India is a land of many wonders. While some of these wonders acquire worldwide fame and recognition, others not so much.
So this is your lucky day as we here at DogBreedo take this opportunity to uncover India’s very own pure breed, the Rajapalayam Dog. This breed of dog sure is a wonder very few of us are aware of but eager to learn more about. So let’s just get straight to it!
Is the Rajapalayam Dog Popular in India ?
As mentioned before, the Rajapalayam Dog is one such breed many individuals, including Indians, are not aware of. In a market saturated with foreign breeds such as Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds and much more, native breeds such as the Rajapalayam tend to get overlooked or misjudged.
Officially recognized by the Kennel Club of India, this breed is pretty popular in the southern states, but not as common as one thinks. In fact, the breed was declared an endangered species due to the fact that not many breeders exist anymore.
See also: List of Popular Dog Breeds
Availability
A rare breed in the country, only a few pure breeds exist within pockets in its native state of Tamil Nadu. Therefore it is extremely important to keep in mind to check the legitimacy and ethical principles of the breeder before purchasing or adopting a puppy.
Price of an Rajapalayam Dog in India
Average price for a Rajapalayam Dog is between ₹9,000 to ₹12,000, making this breed extremely affordable than some others.
Monthly Maintenance Cost
Approximately, the monthly maintenance to look after this ancient breed falls between ₹2,000 to ₹4,000. This is because it has minimal needs. Its short and easily manageable coat is a blessing when it comes to grooming. Add to it the fact that the breed doesn’t have many health problems, and maintenance becomes even more easier.
Bathing not more than twice a month and brushing, cleaning of ears, eyes and nails not more than twice a week, is all that is required to maintain this breed.
See also: Dog Breeds’ Price List
History & Popularity
The Rajapalayam Dog hails from the South of the Indian subcontinent, more specifically Tamil Nadu in the state’s Rajapalayam city of Virudhunagar district. The breed is also of royal origin, selectively being bred by kings and commoners alike over centuries for the purposes of hunting and guarding.
During the Nayakar Rule, the dogs were historically reported to have been used for boar hunting and bravely accompanying soldiers during wars. The battles in question were none other than the Polygar and Carnatic wars against the East India Company from during 1799 to 1805, from which the breed got its other name, the Polygar hounds. Interestingly, this name translates to War dog in Tamil.
Characteristics
This majestic breed has a lean muscular build along with a thin tail, long legs and snout and two floppy ears. Besides its adorable little pink nose, the Rajapalayam comes exclusively in only milky white, as this trait was deemed the most desirable to breeders throughout Indian history.
Your average Rajapalayam Dog is about 60-65 cm in size and weighs 25-30 kg for males. Whereas females are about 55-60 cm in size and weigh about 20-25 kg.
See also: Popular White Dog Breeds
Temperament of a Rajapalayam Dog
The Rajapalayam Dog is a loyal friend. It is intelligent, instinctive as well as agile. A born hunter and protector if trained correctly from puppyhood, this breed will make an excellent guard dog.
This breed, though being quite affectionate towards its owner, it is more of a lone wolf. The breed prefers sticking to specific individuals and has a rather aloof nature towards the rest. As such it is recommended, through proper socialization, to get your Rajapalayam familiar with different situations and people like children, elders, big groups, etc.
The Rajapalayam is also an active breed. When bored or unstimulated, the breed tends to get stressed and sometimes even acts out. Therefore at least an hour of exercise in the form of a long walk, runs, games etc. is advised to keep your puppy happy and healthy, both physically and mentally.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Rajapalayam Dog is about 9-10 years.
Are Rajapalayam Dogs Hypoallergenic?
The Rajapalayam dog is unfortunately not hypoallergenic. The breed is known to shed a fair amount, especially during its shedding period. They can also produce dander that can prove inconvenient to those dog lovers prone to allergies.
See also: List of Hypoallergenic Dogs
Average Litter Size
The average litter size for the Rajapalayam Dog is about 5-8 puppies.
