THE RAJAPALAYAM BREED OF DOG

 The Rajapalayam breed  of dog

There are a large population of dog varieties; but, what fascinates is the exclusive features that make thisa pride possesssion.  Historically, designed to be a hectichunter from chosen parental breeds. It is said that the former ‘Rajas’ of the area [Rajapalayam] were interested in hunting wild boars / similar intruders to farms and fields. Quite absorbing are the versatile features of the breed . The breed can be a single handed hunter in ferociously capturing the target; undaunted by obstructions or threats the dog can relentlessly fight for its success. It can join master for a hunting game; also it can partner with a fellow hunter of the same breed where upon the two spontaneously understand the tricks of  capturing the target whether or not the trainer/ master is around. However, with gaming having lost the sheen of patronage, these dogs serve ably in guarding farms/ estates or vast territories like factories/ manufacturing units.

The reputation for the skills of these dogs is in such an esteem that many households  keep them as pets and as excellent guards of houses and inmates from intruders. The animal looks pretty slim, tall measuring about 2 feet and a half or more, basically milk white with a typical brown or purple nose at the tip of a long snout drawn out from spherical head. Of late, some brown fur or patches of brown fur appear too, possibly from parental breeds.

The animal stands stiff  watching keen, agile in movements with long slim limbs , quite a compact abdomen and coiled tail.Though slim, the jaws are said to be savageously powerful. Eye colour is variable –golden, green or brown. Occasional ones have whitish or blue eye colour and are invariably deaf ;so breeders   avoid these whitish/bluish eye for breeding. They have button ears [small, roundish].

These are valiant fighters cum guards keeping company with our jawans [army personnel] in zones not very cold, as these arepoor in cold tolerance while they are tireless through harsh summer of South India.

In order that Native dog breeds do not get”mixed” or do not outruight disappear due to ‘non-patronage’, governments –National and Regional strive to preserve the breed purity . In saidapet, Chennai, a dog breeding unit was established in 1980s . The unit helps to rear native dog breeds like Rajapalayam, Kombai , Kanni , Chippippaarai* etc.

In recognition of its nativity and ability in guarding/ hunting Government of India has released Postage stamp [Rs 15/-]  2005, on Rajapalayam dog breed.

*Like Rajapaalayam breeds, Chippippaarai also is very intelligent ,grand fighter ; but obeys one master, does not like pat or food by anyone other than the master. This feature is ideal for police dogs and infact TN police has efectively trained and used Chippippaarai in police jobs.

Prof. K. Raman