The only human that can come closest to a Rajapalayam dog in both temperament and appearance would be the sandalwood brigand, Veerappan.
To the one who has absolutely no clue, let me break it down for you. Rajapalayam is a portmanteau Tamil word that derives from “Raja” (king) and “Palayam” (army camps). Veerappan ruling the forest, and Rajapalayam, the army camps.
Rajapalayam would appear to be the most elegant and graceful looking Indian dog breeds but it has a reputation for bringing down large animals like horses in war.
“Looks can be deceiving, peeps!”
This dog may look uncontrollably cuddly but do not get carried away in emotions. It’s synonymous with a Roadies task and you may have to return home with a torn chin.
Elegance comes with a cost and this one is “touch-sensitive”.
You may say, “There is a thrill in forbidden things.”
“Honey, you don’t want a dislocated face for a thrill, I am sure!”
Take it easy and educate yourself further about this Indian Sighthound.
Note: Our intent in DogIsWorld to write this article is to promote the adoption and revival of Indian Dog Breeds. Though there is very limited bona fide information on Indie dogs, we have tried our best to give you all the possible authentic details about the same.
Did you know?
Rajapalayam dog is capable of taking on wild boars that weigh over 150kgs.
Presenting…
*Drumrolls*
The Graceful Tamilian Warlord, Rajapalayam Dog!
Table of Contents
Rajapalayam Dog Images
Quick Facts
Average Height: 55cms to 65cms
Average Weight: 20kgs to 25kgs
Dog Group: Hound
KCI Ranking: N/A
At A Glance
Rajapalayam dog is a medium-sized hound. It has an average height of 55cms to 65cms at the withers with a weight that ranges between 20kgs to 25kgs. However, the size may vary according to gender. Rajapalayam dog height for males varies between 60cms to 65cms whereas it is between 55cms to 60cms for female Rajapalayam. The weight of a male dog is generally between 25kgs to 30kgs and between 20kgs to 25kgs for a female.
Rajapalayam dog lifespan ranges from 9 years to 13 years.
Rajapalayam dog has a surplus of energy and needs a lot of space to vent it out. A dog with hunter instincts, they have high chase drives and are generally used to running in vast stretches of land. They may not be your ideal choice for apartment living. Rajapalayam hound is not a city dog and is the most comfortable in a country settlement.
Rajapalayam is friendly if you are familiar with its temperament. They have a pack mentality and will go to any extent to protect their master’s family. They aren’t really friendly with strangers which also makes them wonderful watchdogs. However, you need to be a little careful with them around your relatives.
No. Noupe! You don’t want bloodshed, do you? The deep hunting instincts are rooted in the Rajapalayam dog breed. They’d rather look at other dogs like prey especially the smaller ones. Having said so, cats and small pets are exposed to more threats from this warlord! Sometimes they can be utter hostile with them.
Barking can be a huge deal especially when you are living in a happening neighborhood. Rajapalayam dog has a very low barking tendency and is known to talk only when they smell threat. If you hear excessive noise of Rajapalayam, you need to understand why is your dog barking. It can either be due to excitement or if he wants to bring something to your attention.
Rajapalayam hound can bask in the sun the entire day. “Baskin’ Dog-ins!” (Eww, cringe!) They are mostly cheerful during summers and their short coat adds to their benefit. However, they are not cold-proof and need some help to thrive when the temperature falls. Provide your pooch with enough warm clothes and keep him indoors during winter nights.
Most Indie dogs are street smart and come out to be extremely intelligent if given proper mental stimulation. They are very intelligent but can get difficult to train because of an independent drive. A master of their own will, Rajapalayam dog breed requires professional training with the same person beginning and ending the session. Changing the trainer can cause them training-block and may turn them aggressive.
This is one of the major reasons that this dog breed is not fit for a first-time dog owner.
Rajapalayam dog needs a lot of exercises, plenty of it! They were bred to hunt and combat so energy comes naturally to them. You wouldn’t like to see an angry, low-on-exercise Rajapalayam. Like most of the Indian dog breeds, they need a good two hours of exercise that include enough mental and physical stimulation to drain their energy out. Otherwise, they may develop destructive qualities – and it would get ugly thereon.
The best thing about Indie dogs is they do not need a lot of grooming. Most of them are self-sufficient with a short and manageable coat. Rajapalayam grooming is just basic brushing once a week and bathing only when necessary. There are zero professional needs except for a frequent nail clipping, and ear and anal cleaning. Otherwise, they are smart enough to keep themselves tidy.
Despite having a short coat and low shedding, a Rajapalayam dog is not hypoallergenic. It may still carry allergens and irritate people who are sensitive to dog fur.