What is Rajapalayam like as a Puppy?
Loyalty, bravery and grace are the qualities that are meant to describe the ideal Rajapalayam. But, as it is with all puppies, you can’t expect them to just act or think exactly like an adult dog as soon as you bring them home.
Rajapalayam puppies are playful, adorable and mischievous. But don’t be fooled by their cuteness! They require a decent amount of socialization and training to prepare them for the outside world. Being creatures of habit, these little bundles of joy need to have a consistent routine of grooming, exercise and a nutritious diet to help their big bodies grow and develop properly into healthy adults. Consistency is key here as this breed tends to get overwhelmed by sudden or frequent changes.
Start this while they’re still young, otherwise it will be difficult later on. Getting the help of an experienced and skilled trainer is recommended. Also, pay close attention to your pup for any skin diseases or deafness so that you can treat it as soon as possible.
Good Diet for the Rajapalayam Dog
As it is with any dog, it is highly recommended for you to get advised by your veterinarian on the basis of its size and weight. Also pay attention and observe your dog’s preferences and it’s needs.
Otherwise a balanced meal of proteins like chicken, eggs and fish, starches such as rice and vegetables like carrots and pumpkin make excellent meals for your furry friends.
Health Problems
Though the Rajapalayam Dog comes with little to no medical prerequisites, there are a few issues to keep in mind. Deafness, especially in its old age, is one thing the breed is prone to. Other than this, some minor skin issues and other genetic disorders can emerge, especially if gotten from an illegitimate breeder.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rajapalayam Dog
Is Rajapalayam dog dangerous?
Rajapalayam dogs are usually one-person dogs; they do not get along well with other pets due to their hunting instincts. The Rajapalayams have a reputation of being man’s best friend and loyal but require attention from their master to thrive.
Is Rajapalayam kid-friendly?
Rajapalayam is a breed of most lovable dogs. They are friendly and obedient as long as they have been adequately trained early on in life. However, when children come over, make sure you supervise them because these pups usually don’t tolerate all the shenanigans kids can get up to!
Is Rajapalayam a one master dog?
This breed’s strength has entertained a significant number of people as they protect their home or property with all that is within themselves; standing tall like kings on skinny legs while barking at any potential intruder who dares come near – warning them away before it even gets ugly for both parties involved, they sure are a one-person dog.
Is Rajapalayam suitable for first-time owners?
Rajapalayam is not a suitable breed of dog for first-time owners. Their reserved personality means that they do best when they are the center of attention, and there’s no competition with other pets in the family home. Rajapalays make excellent companion animals, but novice owner beware! They have been known to be stubborn at times.
Is Rajapalayam a good guard dog?
Terrier breeds are best for guard dogs, and while Rajapalayam dogs can be territorial, they are too small to be effective guards against intruders. That being said, they do belong to the Terrier category of dog breeds, so there is a chance of them sounding an alarm for little creatures like rodents. It’s not realistic to expect them to help protect your valuables against large animals such as bears or wolves, though. It’s best if you have a German Shepherd or Boxer for that type of work.
Is Rajapalayam dog good with kids?
Rajapalayam dogs are known for their gentle, sweet nature. They aren’t usually great with kids and can be trained to behave appropriately around them as well! Though, it’s important to supervise Rajapalayams when they’re near small children because some pups of this breed don’t tolerate all the shenanigans that a kid might throw at them.
What is the lifespan of Rajapalayam?
Rajapalayam is a large breed of dog that has an average lifespan of 9-10 years. They can be found in the Southern part of India, most famous in Tamil Nadu, where they are used for hunting, guarding, and herding cattle. Rajapalayams also have excellent temperaments, which make them perfect family pets!
Does Rajapalayam dog bite?
Yes, Rajapalayam dogs will bite. Rajapalayams teeth break the skin and embed in the wound. And if you’re not careful, those jaws could clamp down on your arm or leg, leading to an all-out tug of war that might end with blood running down their muzzle.
What is the cost of a Rajapalayam dog?
