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 Purpose
Hunting Boar
history Date of Origin
Ancient Times
ancestry Ancestry
Unknown

Rajapalayam Health

Average Size
Male Rajapalayam size stats
Height: 25-30 inches Weight: 66-77 lbs
Female Rajapalayam size stats
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 Rajapalayam eyes
Blue
brown Rajapalayam eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
isabella Rajapalayam nose
Isabella
Coat Color Possibilities
white Rajapalayam coat
White
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Rajapalayam straight 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
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Rajapalayam requires weekly brushing
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 activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Rajapalayam Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Rajapalayam Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Rajapalayam size stats at six months
Height: 23.5 inches Weight: 49.5 lbs
Female Rajapalayam size stats at six months
Height: 23.5 inches Weight: 49.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Rajapalayam size stats at 12 months
Height: 26.5 inches Weight: 64.0 lbs
Female Rajapalayam size stats at 12 months
Height: 26.5 inches Weight: 64.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Rajapalayam size stats at 18 months
Height: 27.5 inches Weight: 71.5 lbs
Female Rajapalayam size stats at 18 months
Height: 27.5 inches Weight: 71.5 lbs

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, 7 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, 10 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

Rajapalayam dog eye spot problems

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
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