Combai Breed Details
Below are details and specs for the Combai dog breed.
Combai Dog Breed
Indian Bear Hound
Indian Beardog
Indian Kombai
Kombai
The Combai – also known as the Kombai or Indian Bear Hound – is a rare breed known for its fierceness and loyalty. Native to Southern India, these muscular, intelligent dogs make excellent watchdogs. Originally developed to hunt large game, Combais are hearty and healthy, and require very little care. If this breed is to be part of a multipet household or home with children, they should be introduced to them as early as possible. Members of this breed would likely do best with an active owner(s) with no or older children, no other pets, and a large yard to run in. The Combai is a top choice for one seeking a guard dog and they will defend the ones they love until the end. Although this breed is manageable indoors, they do best with a yard but are not suited to cold weather.
Combai Breed Description
Combais are large, athletic, and sturdy. Weight ranges from 30 to 70 pounds; height, 17-25 inches at the shoulder.
This breed is one of the fiercest of all dogs. Combais are very loyal to their owners, and will fight to the death for them if necessary. If socialized with children and other pets at a young age, a Combai will be an excellent companion, but it will be extremely aggressive to unknown people and animals.
This breed is generally low-maintenance. Brushing once every couple weeks almost covers the grooming requirement. They are also very intelligent and eager to please their owner, making training fairly easy. Exercising will take a little more effort as these dogs are healthy and athletic. Daily walks and outdoor playtime are necessities.
Combai Breed History
Though its exact origins are unknown, the Combai has existed in Southern India for hundreds of years; the breed is depicted in art from that region as early as the 15th century. The Combai breed is named for Kombai, a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. According to historians, Combais were originally developed to hunt large game like deer, wild boar, and bison. The breed gained notoriety in the early 1800s, when Combais were used in combat to help insurgents during their fight for independence from colonial British rule. British military records note that Combais fiercely guarded the insurgent strongholds and made them practically impenetrable, lending credibility to the breed's reputation for ferociousness and fierce loyalty to its owners.
Since that time, Combais have decreased in number, almost to the point of extinction, and exist mainly in rural Indian villages.
Combai Appearance
True to its reputation, a Combai is solid, muscular, and menacing in appearance. Usually about equal in length and height, this breed has a slightly rectangular head, powerful jaws, brown eyes that are oval-shaped, and medium-sized pendant ears. Its neck is muscular and of moderate length, chest deep and powerful, and it has long, muscular legs. Tail is long, often erect, usually with a J-hook at the end.
Combai Colors
The images below represent the coat colors and patterns associated with Combais.
Tan
Tan and White
Combai Temperament
Intelligent and ferocious in equal measure, Combais are known for both their loyalty to their owners and their legendary fighting skills. This breed has a fairly high prey drive, and its instinct is to fight (to the death, if necessary) for those it loves, so Combais are one of the very top guard-dog breeds. Despite their reputation for fierceness, though, Combais are highly alert and intelligent, and fairly easy to train, so they will make excellent companions. Combais are also known for their willingness to please their owners. If socialized with people and other animals as a puppy, this breed will be an excellent addition to any household.
Combai Maintenance
This breed is generally low-maintenance. Brushing once every couple weeks almost covers the grooming requirement. They are also very intelligent and eager to please their owner, making training fairly easy. Exercising will take a little more effort as these dogs are healthy and athletic. Daily walks and outdoor playtime are necessities.
Grooming Requirements
Combais are short-haired, and will need only occasional brushing (once every two weeks should be enough). A Combai may shed a bit, but not much hair cleanup is required. Baths are required only 4-5 times per year; nails grow at medium speed, and will need trimming occasionally.
Exercise Requirements
As high-energy dogs, Combais will require plenty of exercise. A yard with room to run is best; an hour-long daily walk or jog will also suffice. Using a leash is highly recommended, as Combais will show aggression to other people or animals.
Living Requirements
Combais are best suited for homes with yards, but will manage apartment living as well.
Combai Health
Lifespan is 12-15 years. This breed is generally very healthy; a few Combais may suffer from hip dysplasia (an abnormality in the hind leg socket), which may lead to hind leg lameness. Skin disorders such as dermatitis and mange may also occur, though rarely.
Combai Health Concerns
Below are potential health concerns associated with Combais.
Hip dysplasia
Dermatitis
About this Article
Updated:June 22, 2016