never require professional grooming, only a regular brushing. Other than that, only those routine maintenance procedures which all breeds require such as nail clipping and an occasional bath are necessary. There do not seem to be any reports on the Chippiparai’s shedding. It is probably fair to assume that this breed does shed, but probably not heavily.
Exercise & Training
Chippiparais were bred to conduct intense physical activity over a period of several hours. This breed has substantial exercise requirements, and should receive at least 45 minutes to an hour of vigorous exercise on a daily basis. This dog greatly enjoys walks and jogs, but truly craves an opportunity to run freely in a safely enclosed area. Breed members that are not provided proper outlets for their energy will probably develop behavioral problems such as destructiveness, hyperactivity, over excitability, and nervousness. That being said, the Chippiparai does not have extreme needs, and the average dedicated family will be able to meet their needs without too much difficulty.
Chippiparai Picture Gallery
