Combai
Indian Bear Dog, Indian Bear Hound, Kombai, Tamil Bear Dog, Tamil Bear Hound
The Combai is a medium-sized breed that was developed primarily for hunting the Sloth Bear, which was once found throughout India. It can be used on other large game such as leopard, tigers, and wild boar. As a secondary role they also make excellent guardians. Today the Combai is on the verge of extinction. What few there are remaining are kept by rural farmers in their homeland as protectors against the same wildlife they once hunted.
Combai Standards
- None
- 23-31"
- 33-55 lbs
- medium-sized breed
- ears are pendant
- tail is long with a sickle curve
- coat is short and straight
- has ridge that grows in opposite direction along back and continues up the tail
- brown
- rich red
- may have black mask
History of the Combai
The Combai developed in southern India where it was traditionally kept by the Zaminders and various other tribes. Although it was once kept mostly in the Ramanad district overtime it spread throughout India, but today it is very rare. There is little obtainable information regarding the breed, most sources state it has existed since the 15th century, while other suggest it may date back as far back as the 9th century.
It is important to note that the only recognized breeds that have a ridged coat are the Rhodesian Ridgeback of Africa and the Thai Ridgeback of Thailand. Additionally, the Africanis of South Africa can also be ridged, however like the Combai it is currently unrecognized. It has been greatly disputed as to whether or not these breeds are related (and which came first if they are) or if this genetic mutation has simply occurred in various geographic locations.
It is important to note that the only recognized breeds that have a ridged coat are the Rhodesian Ridgeback of Africa and the Thai Ridgeback of Thailand. Additionally, the Africanis of South Africa can also be ridged, however like the Combai it is currently unrecognized. It has been greatly disputed as to whether or not these breeds are related (and which came first if they are) or if this genetic mutation has simply occurred in various geographic locations.