Pedigreed hunters and protectors

Mainly used as hunters and guard dogs in ancient days, the Rajapalayam, Chippiparai, Kanni and the Combai breeds still display their instinctive skills.

February 06, 2012 07:01 pm | Updated 07:01 pm IST

Rajapalayam

Rajapalayam

They've featured in our history, but not in our history books. They've been a part of our life and lifestyle for centuries but not anymore. That's the fate of the pure Indian dog breeds; not to be confused with the common mongrels, because, for one they are breeds just like their more familiar imported counterparts like Labradors and German Shepherd with their own set of physical traits and characteristics; second, they are not common!

There are 86 Indian breeds out of which six are indigenous to South India, especially Tamil Nadu.

They are the Rajapalayam, Chippiparai, Kanni, Combai, Alangu and Malaieri. Out of these, the Alangu and Malaieri are extinct. The Alangu was a Mascus that was patronised by the Tanjore royal family. With the fall of royalty, the breed too died out owing to lack of patronage and awareness. The Malaieri was a shepherd dog that was mainly used by the tribals to rear sheep.

True to its name, which in Tamil means “mountain climber”, this breed was found along the hills in the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border.

“Even the other breeds are so diluted in their breeding that finding pure breeds will turn out to be quite a task,” says Mrs. Sudha of Sanjeevi Kennels, a breeder of Indian pure breeds. “If you want to buy a Rajapalayam, don't go to Rajapalaym (the city after which it is named). Even there you can't find pure breeds instead you will be left with a so-called Rajapalayam that has been dyed white, with a nose that's painted pink.”

Affectionate!

One of the reasons for their diminishing numbers is the belief that Indian dog breeds are ferocious. “They are not!” says Mrs. Sudha. In fact, these breeds are affectionate just like any other dogs and make excellent guard dogs. “Rajapalayams especially are very good with children,” she explains. Also, most Indian dog breeds are well suited for our weather conditions and are less prone to common infections and disorders.

These dogs which were mainly used as hunters and guard dogs require a lot of exercise. When it is unable to get that, it becomes aggressive. That is why, these Indian breeds are best suited in farms or houses with larges open spaces or homes where the owners can assure them of plenty of exercise.

Besides breeders like Mrs. Sudha and several canine has clubs, even the government stepped in to protect the Indian breeds. A Dog Breeding Unit was established at Saidapet, Chennai, during 1980-81 to rear native breeds.

The breeds

Rajapalayam: It is an Indian Sighthound that belonged to the town of Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar district, in Tamil Nadu.

Characterised by its pure white coat and pink nose, they were once the companions of royal households and zamindars.

It was the effort of the zamindars and their interest that has seen this breed survive in larger numbers compared to their Indian breeds.

The slender-bodied Rajapalayams are similar to the Poligar Hounds of Karnataka.

The Poligers were war dogs that were used in Tipu Sultan's army and were said to be unafraid to attack the horse cavalry.

Combai: The Combai is a bear hound, that appears more powerful than a Rajapalaym because of its heavy built.

It is usually red or brown with a black mask. This breed finds a mention in history as early as 9th century BC, a time when the Marawa Kings ruled the South.

Chippiparai: It is a sight hound said to be a descendant of the Saluki - one of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dog.

These hunting dogs were used to hunt bigger games, and were bred by the royal families of Tiruneveli and Madurai. It has fawn, reddish brown, black-tinged coat.

Kanni: This hunting breed is also said to be the descendant of Saluki and is found the Southern districts of Tamil Nadu like Tirunelveli, Kovilpatti, Sivakasi and Madurai. Its name in Tamil means “unammaried girl”. It was named so because they were usually given as a gift to the bridegroom at the time of the wedding as a part of the dowry. The common colours are black, tan and brown. This agile creature is best suited to hunt smaller game.

Over the years, Kanni has been inter-bred with a variety of dog called the Vengai which had stripes like a tiger. Both the Chippiparai and Kanni, even if untrained, are guided by instinct. They do not kill the game and just retrieve them.

Historical tale

Towards the end of the 18th centry, Sivaganagi was ruled by the Marudhu brothers - Periya Marudhu and Chinna Marudhu. They were the first to demand independence from the British and hence became the target of the British army's attacks.

While the brothers were caught and even their army defeated, it is noted in the records of the British, that the fort which was guarded by the Combais were almost impregnable until every one of the dogs was killed. These fierce dogs put up a brave fight till the very end and their bravery features in ballads sung by the locals.

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