Scientific name Canis lupus familiaris Higher classification Dog Temperament Savage, Aggressive | Origin India Rank Breed Colors Red, Brown | |
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Other names Indian Boar Hound
Indian Boardog Breed status Not recognized as a standardized breed by any major kennel club. Similar Chippiparai, Rajapalayam, Kanni, Mudhol Hound, Rampur Greyhound | ||
The Kombai is a boar hound found in and around the Tamil Nadu state as well as bordering areas of the state of Kerala India. It is considered an extremely loyal, intelligent and powerful native breed.
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Appearance
The Kombai is usually tan or red brown with a black mask at muzzle, little bit black hairs on toes and ears and a dark line along the back, white patch on chest are acceptable. Piebald also called porru and brindle also called pullisaral in Tamil language varieties are accepted by fanciers. But dominantly Black mask tan or red brown is found all over Tamil Nadu and called Karuvaisevalai or Karumunjinaai. Apart from this no other colours are found. Height for kombai is around 24"-26"for males although females are two inches shorter, weight is around 35 kilo grams for males and females are nearly five kilo grams lighter. The chief differences between the Rajapalayam and the Kombai breeds are that the Kombai has more powerful jaws, with a black masked mouth, much more pendent ears, 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.
Temperament
As a guard dog, the Kombai is superior to the Rajapalayam. The Kombai 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 Kombai is as intelligent and sensible dog breed, always ready to please master and other family members. It is an athletic and intelligent breed. Contrary to the popular belief of its savage temper, the Kombai 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 Kombai 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 Kombai now-a-days, as the importance of this dog has diminished.
Kombai may seen lazy and sleepy but in seconds they become alert. In demanding circumstances, they can fight intruders (whether humans or animals) until death.
History
The Kombai is an ancient breed of dog, used in hunting. The Combai was used for hunting boar, bison and deer. Once available in large numbers throughout Southern India, the Kombai is now restricted to certain parts of Tamil Nadu and to some special kennels.The original old bloodline Kombai has become even very rare. It is often mistaken as a combination of other breeds because of its gigantic appearance when compared with the Kombai which is available with the breeders.
The Kombai’s existence can be traced back to the 15th century and historically, they are known to have been bred to hunt wild boar, deer, and bison. Some breed enthusiasts and natives of South India believe that the breed existed even as far back as the 9th century. Kombais were used by the armies of the Marudhu brothers or Marudhu Pandias, who headed the revolt against the British subjugation of the Kalaiar Koil of the Sivakasi Kingdom at the beginning of the 19th century.
Kombais continue to be popular in South India and are celebrated as not just strong hunters but loyal family pets.