imported>Anandhasakthi mNo edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{ | {{Cleanup rewrite|date=August 2023}} | ||
{{Infobox Dogbreed | {{Infobox Dogbreed | ||
| image = | | image = Rajapaalayam Dog.jpg | ||
| image_caption = Rajapalayam Hound, Indian | | image_caption = Rajapalayam Hound, Indian [[sighthound]]. | ||
| country= [[India]] | | country= [[India]] | ||
| name= Rajapalayam | | name= Rajapalayam Hound | ||
| note = | | maleheight = 24 to 29 inch <ref name=Deshpande2020>{{cite book|last1=Deshpande|first1=Abhijeet Madhukar|title=Indian Dogs Pedigree Chart-The List of Indian Pedigree Dogs|publisher=|volume=|edition=|year=2020|chapter=|pages=4|isbn=|url={{Google books|plainurl=yes|id=CyfsDwAAQBAJ|page=4}}}}</ref> | ||
| femaleheight = 24 to 28 inch<ref name=Deshpande2020/> | |||
| weight = | |||
| maleweight = up to 40kg | |||
| femaleweight = 20 to 30kg<ref name=Deshpande2020/> | |||
| coat = single coat both are short | |||
| colour = Milky White only | |||
| litter_size = | |||
| life_span = | |||
| note = | |||
<!-----Kennel club standards-----> | |||
| kc_name = [[Kennel Club of India]] | |||
| kc_std = | |||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Rajapalayam''', also known as the '''Polygar Hound''' | The '''Rajapalayam Hound''', also known as the '''Polygar Hound''' or '''Indian Ghost Hound''', is a southern [[Indian dog breeds|Indian dog breed]].<ref>[http://14.139.56.90/displaybitstream?handle=1/5810010022 Raja et al "Phenotypic characterization of Rajapalayam dog of Southern India" ''Indian Journal of Animal Sciences'' 87 (4): 447–451, April 2017]</ref><ref>[http://www.arccjournals.com/uploads/Final-article-attachemnt-with-doi-B-3369.pdf Raja, K. N., et al. "Cytogenetic Profile of Rajapalayam Dog Breed of Southern India." ''Indian Journal of Animal Research'' OF (2017).]</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Y. B.Rajeshwari|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=59as4kF7D4gC&pg=PA93|title=Handbook on Care and Management of Laboratory and Pet Animals|date=9 June 2009 |page=13|publisher=New India Publishing|isbn=9788189422981 }}</ref> The breed is named after [[Rajapalayam]], a town in the [[Virudhunagar]], [[Tamil Nadu]]. | ||
Four commemorative [[postage stamps]] were issued on 9 January 2005 by [[India Post]] for four breeds | Four commemorative [[postage stamps]] were issued on 9 January 2005 by [[India Post]] for four breeds: [[Himalayan Sheepdog]], [[Rampur Hound]], [[Mudhol Hound]] (Face value {{INR}} 5 each) and Rajapalayam Hound (Face value {{INR}} 15). The Rajapalayam Hound is known to live up to 12 years of age. | ||
[[File:The Rajapaalayam Breead 3.png|thumb]] | |||
==History== | |||
[[File:The Rajapaalayam Breead 2.png|thumb]] | |||
In the 18th century, there are records of about 50 different dog breeds being recognized in the [[Indian subcontinent]]. One of them was this breed of dog known as Rajapalayam.<ref name="fkk"/> Historical observers believe that it was first raised during the [[Nayak dynasty]], the main royal family of [[Tamil Nadu]]. Not only are they great watchdogs but fiercely loyal, they are also very handsome to look at. It cannot be forgotten that the villagers of the region used them in ancient times to guard the agricultural crops, livestock and agricultural produce and today it has become one of the most popular dog breeds in India.<ref name="fkk"/> It is recorded in history that during the Poligarh wars of [[Karnataka]] and [[Tipu Sultan]] from 1799 to 1805, it was used as a royal encampment and played a very important role in the battle by biting and killing horses.<ref name="fkk"/> It is also said that Tipu made a large collection of them in his hands. Today, the [[Indian army]] has realized the greatness and ability of these dogs and has trained them in the force.<ref name="fkk">{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/pets/royal-rajapalayam/articleshow/71439869.cms | title=Royal Rajapalayam | newspaper=The Times of India }}</ref> | |||
