Chippiparai Dog Breed

The Chippiparai is a breed of Indian sighthound that may look like a starving street beggar to the untrained eye, but he/she is truly an elegant, athletic, well-mannered hunting companion. Hailing from southern India, they are said to be descendants of the Egyptian Saluki which were traded or gifted, later mingling with local Indian hounds. Royalty quickly took to breeding Chippiparai due to their regal and dignified natures and they excelled at hunting wild boar, deer and hare. Unfortunately, due to British colonization the Chippiparai experienced a drastic decline and still remain at a dangerously low population.

The breed is extremely rare outside of India. They are best suited to warm climates with owners/families that are either hunters or very active. If you are looking for an affectionate, needy sort of dog--keep searching, but she will be protective and loyal to a fault.

PROS

• Excellent sighthound for large and small game
• Very athletic exercise partner
• Highly capable watchdog
• Loyal and protective, especially to his/her primary owner
• Calm and gentle with the family
• Sleek, graceful looks
• Easily groomed

CONS

• Must have daily outdoor exercise
• May remain suspicious around strangers
• High prey drive towards small animals
• Does best as an only pet unless socialized very well from puppyhood
• Difficult to train for a novice
• Fenced yard and leashed walks are necessary
• Not a city or apartment dog

Although Chippiparais information is limited due to their rarity outside of India, we can tell you the basics of the breed. Similar to other Indian sighthounds, their appearance is one of grace and stamina, with narrow heads and long, slender (and well muscled) bodies and limbs. The short, shiny coat allows them to thrive in warm temperatures and can often be seen is shades of reddish-brown, fawn, brown and greyish-silver. They have a characteristically long tail that curves up at the end. Although recognized by both major Indian Kennel Clubs the Chippiparai is not bred to a standard.

1. Intelligence- Although intelligent, they are very independent minded. Perhaps not the best for an inexperienced owner, training is not particularly easy but they are natural hunters.

2. Strangers, Kids, Other Pets- Amn untrained (and more importantly) unsocialized Chippiparai can be a hazard to a small animal; their prey drive can cause them to chase and kill these critters-- even those they are familiar with. Calm and gentle with the family, these dogs do well around well behaved children they have been socialized with. They will likely remain watchful and suspicious of strangers, making them good guard dogs.

3. Exercise- These very athletic dogs have high energy that will need to be spent every day. They enjoy hunting activities, running, hiking, long walks, etc. Chippiparais are extremely fast and notorious escape artists that come back only when they please, so leashes and tall fences are necessary.

The Chippiparai dog temperament is low maintenance, watchful, intelligent and very athletic. Members of this breed are not barkers but they may remain watchful and weary of strangers; early socialization is required if they are to get along with unknown people and animals. This is even true of other household pets, which they will view as prey if not socialized from a puppy age (Chippiparais acquired as adults should be only pets). Most owners agree they are very loyal and even protective often choosing one person and becoming utterly devoted to them.

These dogs are calm and gentle with their family and tolerate children of the family well. They are not overly affectionate. Chippiparais need about an hour of daily outdoor activity to release their abundant energy and, therefore, need an active owner than is often present.

Although they are intelligent, they possess a strong hunting mindset that requires they be kept on leash when not in a securely fenced area. Small critters like your squirrels (or your neighbor's cat) may provoke their hunting instincts. Training may be difficult for an inexperienced owner.

Like other breeds native to India, the Chippiparai has few documented health issues. Perhaps these dogs have been less affected by humans or, perhaps, there just hasn't been many studies on them. If you happen to get your hands on one of these rare dogs ask for hip and eye certifications (and any other genetic testing) for the parents. Chippiparais are said to live 12-15 years and the few health issues they may be prone to are below:

• Sensitivity to anesthesia
• Intolerance to cold
• Hip Dysplasia
• Allergies (food)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy