Combai

The Combai, also known as Indian Terrier, is a dog breed found evolved in the foothills of Western Ghats of South India. Dog is famed for its aggression and loyalty was almost driven to the brink of extinction[1] and now has been revived in around Tamil Nadu state by dog enthusiasts and they have been instrumental in popularizing the breed in other states in India. It is considered an extremely loyal, intelligent and powerful native breed.[2]

Combai
Other namesKombai
OriginIndia
Traits
Weight Male 25–30 kg (55–66 lb)
Female 20–25 kg (44–55 lb)
Height Male 40–50 cm (16–20 in)
Litter size 5–10
Life span 9–13
Dog (domestic dog)

Kombai has been recognised by Kennel Club of India and has been well represented in the shows conducted by their Tamil Nadu Chapter. The dog can be classified into terrier group for its balanced squarish structure, sharp movements, gait, trot, facial structure and tail hold. It has joined the Dog Breeding and Training School of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Bengaluru, on a pilot basis in 2020.

Description

Appearance

The Combai is usually tan or red brown mostly found with a black mask at muzzle, pendant, pricked ears and fairly square-bodied dog where its height and length are almost equal. Rear leg angulation is closely related to that of the terrier and are highly energetic and loyal breed. Height for Combai is around 23-25"[3]for males although females are two inches shorter, weight is around 30 kilograms for males and females are nearly five kilograms lighter. Their coats are easily maintainable, and are less prone to skin disorders, fungal and yeast infections, and parasite infestations. The breed, having evolved naturally many centuries ago, is more immune to most diseases compared to the human-designed breeds.[4]

Kombai has a double coat with brick coarse short hair on the outer and soft fawn coloured internal coat which give it a distinctive pattern[5]. Black colouration on the muzzle is usually predominant and it grays as the dog geta older. Muzzle structure is squarish and muscular. Kombai is rarely overweight and a balanced Kombai always tends to keep itself fit to move around. Due to short hair the shedding is hardly noticeable.

Temperament

As a guard dog, the Combai is very effective, alert and adaptable to the conditions. It is fairly aggressive towards strangers, and is aloof to them[5]. The Combai were used as home and livestock guardians as it has high pain tolerance. Nowadays, they 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 an intelligent and sensible dog breed, always ready to please its master and other family members. It is athletic, intelligent and alert, radiating calm dog energy (CDE) much like the Rottweiler. Contrary to the popular belief of its ferocious 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 who is 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[5].

Combai continue to be popular in South India and are celebrated as not just strong hunters but loyal family pets. Many Combai lovers and kennels have come together to re-populate Combai.[6]

Notes
  • It is commonly confused with the Mandhai dogs, and so is often referred to, or known as, a Rajapalayam (Combai dogs are entirely different from the Rajapalayam by origin, and its fighting behaviour resemble the lion's - hit with legs first in neck).
  • It tends to be only really recognised in India.

References
  1. "Combai". The Times of India. April 18, 2020.
  2. Kolappan, B. (September 8, 2014). "Bid to popularise ferocious Kombai" – via www.thehindu.com.
  3. "Kombai Dog Breed Information | Dogspot.in". DogSpot.
  4. "Combai – Incredibly Fierce and Savage". Retrieved February 13, 2017.
  5. says, Sada Chamarti. "Kombai Dog - Bull Terrier of Tamil Nadu (COMBAI BREED GUIDE)". The Smart Canine.
  6. "Kanni and Kombai dog breeds to be reared at dog breeding unit at Saidapet | Chennai News - Times of India". The Times of India.
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