==Appearance== | ==Appearance== | ||
[[ | It is a large dog, usually measuring about 65–75 cm (25–30 [[inch]]es) at the [[withers]] and weighs 30 – 45 kg. Mostly found in the centre of Tamil Nadu, the Rajapalayam was bred to be the complete hunter and estate guardian with features that allow it to excel.<ref name=Deshpande2020/> Primarily used to hunt [[wild boar]] independent of the handler, the Rajapalayam is unique in two ways. First, it fulfills the functions of a bay dog as well as a [[catch dog]]; secondly the Rajapalayam can hunt by [[sighthound|sight]] as well as [[Tracking (dog)|track]] by [[scent hound|scent]]. While hunting they can be relentless pursuers that are not intimidated by complex terrain or bodies of water. After finding their prey, the dogs take it down and bring it back to the handler. If the dog is unable to bring down its prey, it injures and corners the target till the handler can get to it. This dog can hunt alone, in pairs, in a pack, or with its owner.<ref name=Deshpande2020/> | ||
Rajapalayams tend to be more muscular and heavier boned than most sighthounds, but they share the deep chest and basic body structure that exudes speed and physical ability. Its facial structure is considerably different from that of a [[Mudhol Hound|Caravan Hound]], with a slightly larger head and more powerful jaws. It has a slightly curled tail.<ref name=Deshpande2020/> | |||
An extremely handsome and graceful dog, the Rajapalayam has a double suspension gait, similar to the trotting of a thoroughbred horse. The staple colour is milk white, although faint brown markings are quite common, and the pink nose is standard. | |||
Eye color can range from golden to brown and green. Puppies born with whitish or blue eyes are usually deaf and should not be bred. The coat is single, short, and fine; these dogs don't do well in very cold climates, but excel in the heat of South India or tropics. | |||
While many Rajapalayam dogs suffer from [[mange]], it rarely is serious, as mange is actually caused by [[mites]], so it is basically a matter of preventing mites rather than a breed issue. Otherwise, the breed is robust and low-maintenance. | |||
Rajapalayam dogs have a pink nose, button ears, whiptail and golden eyes. They have a gait similar to that of a horse and were also used during the [[Carnatic Wars]] and [[Polygar war]] against the [[British cavalry]]. They aren't fast runners, but are tireless and steady over long distances. There were reports that the [[Indian Army]] in [[Kashmir]] had them as [[guard dog]]s.<ref name="Dogwithblog">{{cite web |last1=Joshi |first1=Abhishek |title=Rajapalayam Dog Breed |date=17 July 2020 |url=https://dogwithblog.in/indian-dog-breeds/|publisher=Dogwithblog |access-date=17 July 2020 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
==Future of the breed== | |||
