The Combai is a bear hound found in the south of India.Indigeneous purebreed indian dog/Mongrel very native to india called the combai / kombai believed to be originated from Tamilnadu - The IndianBear Hound. HISTORY/LEGACY :
The War Veteran:
The Kombai has a long history dating back to the 19th century and it is believed that these dogs originated during the period of the Marava Rule in South In
dia . Stories indicate that these dogs were used in warfare and hunting by The Marudhu brothers who were the first to issue a proclamation of independence from the colonial British rule from Trichy, Tamil Nadu on 10 June in the year 1801. After this period the Kombai dogs almost vanished from existence and original Komabai’s are very few in number. Authentic Kombai’s can still be found in small interior villages of Tamil Nadu. Efforts are being made to revive the Kombai’s from the verge of extinction. One of the main reason for the extinction of these breeds is the invent of wildlife prevention programs since these dogs were thriving in the jungles before gaining recent recognition. The very few Kombai’s that remained in the jungles were kept by rural hunters who did not give much attention to breed retention and resulted in interbreeding with mongrels. As a result there are many dogs today that resemble the Kombai but very few original breeds remain existent. APPEARANCE :
The Kombai/Combai dog is usually tan or red brown with a black mask, and with a dark line along the back. The chief differences between the Rajapalayam and the Combai breeds are that the Combai has more powerful jaws, often with a black mouth, much more pendent ears, a more savage temper, and a tendency to be much more active than the rajapalayam. It is also slightly shorter than the Rajapalayam, but appears heavier because of its powerful build. Their coats are easily maintainable, and are less prone to skin disorders, fungal and yeast infections, and parasite infestation. The breed, having evolved naturally many centuries ago, is more immune to most diseases compared to the human-designed breeds. ORIGIN :
The Combai is a very ancient breed of dog, used in hunting. Once available in large numbers throughout Southern India, the Combai is now restricted to certain parts of Tamil Nadu and to some special kennels.The original old bloodline Combai has become even very rare. It is often mistaken as a combination of other breeds because of its gigantic appearance when compared with the combai which is available with the breeders. TEMPERAMENT:
As a guard dog, the Combai is superior to the Rajapalayam. 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 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 demanding circumstances, they can fight intruders (whether humans or animals) until death. USES :
The Kombai is perhaps the most ferocious of the native breeds unlike the chippirai,kanni and rajapalayam which are sight hounds.The kombai is a bear hound. Kombai's powerful jaws and heavy appearance made it a suitable guard dog.The Dogs were also used to hunt bears and protect the livestock from leopords,cayotes,and even tigers.This breed was a favourite choice of mukkulathor chieftains. During Sivagangai's war against the British in late 18th centuary.it is written in records of the british that the forts were guarded by these breeds were almost impregnable until every one of the dogs were killed. The fierce kombais are said to defend their masters till thier very end and this is featured in the ballads sung by the locals as well.