Rajapalayam dog price ranges from INR 8,000 – 20,000. Since it is an Indian dog breed, there are chances that you may find a puppy waiting in an animal shelter for you to take home. Try your luck with adoption before you buy it. The price of Rajapalayam dogs may be comparatively lesser in its hometown than in other parts of the country.
Indie breeds are slowly decreasing and are almost on a verge of extinction. We at DogIsWorld support Indian dog breed revival and would suggest you adopt Indian breeds (not shop). Additionally, we would love it if you could support the cause by making people around you aware of Indie dog breeds.
Adopt and Aware!
“Rajapalayam Dog has double suspension gait which is a lot like the trotting of a thoroughbred horse.”
About
An Indian in the truest sense, the Rajapalayam hound is one of the very few pedigree Indian breeds that were developed to chase and hunt. Originated in the Rajapalayam town of Tamil Nadu, India, Rajapalayam is a perfect breed if you want a ferocious companion who does not let the smallest of threat pass unattended.
A medium to large size dog, this breed weighs 30kgs to 45kgs here and there depending upon the gender. Rajapalayam dog height ranges between 55cms to 65cms at the withers. They are most towards the muscular side with heavier bones than most of the sighthounds. A broad chest with a standard body structure maintains its physical agility and speed.
An absolute handsome with extremely intoxicating eyes! Their muzzle is a pure work of art with a perfectly shaped milk-white snout and a pink nose. A lot of people think Rajapalayam to be albinos but they are just white and you are just jealous, honey!
Also known as Poligar Hounds, Rajapalayam was a famous sighthound during the regime of the Nayakar Rule. They mostly accompanied kings and small-town aristocrats to hunting expeditions.
Kings and kingdoms have long fallen apart but what remains is the gorgeous Rajapalayam dog and its hunting instincts. They are born hunters and their independent will does not let them spare any unwanted, unknown being into his territory.
Although Rajapalayam can be a decent family dog, it is generally attached to one member of the family which is mostly the one responsible for feeding and training the hound. Their pack mentality keeps them highly alert and ready to combat when it comes to their family.
Do not manipulate them into living in an apartment because they can turn monsters. Rajapalayam dog needs a lot of space to vent out its energy and city settlement cannot provide that. They are the friendliest and most comfortable living in a country civilization and running on vast stretches.
Rajapalayam dog breed is an entire adventure and if you want to adopt one be combat-ready to face some major doggy-tantrums for a good Rajapalayam lifespan of 9 to 13 years.
Rajapalayam Dog was one the major dog breeds during the Chola Dynasty
History
Rewind to the Nayakar ruler who lived at the edge of war and wanted to develop a dog that could bring down the enemy’s animal-army. With that thought, the Rajapalayam dog breed was developed.
Their agility, speed, and fearlessness gave them the honor to battle alongside soldiers during the Carnatic and Polygar wars. Some were known to bring down British war-horses by biting their hamstrings and some were martyred. The ultimutt epitome of courage and bravery, these dogs laid their lives for Indian freedom.
Post-Independence they started working as hunting and guarding dogs for large fields and farming sites. However, like the British, their dogs also happened to foreshadow Indian dog breed and slowly Rajapalayam slipped into the depths of extinction. It was only 20 years back that Rajapalayam replaced Dobermann in the Indian Army and Military services.
Thanks to dog enthusiasts and breeders of Rajapalayam, this breed has given a huge comeback. The situation looks even more hopeful after the Kennel Club of India recognized and registered the Rajapalayam dog breed as a pedigree Indian dog.
Rajapalayam Facts Theatre
Parenting Guide And Care
1. Early socialization is a necessity. Rajapalayam hound is touch-sensitive, more so with strangers. They don’t look up to unknown people with even 2% of affection unless they are well socialized. This needs to begin at an early stage of their life otherwise they can become utterly anti-social and aggressive dogs.
Healthy exposure to different sounds, scents, and experiences can help a Rajapalayam dog cope with its social anxiety and loathe.
Suggested: 10 Best Puzzle Toys In The Market
Note: Aggressive behavior is not inherent to this dog and mostly develops due to a lack of proper care.
“On a lighter note, I think I am a Rajapalayam.”
2. Rajapalayam dog needs a lot of exercises. The instinct of chasing drives them to run about on vast stretches of land in search of all unfamiliar scents. If you can get him a vast land, that’d be a paradise for a Rajapalayam. Otherwise, be prepared to take this hound for a good two hours of exercise which includes enough mental and physical stimulation.
Drain his energy enough or you are not going to have a good night’s sleep.
3. Not for first-time dog owners. Rajapalayam dog has an independent will and this makes it a very difficult breed to train. The idea is, do everything that is needed to get Rajapalayam to like you and take the lead thereafter. Make sure that the same person starts and ends the training without any change. This may develop training-block inculcating destructive habits.