The pure Rajapalayam used to only be found in isolated pockets around southern [[Tamil Nadu]]. A dog breeding unit was established at [[Saidapet]], [[Chennai]], during 1980–81. This unit primarily rears native breeds such as the Rajapalayam dog, [[Combai|Combai dog]], [[kanni]], and [[Chippiparai]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindujobs.com/thehindu/mp/2007/02/12/stories/2007021201310300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304030800/http://www.thehindujobs.com/thehindu/mp/2007/02/12/stories/2007021201310300.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=March 4, 2009 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |title=Every Dog has His Day |date=February 12, 2007 |access-date=November 16, 2014}}</ref> To create awareness and encourage dog lovers to rear native breeds, the Animal Husbandry Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu participates in [[Conformation show|dog shows]]. Localities have established a cooperative, and interested families receive female dogs and the expertise that is required for large-scale breeding. The Indian Postal Department has brought out [[postage stamp]]s on the Rajapalayam dog breed,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.123rf.com/photo_15438412_india--circa-2005-stamp-printed-by-india-shows-dog-rajapalayam-circa-2005.html |title=INDIA - CIRCA 2005: stamp printed by India, shows dog Rajapalayam, circa 2005 |year=2005 |access-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> as well as the [[Mudhol Hound]], [[Rampur Hound]], and the [[Himalayan Sheepdog]]. The [[Kennel Club of India]] has taken up the cause of the Rajapalayam. With the club's cooperation, the "Save the Rajapalayam Project" has been launched. These initiatives have successfully brought the breed back from the brink of extinction. | |||
Rajapalayam | |||
== | ==Gallery== | ||
The | <gallery widths="200px" heights="200px"> | ||
File:The Rajapaalayam Breed 4.png | |||
File:The Rajapalayam Dog Breed.png|Traditional White Rajapalayam dog | |||
File:The Raajapalayam Dog.jpg|Rajapalayam Show Standard | |||
File:The Raajapalayam Breed.jpg|one male | |||
File:Rajappalayam Dog.jpg|front face | |||
File:The Rajapaalayam Breead 1.png|Two White rajapalayam dogs baby | |||
</gallery> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Portal:Dogs|Dogs portal]] | * [[Portal:Dogs|Dogs portal]] | ||
* [[List of dog breeds]] | * [[List of dog breeds]] | ||
* [[List of dog breeds from India]] | |||
* [[Pampas Deerhound]] | * [[Pampas Deerhound]] | ||
* [[Ramanadhapuram Mandai]] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 48: | Line 67: | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Rajapalayam Hound|Rajapalayam (dog)}} | {{Commons category|Rajapalayam Hound|Rajapalayam (dog)}} | ||
| Line 56: | Line 74: | ||
[[Category:Dog breeds originating in India]] | [[Category:Dog breeds originating in India]] | ||
[[Category:Sighthounds]] | |||
Latest revision as of 14:45, 20 December 2025
 | This article may need to be rewritten to comply with Bharatpedia's quality standards. (August 2023) |
| Rajapalayam Hound | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rajapalayam Hound, Indian sighthound. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Origin | India | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Rajapalayam Hound, also known as the Polygar Hound or Indian Ghost Hound, is a southern Indian dog breed.[2][3][4] The breed is named after Rajapalayam, a town in the Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu.
Four commemorative postage stamps were issued on 9 January 2005 by India Post for four breeds: Himalayan Sheepdog, Rampur Hound, Mudhol Hound (Face value ₹ 5 each) and Rajapalayam Hound (Face value ₹ 15). The Rajapalayam Hound is known to live up to 12 years of age.