The Rajapalayam dog is a loyal and intelligent breed that comes in three different colors. They are powerful dogs with little to no interest for unknown people, but they will form an instant bond towards their family members or owners who care about them the most. The price ranges from INR 9,000 to INR 12000 depending on which color and size you choose.
What is Rajapalayam dog famous for?
They originate from Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu. This breed of dog is best known for its friendly and loyal nature, making it great for family pets.
Where can I buy Rajapalayam dog in Chennai?
Rajapalayam dogs are bred in Tamil Nadu, India. They were traditionally used for hunting, but now they make good companions because of their calm and affectionate nature. Chennai is a great place to buy Rajapalayam dog breeds, so contact reputed Dog Breeders in Chennai if you’re looking for one.
How many puppies can a Rajapalayam dog have?
A Rajapalayam dog can produce 5-8 puppies per litter and are typically 25 -30 inches tall. They generally weigh around 65 pounds but may go up to 75 pounds.
Is Rajapalayam suitable for the family?
Rajapalayam dogs make excellent family guard animals. They are bred to live with a hunter and hunt for prey, but they can be just as good at guarding your home against intruders! Their vivacious nature makes them ideal hunting companions that will enjoy any game you propose or go on exciting explorations of the outdoors while remaining gentle around children. Rajapalays have few complications when it comes to breeding which keeps their breed healthier than others out there, making this an all-around great companion animal for families who want something different in both looks and personality.
What is the speciality of Rajapalayam dog?
The Rajapalayam is a unique hunting dog. It can function as both bay and catch dogs, and it has an excellent sense of sight and the more traditional sense of smell. The Rajapalayam was first bred by hunters who hunted wild boar independently from their handlers.
Is Rajapalayam friendly?
Rajapalayam dogs are not very friendly – they’re generally reserved and quiet around strangers. They don’t trust any new person, so if you find one roaming the streets, be sure to keep your distance!
Which is best, Rajapalayam or Chippiparai?
Rajapalayams are best for people who live a semi-active life and have an average energy level. On the other hand, Chippiparai dogs have higher energy levels, so they’re better suited to active lifestyles or high activity levels. In addition, Rajapalayam dogs need less exercise than other breeds since their needs are lower on the scale than other dog breeds like Labradors, which may require more vigorous activities.
Is Rajapalayam dog good for home?
Rajapalayam dogs are perfect for people with large families and little time to spend at home. Rajapalayams make great pets because they’re low maintenance, playful, intelligent, and loyal – qualities that many other breeds lack! This particular type can be an excellent addition to your family if you have hectic schedules or busy with children- as these types require very minimal attention so long as their basic needs are met.
Which is best, Rajapalayam or German shepherd?
A high percentage of the Rajapalayam breed is highly protective guard dogs with a low chance of biting somebody (compared to their counterparts). However, the German Shepherd has a strong tendency to nip, chew, play, bite and herd people, which could be classified as aggressive behavior in some cases where they aren’t trained properly.
Conclusion
The common misconception of Indian breeds being lesser than or not deserving of as much love or respect as the other, more marketable ones, is very disheartening. The Rajapalayam is proof of a rich and varied heritage that comes along with this insanely culturally diverse country. With that being said, there’s no denying that we should be proud to have an opportunity to invite such adorable royalty into our homes.
😀😀 says:
From this I really adopted a Rajapalayam puppy it’s just 1 month old I love thank u so much
Deva says:
Hi could yu pls help me get a good original Rajapalayam puppy
anirban says:
Hi is your puppy doing now ,is it hard to train them??i live in a big apartment but still an apartment n remain busy too.will it be difficult to keep them?
Munna sahani says:
Hi
My name is munna..I m from bihar I need a Rajapalayam puppy can any one help me to get me one puppy
S Rajesh says:
Please give any contact no for buying a Rajyapalem dog
Peter Tembe says:
Hi could you please help me to get pure Rajapalayum puppies male and female, import it to South Africa (DURBAN)