Suggested: 6 Best Dogs For First Time Dog Owners.
4. Do not leash this one. Rajapalayam hound can get nasty if chained and bound. They enjoy their freedom and the only time you would want a leash around is when you are taking him for a walk. However, if you train him properly, that won’t be required either.
“Skip it, let go off the leash!”
Rajapalayam has a short coat which keeps him on a merrier scale during summers. However, help him thrive during the cold. Provide him enough warm clothes and try to keep him indoors on winter nights.
This breed may not be an ideal pet if you live in an apartment. They are used to thriving on farms. Even if you provide enough stimulation for their energy, they need open spaces.
There is a difference between surviving and thriving, and you would want your pooch to thrive. The ideal condition would be a house with a big backyard in a country settlement.
Personality And Temperament
“I have never come across a breed as loving as the Rajapalayam.” – The Times Of India
Contrary to beliefs, Rajapalayam is not an aggressive dog and may only turn so if not giving exercise and proper care. An extremely affection family dog, Rajapalayam gels in with every member if brought up in a family. They may not do very well with smaller children but they can the best friend to older kids.
A vigilant and alert hound, it can smell threat way before you would realize giving them the power to protect their pack or family from any impending trouble.
Rajapalayam dog is a hunter and this instinct can make them pounce on intruders, strangers, and your unknown, un-smelt relatives alike. History stands witness of their courage to be done with whatever, whoever stands as trouble for their sole masters. This makes them alert watchdogs.
People who have owned a Rajapalayam has often told that they have a smart sense of perception and can very well make out between a good and a bad person without having been taught.
“Finally, a dog that can help me look through snakes dressed as friends.”
Rajapalayam was bred as an extensive hunting dog and war-dog and may show aggression towards other canine and smaller animals. This instinct will drive them to get their carcasses back to you as a present. They can be socialized and trained into behaving like a good boy but can never be trusted alone around them. However, they may well with dogs of the same size, breed, or group if brought up since puppyhood.
One thing about a Rajapalayam dog is that they are known to be “touch-sensitive” which means that they do not like to be touched by strangers or beings they don’t know. It may get startled if you touch it suddenly from the back and may end up hurting you in defense.
Did You Know?
Rajapalayam dog bite force ranges between 90 to 100kgs making it one of the highest in the canine kingdom.
Colors And Grooming
Note: The standard Rajapalayam dog color is milk white with pink skin. A lot of fraudulent breeders will try to sell crosses of different coat colors in name of Rajapalayam. Beware!
Indie dogs are very economical with fairly low maintenance which includes their after-adoption charges. Rajapalayam has a short coat with very low shedding. They hardly need any professional grooming but may need a bath every time they get dirty in the field. Brushing their coat once a week would work.
Routine maintenance of nail clipping, ear cleaning, and anal cleaning needs to be followed.
Look out for foul breath. If his breath smells like urine, your Chippiparai dog is suffering from kidney issues. Brush his tooth regularly to maintain a healthy set of dental just like you brush yours.
Otherwise, they are smart enough to keep themselves tidy.
Feeding
Indie dog breeds go easy on diet and have pretty economical food habits. Since Rajapalayam is an Indie, the best diet for this Poligar hound would comprise of locally available food. Since they have lived on anything and everything available to them for years, their digestive systems are structured to ingest any homemade dog food.
I would personally suggest maintaining a diet that includes rice, chicken, and wheat Indian bread.
A) Puppy (3 months to 12 months)
Rajapalayam puppies would require 4 servings of 100gms rice with half a boiled egg or 50gms of boiled chicken along with the calcium and other supplements certified by the vet.
You can increase the serving by 20gm according to his height, weight, and exercise routine.
B) Adult (18 months to 5 years)
An adult Rajapalayam dog would require 3 servings of 150gms rice with one boiled egg or 150gms of boiled chicken.
Alternatively, you can feed him 7 to 8 pieces of wheat Indian bread or a combination of both rice and bread over lunch and dinner respectively.
You can also add dry high-quality food with their meal but they digest homemade food better.
Adding freshly cut fruits like apple, mango, and bananas to his breakfast can give him raw nutrition and energy.
A male adult would require around 1600kcal per day whereas a Rajapalayam dog female would require 1400 kcal per day. This breed has instincts for putting on weight fast and may become obese. It is extremely necessary to pay close attention to their weight, height, and bowel behaviors, and amend the diet accordingly.
P.S. – DO NOT TRY TO BE OVER SMART AND FEED HIM GRAPES FOR HEALTH. Grapes tops the list of toxic food for dogs.
