Rajapalayam (dog)

Semi-adult male rajapalayam dog. Pink nose, paws & mouth.

It is a large dog, usually measuring about 65–75 cm (25–30 inches) at the withers. It is a hound, and therefore should be kept in optimum working condition. It tends to be heavier boned than most sighthounds, but shares the depth of chest and basic body structure. Its facial structure is considerably different from that of a Caravan Hound, as it is meant primarily for hunting wild boar. The tail has a slight curl.

Rajapalayam Puppies

The most prized colour is milk white, with a pink nose and golden eye. In the past, puppies of colour were usually culled from the litters since the owners preferred the pure white dogs. The coat is single, short, and fine. An extremely handsome and graceful dog, the Rajapalayam has a gait similar to the trotting of a thoroughbred horse. As with many fully white dogs, there is a high incidence of deafness in this breed. Typically puppies born with whitish or blue eyes are deaf.[3] Many Rajapalayam dogs suffer from mange, though this is usually not a serious problem. Mange is not a skin problem and is actually caused by several different species of mites, so it is the treatment of mites and keeping the dogs away from things they might be exposed to mites from, basically a care issue rather than a breed issue.

The Rajapalayam dog is courageous, ready to boldly take on wild boars. Breeders are known to cull shy and weak pups; this cruel practice has resulted in a dog that is confident, seldom shy and has a stable temperament. Spaying or neutering these pups while placing in "pet" homes would have the same impact. They are a one-person dog and do not like to be handled by strangers. However, they are friendly and adapts well to family.

The Rajapalayam is a formidable guard dog. They guard their home, territory fiercely. They are not timid or fearful and will readily go on the offensive and take on any intruders head-on. Early socialization helps them to adapt to friends and other pets.

The Rajapalayam dog is intelligent and is known to act independently without human guidance. This trait was important when dealing with large and aggressive wild boars. Despite the ban on hunting in India, the Rajapalayam has retained many of its original characteristics, making them an excellent all-round dog.

Rajapalayam hounds were primarily bred and used by Chola dynasty of Tamil Nadu. The Rajapalayam dog was used during the Carnatic Wars and Polygar War to attack the British cavalry in battle as Rajapalayams were very fast, strong and aggressive in attacking the opponents. They are largely used to guard the rice fields, houses and farms. In the last two decades Indian Army started using them as guard dogs to support the army in the borders of Kashmir.

The pure Rajapalayam are found in isolated pockets around southern Tamil Nadu. A dog breeding unit was established at Saidapet, Chennai, during 1980–81. This unit primarily rears native breeds like the Rajapalayam, Combai, kanni, and Chippiparai.[4] To create awareness and encourage dog lovers to rear native breeds, the Animal Husbandry Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu participates in dog shows. Localities have established a cooperative and interested families are given female dogs and expertise that is required for large-scale breeding. The Indian Postal Department has brought out postage stamps on the Rajapalayam,[5] as well as the Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, and the Himalayan Sheepdog. The Kennel Club of India has taken up the cause of the Rajapalayam. With the club's cooperation, the "Save the Rajapalayam Project" has been launched.

• Pampas Deerhound