Dogs of Tamil Nadu

Pictures taken from Google. Credit goes to the various people who uploaded them. I apologise for not being able to identify the original owner of the pics.

Whenever we speak of dogs, we tend to focus on the European breeds.  This is due to their popularity and demand. Unknown to many, India has about 88 native dog breeds. Six of these breeds are from the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

Most of these dogs from Tamil Nadu evolved naturally. That makes them more suitable to the hot climate in the south. Furthermore, these dogs require less medical attention as their immune system is stronger, making them less prone to disease which are common among the European breeds.

In Tamil Nadu, we can find breeds like the famous Rajapalayam, Kombai, Alangu Mastiff, Chippiparai, Kanni and Malayeri. Both the Alangu Mastiff and Malayeri are now extinct.

Malayeri
The Malayeri (hill climber) was a shepherd dog used by the tribals to herd sheeps. It was commonly found in the hills of Tamil Nadu-Kerala border.

Alangu Mastiff
The Alangu Mastiff is a Molosser dog developed in Thanjavur. It is actually a crossbreed between the Sindh Mastiff and the Alangu Hound. The breed became extinct after the fall of their main patrons, the royal family of Thanjavur.

Alangu Mastiff

Rajapalayam
Named after the town of Rajapalayam in the district of Virudhunagar, the Rajapalayam is one of the most popular native breeds in India. It is a sight hound and the most prized colour is pure white with pink nose. The Rajapalayam was used by the Palayakars in their war against Tipu Sultan and later the British. The dogs were trained to attack the cavalry unit and their horses. These dogs are tall and lean.

Rajapalayam

Rajapalayam

Rajapalayam

Rajapalayam

Rajapalayam

Rajapalayam pups

Chippiparai
The Chippiparai is another sight hound found in the south. These dogs are believed to be descended from the Saluki. Chippiparai dogs were bred by the royal families of Madurai and Tirunelveli. The dogs were used as hunting dogs. Even today, the locals use these dogs in their hunting expedition.

Chippiparai

Chippiparai

Chippiparai

Chippiparai

Chippiparai

Chippiparai pup

Kanni
The Kanni is similar to the Chippiparai. They share the common ancestor. Like the Chippiparai, Kanni is also used in hunting. It's name in Tamil means virgin or unmarried girl. In ancient times, Kanni was one of the dowry (marriage gifts) given by the bride's family. This custom was practiced by the Kambalathu Naicker community.

Kanni

Kanni

Kanni

Kanni

Kanni

Kanni pup

Kombai

The Kombai is perhaps the most ferocious of the native breeds. Unlike the Chippiparai, 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 tigers and leopards. This breed was a favorite choice of the Mukkulathor chieftains.

During Sivagangai's war against the British in late 18th century, it is written in records of the British that the forts 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 their very end and this is featured in ballads sung by the locals.

Kombai

Kombai

Kombai

Kombai

Kombai pup

To some, these dogs may not look as beautiful as the European breeds, but they are certainly of good quality. The kennel associations in Tamil Nadu need to ensure that there are proper breeding programs to protect the remaining native breeds from becoming extinct.