Kombai Dog: Breed Information, Facts and Characteristics

Author:
S RAI
Updated:
Nov 5, 2023

The Kombai Dog

The Kombai is a powerful working dog that is native to the Southern Indian region of Tamil Nadu. When Maravar kings held sway over South India, Kombai were used for hunting boar, bison, and deer. The breed is also known as the Indian or Tamil Bear Hound.

The Kombai is usually tan or red-brown with a black mask and a ridgeline along its back. It has very powerful jaws, a deep and broad chest, and erect ears. These dogs are very active and savage, but at the same time they're very protective of their owners. Kombai don't like the company of unknown dogs or other animals and are very aggressive towards them. They have been known to fight intruders—human or animal—to the death.

It is difficult to find a purebred Kombai, as the importance of this dog has diminished and the breed is listed as endangered.

Facts About the Kombai Dog Breed

The Kombai is one of very few ancient dog breeds that still exist.
In an ancient historical temple in Tamil Nadu dated 580–630, there is a statue of a war dog, known as "Kovivan," that look like Kombai dogs.
The Kombai is a dog of Southern Indian origin, which it's biologically suited for living in the tropical climate.
Kombai is a naturally healthy and self-dependent dog breed that needs less grooming and vet care than most dogs.
The Kombai is basically a working dog, but it is a very strong and courageous dog that has also been used to participate in dogfighting.
The Kombai is also known as one-man dog that makes an excellent dog for personal protection.

Appearance and Characteristics

The Kombai dogs are medium-sized, hardy and strong-bodied dogs, developed to be a watchdog and to participate in dogfighting and large game hunting (like wild boars). Because of the way these dogs were bred, their behavior is also in line with that behavior.

Kombai is an active and athletic dog.
Kombai are reserved and aloof dogs that do not welcome strangers, but they get along well with kids.
Kombai dogs are highly territorial and do not like other dogs in their territory, but they are good with other pets.
The Kombai is an intelligent, energetic and alert dog that makes a good watch dog.

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Breed Information and Physical Traits

The Kombai is a medium-sized, powerful, courageous, sturdy dog that is naturally healthy. It has broad and deep chest, big head, strong muzzle and athletic body.

Origin: Tamilnadu, India
Category: Guard dog
Weight: Male 25–32 kg; Female 20–25 kg
Height: Male 40–52 cm; Female 38–48 cm
Coat: Single, short coat
Color: Red or brown with black mask
Life Span: 9–13 years

Personality and Temperament

The Kombai is a territorial and dominant dog that is aloof and reserved. It's very protective of its family and livestock, and due to highly protective nature, it shows aggression to strangers. Also, it's a territorial dog that reflects aggression towards others dogs. Kombai dogs were bred to hunt, and they have excellent hunting talent. Kombai are suitable to live in the tropical Southern Indian weather.

The Origin and Breed History

Kombai is one of the ancient dogs of India. The oldest history of its breed is tracked to Kambam-Uthampalayam village in Tamil Nadu state of Southern India. Many Indians also believe that like Indian Pariah dogs, Kombai are also the oldest dog breed.

The Kombai was developed as a hunting and war dog in ancient India, used for the protection of temples outside of the cities, which were often threatened by wild animals. To protect against animals and to protect temple wealth from thieves, Kombai dogs were also used as a watchdog. There is a historical temple in Eduthanur, Tamil Nadu, in which there is an ancient statue, possibly as old as 580–630 CE, which is a man and his dog Kovivan. This is a good indication of the age of these ancient dogs.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.