Rajapalayam (dog)

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Rajapalayam
Alternative names
Paleiyakaran Poligar Hound
Country of origin
India
Classification and breed standards
Not recognized by any major kennel club
Notes
Recognized by The Kennel Club of India (KCI).

The Rajapalayam is an Indian breed of dog. It was the companion of the royalty and aristocracy in Southern India, particularly in the town from where it gets its name. It is also known as the Paleiyakaran or Poligar Hound.

1 Appearance
2 Temperament
3 History
4 Future of the breed
5 External links

[edit] Appearance

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, say a Caravan, as it is meant primarily for hunting wild boar. The tail has a slight curl. The most prized colour is milk white, with a pink nose and golden eyes. However, other colours including spotted or solid, black, and brown, are known to occur. In the past, puppies of colour were usually culled from the litters since the owners preferred the pure white dogs. The coat is short and fine. An extremely handsome and graceful dog, the Rajapalayam has a gait similar to the trotting of a thoroughbred horse.

[edit] Temperament

The Rajapalayam was used predominantly for hunting wild boar and as a formidable guard dog. It needs wide open spaces and is very affectionate and devoted towards its owner, although not always demonstrative. It does not like to be touched or handled by strangers, and tends to be a one-man or one-family dog.

[edit] History

While its own origins remain unknown, it is speculated by some that the Rajapalayam may have been one of the dogs used in the breeding of the modern Dalmatian. It is also known that the Rajapalayam dog was used during the Carnatic Wars to attack the British cavalry in their stables.

[edit] Future of the breed

The pure Rajapalayam is more or less extinct, and only a few are to be found in isolated pockets around southern Tamil Nadu. The breed may vanish all together if something is not done soon to revive it. A dog breeding unit was established at Saidapet, Chennai, during 1980-81. This unit, which was eventually shut down, primarily reared native breeds like the Rajapalayam, Combai, and Chippiparai. The puppies were sold to the public. To create awareness and encourage dog lovers to rear native breeds, the Animal Husbandry Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu participated 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, as well as the Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, and the Himalayan Sheepdog. The Kennel Club of India[1] has taken up the cause of the Rajapalayam. With the club's cooperation, the "Save the Rajapalayam Project" has been launched.