The Combai is a strong and alert dog that looks similar to a dingo. It has a short and dense coat that matches its muscular body. Like the Rhodesian Ridgeback, it has a ridge of hair running down its spine. Originally used by Indian Royalty to hunt dangerous animals like bears and tigers, the Combai is now kept as a loyal companion and guard dog. Unfortunately, this beautiful dog is becoming rare even in its homeland and may face extinction due to the popularity of European breeds in India.
The Combai is known for its protective nature and loyalty towards its family. It is naturally resilient to sickness and parasites in the Southern Indian region where it originates from, making it a tough and sturdy breed. It enjoys spending time with its family and is especially gentle and understanding towards younger members. The dog’s strong dedication and eagerness to serve its master are highly valued by its owners.
Below, we look at Combai dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Combai, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Combais!
| Dog Breed | Combai |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 25-50 lbs (average) |
| Height | 17-25″ (average) |
| Location | India |
| Ancestry | Mastiff-type, Thai Ridgeback |
| Date of Origin | Ancient Times |
| Group | Guarding, Hunting, Companion |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years |
| Price | $1200 – $1800 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Combai, an ancient breed, has a lineage dating back to the 15th century or even earlier. These dogs were highly valued in ancient times for their rich red coat and black mask. They were known for their strength and eagerness to please, making them excellent hunting companions for wild boar, deer, and even bears. It is believed that they were used by the army of the Marudhu Pandiars, who led a revolt against British subjugation in the Sivakasi Kingdom.
The Combai is not friendly towards strangers, making them ideal guard dogs. They are fiercely loyal and will fight to the death to protect their owners. Throughout history, they were primarily kept by the nobility of Southern India, who used them for hunting. They were skilled at hunting bears and were commonly referred to as the Bear Dog or Bear Hound. They were also successful in hunting lions, tigers, and leopards, earning them great acclaim and respect. However, as the Indian nobility lost power and the landscape of India changed, the Combai’s purpose as a hunting dog diminished. They transitioned into being guard dogs for rural farmers.
As time went on and India’s population increased, the remaining prey became scarce, leaving the Combai with no purpose. Consequently, their numbers began to decline, and they are now considered a highly endangered breed. Unless immediate action is taken to save them, experts predict that the Combai may face extinction in the near future.
🐕 Combai Appearance
The Combai is a tough breed of dog with a strong, athletic, slender build designed for hunting. They can take on creatures that are twice their size or larger because to their strong jaws and legs. They have a well-proportioned compact body, long, powerful legs, strong shoulders, and a thick, muscular neck. The wedge-shaped head of the creature has a long, tapering muzzle, and its lips, ears, and eyes are all covered in a dark mask. Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback, they have a fur ridge that runs down their back. The round, deep brown or amber eyes have a vivid, highly expressive expression. They don’t miss anything since the dog is always aware of everything that is happening. The Combai’s color can vary quite a bit, although they are often a deep red, tan, or chestnut brown. The darker spots on the dog’s coat are beautiful since they accentuate their face. Long and feathery, it frequently curls up just a bit and is held up pretty high. The future of this stunning dog breed, which has a lengthy history but has challenges competing with other imported dog varieties, is doubtful.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Red, Brown, Sable |
⚡ Fun Fact: Combai dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Combai
Despite the misconception that the Combai dog is ferociously temperamented or vicious, this breed has a long history of being a loving and devoted family companion. In the past, the Combai was employed to track and hunt formidable prey rather than just any old prey. For instance, Indian royalty utilized them to hunt solid bison as well as wild boar, bears, and tigers. These creatures were much larger and more powerful than the Combai, but the dog’s sheer tenacity and will to carry out their owner’s instructions gave them the reputation of being ferocious. There is no doubting that the Combai will put their own lives in danger to protect their owner and family. But at home, this gentle dog enjoys socializing with its owners and simply asks to be left alone by strangers. This dog is innately aware of who is and is not welcome. From a young age, the Combai make every effort to impress their leader and comply with his or her orders. Being an energetic breed, they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Fortunately, they are simple to teach as long as you are consistent in your approaches and can earn the dog’s respect without using force. This magnificent dog, which has a lovely look and is adored by its owners, is worth every effort to preserve its declining numbers.
