Published in: July 2021
The dog, a mammal belonging to the omnivorous category, is among humans’ most beloved pets. Originating from wild wolves, they were domesticated by ancient humans for protection and companionship. Dogs worldwide vary widely in size, color, build, and behavior, resulting in diverse breeds. The Kennel Club has categorized over 350 dog breeds globally.
In rural areas, people keep dogs to guard their homes, fields, and livestock. City dwellers often keep dogs as companions, helpers, for entertainment, safety, or as sporting partners. Dogs’ playful behavior can also help alleviate human stress and reduce blood pressure.
Dogs are intelligent, vigilant animals, displaying loyalty to their owners throughout their lives. With the ability to hear sounds four times better and detect smells 10,000 times stronger than humans, dogs are also used by governments for security and investigative purposes.
Tamil Nadu’s indigenous dogs hold a special place, just like native bulls. However, foreign breeds are increasingly being raised in India for aesthetics or status, endangering native breeds.
Indigenous Dog Breeds of Tamil Nadu
Rajapalayam Dog: Originating from Rajapalayam in Virudhunagar district, these dogs are known for their broad chests, long legs, and tails, and striking golden eyes and pink noses. They are white-coated, about 27-30 inches tall, and weigh 30-35 kg. Historically used for hunting wild boars, they are a fierce and alert hunting breed. During the Carnatic wars, Rajapalayam dogs were used to counter British cavalry, and they are memorialized on Indian postage stamps. Known to be hostile toward strangers, they do not mix well with other pets like cats. Deafness in this breed is sometimes considered a disadvantage.
Kanni Dog: Found in places like Kovilpatti, Kazhugumalai, and Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, and Virudhunagar districts, Kanni dogs resemble African Salukis. They were used to herd and guard a breed of sheep known as Kanni, hence the name. Kanni dogs are seen in black (Karunkanni) and black-and-white (Palkanni) colors, with broad chests, slim bodies, lean waists, and curled tails. This hunting breed should not be leashed, as they are most effective in their natural, free state.
Chippiparai Dog: Native to Chippiparai in Virudhunagar, this breed is known for its yellowish, reddish, or brown coat, slender frame, tucked abdomen, broad chest, and large legs. With a speed faster than that of a hare, the Chippiparai is celebrated as a hunting dog in Tamil Nadu, often used to hunt wild boar, deer, and hares. It is an intelligent and protective breed.
Kombai Dog: Originating from Kombai in Theni district, the Kombai dog was famously kept by the Maruthu Brothers and even decorated Queen Elizabeth’s palace. It is a sturdy dog with a reddish-brown body, black nose and mouth, powerful jaw, and muscular hind legs, excelling in protecting livestock and repelling wild animals. It’s known as the Indian bear-hound for its strength and sharp senses.
Alangu Dog: A traditional breed depicted in the carvings of the Tanjore temple, the Alangu is an elegant, fast, and loyal dog seen in red, yellow, and black colors. Only wealthy families in Tanjore and Trichy used to own this breed, which stands around 27 inches tall and weighs 40-45 kg. Its lean body, pointed tail, and cropped ears make it ideal for hunting and guarding. Although some refer to foreign breeds like the Pakistani Mastiff as Alangu, the true Alangu breed is now considered extinct.
Kattakal Dog: Carved between two Alangu dog statues at the eastern tower of the Tanjore temple, the Kattakal is a native Tamil breed with short legs, seen mostly in Tanjore villages. It is a small, alert, and playful dog, about 15 inches tall and weighing 20-30 kg, with coats in shades of yellow, brown, black, and red. Known for its hunting skills, it is highly valued for its sense of smell and is now on the brink of extinction.
Sengottai Dog: Bred by people living near the Western Ghats around the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, the Sengottai dog is known for its reddish coat. Originating in Sengottai, it is 23-27 inches tall and weighs 35-42 kg. Its broad head, black nose and mouth, and keen hunting skills make it capable of hunting large animals. This breed is also endangered.
Mandai or Manda Dog: Found in South Tamil Nadu, Mandai dogs evolved into breeds like Alangu, Sengottai, Chippiparai, and Kombai. Originating in Ramanathapuram, these dogs have large heads, long snouts, strong jaws and legs, long tails, and are black, brown, or white. They stand between 22-32 inches tall and weigh 30-40 kg. Pandya kings memorialized this breed in sculptures across temples. Known for their sharp eyesight and sense of smell, they were traditionally used for hunting and herding.
Malayeri Dog: The Malayeri dog is an indigenous breed from the Western Ghats, adapted to climbing and descending mountain terrains. Standing 22-27 inches tall and weighing 35 kg, this dog has a muscular chest, powerful jaw, and is primarily black. It was known to protect herds and people from wild animals in mountainous regions, with legs and paws well-suited for rugged landscapes.
Dr. S. Usha, N. Kumaravelu, Department of livestock Production Management, Veterinary College, Chennai.
