Rajapalayam
10-12 yrs
66-77 lbs
25-30"
India

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Rajapalayam

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Dog Breeds
Rajapalayam

66-77 lbs

25-30"

India

Poligar Hound

The Rajapalayam is an old and rare breed of sighthound that was first developed as a boar hunting dog. Originally from India, these dogs are typically pure white with pink noses and pale skin.

This beautiful breed can make the "pawfect" companion for the right pet parent. The Rajaplayam is loyal and affectionate with its human family, and does best when paired with people who enjoy an active lifestyle.

However, these dogs can be aggressive towards strangers and other animals, so they do need early socialization to prevent dangerous behaviors from developing. Keep reading to find out what it takes to care for this rare and exotic breed.

                
                Purpose
              
Hunting Boar

                Date of Origin
              
Ancient Times

                Ancestry
              
Unknown

Rajapalayam Health

Average Size

Height: 25-30 inches Weight: 66-77 lbs

Height: 25-30 inches Weight: 66-77 lbs

Major Concerns

Deafness
Congenital Eye Defects

Minor Concerns

Demodectic Mange
Skin Disorders

Occasional Diagnoses

None Known

Occasional Tests

Skin Evaluation
Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
Eye and Ear Examination

Rajapalayam Breed History

Also known as the Polygar Hound, Shikkar Hound, and Indian Ghost Hound, the Rajapalayam is a very old breed of sighthound that is believed to have been developed in the area of Tamil Nadu to hunt wild boar.

Most records indicate that these dogs started out as hunting dogs for royalty, but they eventually became popular with other groups as well. They developed an aggressive and protective temperament when it came to hunting, which also served to make them excellent guard dogs.

These traits, coupled with their overall physical prowess, led to their use as war dogs throughout the Carnatic Wars in the 18th century and during the Polygar Wars that occurred shortly afterward.

As hunting became less popular, so did this particular hunting breed, with their population dropping to around 200 dogs by the 1980s. The Kennel Club of India stepped in and launched a campaign to save the Rajapalayam, plus established a breeding center to help increase the population of these rare dogs.

Rajapalayam Breed Appearance

These are large sighthounds that stand up to 30 inches tall and can weigh as much as 77lb. The Rajapalayam has long, straight legs and a deep chest, but a narrow waist and an unusual gait that is often compared to that of a thoroughbred horse. They are more heavily boned than other sighthounds, with heavier heads and broader muzzles designed to take down wild boar.

The triangular ears of the Rajapalayam sit high on the sides of their head and fold forward and to the sides, framing their face, while their long, whiplike tails often have a pronounced curl. Their short, smooth coats are predominantly white, and they have pink noses and pale, pinkish skin.

In most cases, their medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes come in a dark brown, but blue is also possible. It should be noted that dogs of this breed that are born with blue eyes are more likely to be born deaf or blind.

Eye Color Possibilities

Blue

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Isabella

Coat Color Possibilities

White

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Rajapalayam Breed Maintenance

The Rajapalayam is fairly easy to groom. These dogs don’t require frequent bathing, and while their short fur tends to shed regularly, a thorough but gentle brushing two or three times a week will help to control it. You should also check your dog's ears for dirt and debris on a regular basis to avoid infection.

These dogs do have a tendency to develop skin problems and often don't like being handled, so it is important to start grooming at an early age to prevent any aggressive responses.

The Rajapalayam can often suffer from deafness. Secure pet health insurance today to avoid high veterinary care costs. Our pet insurance tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like Figo and Spot. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

Brushes for Rajapalayam

Slicker Brush

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Rajapalayam Temperament

These dogs are known to be extremely loyal to their owners and are often good with older children, bonding quickly and becoming playful and affectionate companions. That said, the Rajapalayam is said to be touch sensitive, particularly with strangers, so they generally do not make the best companions for younger children.

The Rajapalayam is frequently standoffish or aggressive towards strangers and other dogs, and the breed's high prey drive makes it inappropriate for households with multiple pets. Early socialization is essential for your dog if they are to curb this type of behavior and get along well with others.

Training should also begin early with this breed in order to maximize their potential. They are intelligent dogs, but they can also be prone to getting distracted, making training a challenge. A patient and consistent approach should produce the best results.

Rajapalayam Activity Requirements

These dogs are generally quite active and need at least an hour of vigorous activity each day. While long walks and jogs will always be appreciated, these dogs do best if they have a little time to play and romp off-lead and are generally happiest in a larger home with a secure yard to play in. However, due to their strong prey drive, these dogs should not be let off the leash unless in a securely fenced area.

These dogs are primarily sighthounds and will likely enjoy activities that engage their prey drive, like lure coursing, but they also have an excellent sense of smell and with some effort can be taught to track.

Check out our guide to the top activities for Rajapalayams for more ideas to help your pet stay active.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Rajapalayam

Similarly Sized Breeds to Rajapalayam

Rajapalayam Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00

Rajapalayam Height & Weight

6 Months

                  Height: 23.5 inches
                  Weight: 49.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 23.5 inches
                  Weight: 49.5 lbs
                
12 Months

                  Height: 26.5 inches
                  Weight: 64.0 lbs
                
                  Height: 26.5 inches
                  Weight: 64.0 lbs
                
18 Months

                  Height: 27.5 inches
                  Weight: 71.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 27.5 inches
                  Weight: 71.5 lbs

author-img

Written by a Irish Setter lover Penny Sebring

Published: 07/05/2018, edited: 08/22/2024

More articles by Penny Sebring

Rajapalayam Owner Experiences

Bommi

9 Months

4 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

good dog for protection and low maintainence cost

1 year ago

Vali

3 Years

1 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Being an albino, he's friendly and loves walking alongside without a leash. Independent. Very active and needs minimal grooming. Treat him with respect, minimal touching makes him a very likeable dog. See him at instagram (@vali.dog) or visit his website at http://wwww.vali.dog

2 years, 2 months ago

Echo

1 Year

2 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

jump

Play

Walking

Difficult to train. Very selective of being friendly with other dogs. Does not like bicycles. Does not like some kids. Likes long walks and gets restless if not taken for walks as per the set scedhule. Gives a lot of playfull bites. Likes to stand in hind legs while rest front legs on a gate/wall

2 years, 6 months ago

Keshu

4 Months

4 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Just started to train him,quick learner but easily distracted.at times obstinate.

5 years, 3 months ago

Ice

5 Months

6 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

They are awesome, friendly only to his owner but dangerous to stranger

4 years, 9 months ago

Question - My pet

Question

Rajapalayam dog eye spot problems

Answer

Book me a walkiee?

Pweeeze!

Sketch of smiling australian shepherd