🤝 Are Combais Friendly or Aggressive?
Combai dogs are happiest when they are the only pet in the family. They are not very friendly towards strangers, but they are great with kids. If you have children, a Combai dog would be a good option. However, they are not friendly towards cats or other dogs, so if you want to have multiple dogs or participate in dog gatherings, the Combai may not be the most suitable choice. Additionally, Combai dogs are often recommended for elderly individuals.
This breed is known for being:
- Protective
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Brave
- Guarding
🐩 Combai Care & Maintenance
The Combai dog is a remarkably healthy and easy to maintain dog. Their dense short hair remains almost unruffled and always looks great. A rub down with a soft cloth will take care of any dust or dirt and will produce a fine sheen on the coat. When your dog does need a bath, ensure you use proper products, such as shampoo intended for dogs, as this will protect the natural oils within the skin and the coat. Ears and teeth are often areas where infection or injury can become deeply embedded, so make sure you check these areas each week. Brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week to ensure their teeth remain healthy. It is advisable to train them to accept tooth brushing when they are a puppy – this will prevent problems later on as they mature. Once they are used to it, the brushing of the teeth will not faze them. When you are brushing your dog’s coat, it is a great opportunity to search for any cuts or grazes that may become infected. Check lightly haired areas for parasites. Keeping on top of such things prevents small injuries from becoming a big problem.
Combai dogs have minimal shedding, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss can vary based on their overall health and the specific breed they belong to. In terms of bathing, it is recommended to give Combai dogs a bath every 4-6 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 3 cups daily, costing you about $1.50 – $1.90 daily, or around $39.00 – $52.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Combai dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 14 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Combai dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn’t the perfect choice for you.
❤️🩹 Combai Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Combai Dog Breed can be:
- Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
While minor concerns include:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Sensitivity or Allergy to Anesthesia
🤧 Important: Is Combai hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Combai.
⚡ Combai Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Combai a great choice for families with young children?
The Combai is a great choice for families with young children because they are known to be gentle and tolerant with small children in their family ‘pack’. They have a natural instinct to protect their family, including children.
Is the Combai breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Combai breed is not considered suitable for apartment living. They are active dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are best suited for homes with a large yard or outdoor space where they can run and play.
How much exercise does a Combai require compared to other breeds?
The Combai requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They are active dogs that need daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Regular long walks, runs, or play sessions are necessary for this breed.
Is the Combai breed known for being good with other pets?
The Combai breed can be good with other pets if properly socialized from a young age. They have a strong prey drive, so introductions should be done carefully and under supervision. They may not be suitable for homes with small animals like cats or rabbits.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Combai?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Combai include the Boxer, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the Bullmastiff. These breeds have short coats that are easy to maintain and require moderate exercise.
What are the common health issues that Combais are prone to?
The Combai is generally a healthy breed, but they may be prone to certain health issues. These can include hip dysplasia, bloat, and skin allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage these issues.
Are Combais known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Combais are known to be intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train compared to other breeds. Consistency and positive reinforcement methods are recommended for training this breed.
Are Combais more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Combais can be prone to separation anxiety if not properly trained and socialized from a young age. They form strong bonds with their family and can become anxious or stressed when left alone for long periods of time.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Combai that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Combai that are suitable for people with allergies include the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergens.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Combai are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Smaller-sized dogs similar to the Combai, such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the Boxer, can be a good choice for individuals or families with limited space. These breeds are compact and active, requiring less space compared to larger breeds.
Is the Combai breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Combai breed can be good with children with special needs, but proper socialization and supervision are important. Their gentle and tolerant nature can make them a suitable companion for children with special needs.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Combai?
The grooming needs of the Combai are relatively low compared to other breeds. Their short coat is easy to maintain and only requires occasional brushing to remove loose hair. They are moderate shedders, so regular grooming should be sufficient.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Combai dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