History[edit | edit source]
In the 18th century, there are records of about 50 different dog breeds being recognized in the Indian subcontinent. One of them was this breed of dog known as Rajapalayam.[5] Historical observers believe that it was first raised during the Nayak dynasty, the main royal family of Tamil Nadu. Not only are they great watchdogs but fiercely loyal, they are also very handsome to look at. It cannot be forgotten that the villagers of the region used them in ancient times to guard the agricultural crops, livestock and agricultural produce and today it has become one of the most popular dog breeds in India.[5] It is recorded in history that during the Poligarh wars of Karnataka and Tipu Sultan from 1799 to 1805, it was used as a royal encampment and played a very important role in the battle by biting and killing horses.[5] It is also said that Tipu made a large collection of them in his hands. Today, the Indian army has realized the greatness and ability of these dogs and has trained them in the force.[5]
Appearance[edit | edit source]
It is a large dog, usually measuring about 65–75 cm (25–30 inches) at the withers and weighs 30 – 45 kg. Mostly found in the centre of Tamil Nadu, the Rajapalayam was bred to be the complete hunter and estate guardian with features that allow it to excel.[1] Primarily used to hunt wild boar independent of the handler, the Rajapalayam is unique in two ways. First, it fulfills the functions of a bay dog as well as a catch dog; secondly the Rajapalayam can hunt by sight as well as track by scent. While hunting they can be relentless pursuers that are not intimidated by complex terrain or bodies of water. After finding their prey, the dogs take it down and bring it back to the handler. If the dog is unable to bring down its prey, it injures and corners the target till the handler can get to it. This dog can hunt alone, in pairs, in a pack, or with its owner.[1]
Rajapalayams tend to be more muscular and heavier boned than most sighthounds, but they share the deep chest and basic body structure that exudes speed and physical ability. Its facial structure is considerably different from that of a Caravan Hound, with a slightly larger head and more powerful jaws. It has a slightly curled tail.[1]
An extremely handsome and graceful dog, the Rajapalayam has a double suspension gait, similar to the trotting of a thoroughbred horse. The staple colour is milk white, although faint brown markings are quite common, and the pink nose is standard.
Eye color can range from golden to brown and green. Puppies born with whitish or blue eyes are usually deaf and should not be bred. The coat is single, short, and fine; these dogs don't do well in very cold climates, but excel in the heat of South India or tropics.
While many Rajapalayam dogs suffer from mange, it rarely is serious, as mange is actually caused by mites, so it is basically a matter of preventing mites rather than a breed issue. Otherwise, the breed is robust and low-maintenance.
Rajapalayam dogs have a pink nose, button ears, whiptail and golden eyes. They have a gait similar to that of a horse and were also used during the Carnatic Wars and Polygar war against the British cavalry. They aren't fast runners, but are tireless and steady over long distances. There were reports that the Indian Army in Kashmir had them as guard dogs.[6]
Future of the breed[edit | edit source]
The pure Rajapalayam used to only be found in isolated pockets around southern Tamil Nadu. A dog breeding unit was established at Saidapet, Chennai, during 1980–81. This unit primarily rears native breeds such as the Rajapalayam dog, Combai dog, kanni, and Chippiparai.[7] To create awareness and encourage dog lovers to rear native breeds, the Animal Husbandry Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu participates in dog shows. Localities have established a cooperative, and interested families receive female dogs and the expertise that is required for large-scale breeding. The Indian Postal Department has brought out postage stamps on the Rajapalayam dog breed,[8] as well as the Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, and the Himalayan Sheepdog. The Kennel Club of India has taken up the cause of the Rajapalayam. With the club's cooperation, the "Save the Rajapalayam Project" has been launched. These initiatives have successfully brought the breed back from the brink of extinction.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
-
-
Traditional White Rajapalayam dog -
Rajapalayam Show Standard -
one male -
front face -
Two White rajapalayam dogs baby
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Deshpande, Abhijeet Madhukar (2020). Indian Dogs Pedigree Chart-The List of Indian Pedigree Dogs. p. 4.
- ↑ Raja et al "Phenotypic characterization of Rajapalayam dog of Southern India" Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 87 (4): 447–451, April 2017
- ↑ Raja, K. N., et al. "Cytogenetic Profile of Rajapalayam Dog Breed of Southern India." Indian Journal of Animal Research OF (2017).
- ↑ Y. B.Rajeshwari (9 June 2009). Handbook on Care and Management of Laboratory and Pet Animals. New India Publishing. p. 13. ISBN 9788189422981.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Royal Rajapalayam". The Times of India.
- ↑ Joshi, Abhishek (17 July 2020). "Rajapalayam Dog Breed". Dogwithblog. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
- ↑ "Every Dog has His Day". The Hindu. February 12, 2007. Archived from the original on March 4, 2009. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
- ↑ "INDIA - CIRCA 2005: stamp printed by India, shows dog Rajapalayam, circa 2005". 2005. Retrieved 29 April 2014.