C) Senior (9 years to 13 years)
You can continue feeding your senior Rajapalayam dog 3 servings of 150gms rice with one boiled egg or 150gms of boiled chicken and or, 7 to 8 pieces of wheat Indian bread.
Senior dogs become slow with a decreased metabolism rate. If you see your dog panting after every meal, it is likely due to a blockage in their digestive system. You may then want to move to a senior dog diet.
Note: Do not change their diet suddenly. Do it slowly over two weeks.
Health And Vaccination
Otherwise healthy, some Rajapalayam dogs can suffer through a few health conditions irrespective of their upbringing. We do not intend that every dog will encounter such issues but it is better to be aware and take timely precautions than regret.
1. Deafness
Rajapalayam dogs may suffer through deafness. It is a known fact that the silver-eyed Rajapalayam puppy is born blind and deaf. Sadly, sometimes it may not cure because of a genetic disorder. It is called congenital deafness.
Symptoms may include not responding to commands, scratching their ears, behaving confused when shown hand gestures, and failing to turn when called his name.
There is no cure but there are a few solutions. You can either teach your dog hand signals and gestural language. Since dogs respond to vibrations, you can get your Rajapalayam puppy a vibration collar that helps him respond every time you press the remote controller. Another way can be to stomp your feet. The sound wave will travel via ground causing him to respond.
It’s basic science, biyach!
Do not let your hearing-challenged dog off-leash or he may end up injuring himself.
2. Skin Problems
Rajapalayam dog breed is also prone to skin diseases especially rashes, allergies, and a very common disease called mange. Mange is a condition that causes the dog to lose his hair and can result in itchy skin. It can be a reaction to physical elements like dust, pollen, or mildew.
Symptoms may include irritation, redness of the skin, swelling on the face, in eyes or ear flaps, vomiting, and sneezing.
Skin problems can get serious and further cause diarrhea. To avoid skin problems, keep your pooch neat with the help of a proper grooming routine. If the condition is extreme, it can be cured with medication.
Note: Look out for cuts and bruises on your dog’s body since they are prone to running fast and completely careless about the surrounding threats.
Rajapalayam dog puppies should be vaccinated with canine parvovirus and for canine distemper at 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 weeks of age and then a booster every three years.
Make sure to also get a deworming vaccination plan for your pooch from his vet.
There is a lot to cover when it comes to dog vaccination. It is recommended that you read our guide to dog vaccination to get a thorough idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Rajapalayam dog can be found in abundance in the isolated pocket of Southern Tamil Nadu in a village called Rajapalayam. You need to have an eye for a purebred Rajapalayam puppy because there are a lot of fraudulent breeders who sell crosses in the name of pedigree. It may be a little difficult to find this breed in the Northern part of India.
Training a Rajapalayam can be an uphill task especially if you are a novice with Indian dog breeds. They are brilliant but due to their stubbornness, they need a trainer that can control and lead them on. Using praise and positive reinforcement can bring out the best in him. Make sure that the person who starts and ends the training is the same. They may not adapt well to the trainer-change in the course and may give up entirely.
Rajapalayam dog is a medium-sized sighthound with a muscular shoulder and comparatively leaner torso. A pure puppy would be milk-white with pink skin and a light red nose. Anybody who tries to sell a different colored dog as a pure Rajapalayam puppy is clearly cheating. Choose a confident and active puppy from the litter.
A Rajapalayam dog bite force is approximately 90 to 100kgs which is said to be the highest in the entire canine kingdom.
Rajapalayam dog height may put this breed in the medium to large-sized hound with an average height that can go from 55cms to 65cms. There may be a little difference between genders. Rajapalayam dog height for males varies between 60cms to 65cms whereas it is between 55cms to 60cms for female Rajapalayam.
First things first, no dog is dangerous unless they are taking proper care of it. Rajapalayam is anything but dangerous, it’s just that people need to educate themselves about this breed's nature. It does not like to be touched especially by a stranger and may attack in defense.
Rajapalayam is absolutely protective of his master and can deal with anything that stands as a threat to him. This instinct is sometimes wrongly taken as aggression and hostility.
However, their hunting instincts can drive them to chase and kill smaller animals.
Rajapalayam dog price ranges from INR 8,000 – 20,000. The price of Rajapalayam dogs may be comparatively lesser in its hometown than in other parts of the country.
However, we at dogisworld urge you to look for it in an animal shelter. Since it is an Indian dog breed, there are chances that you may find a puppy waiting in there for you to take home. Try your luck with adoption before you buy it.
Similar Breeds
Hello Readers,
That was one of the closest and well-researched pieces of information on Rajapalayam dog hound.
Kennel Club has introduced a distinctive native breed dog show to promote Indie dogs. You can always use this as a way to promote native breeds.
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Happy Petting To You!
