Images  |  |  |  |  |
History
The Rajapalayam was used predominantly for hunting wild boar and as a formidable guard dog. It needs wide open spaces and is very affectionate and devoted towards its owner, although not always demonstrative.They do not usually like to be touched or handled by strangers and are known to be one-man dogs. Most specimens are aggressive and hostile towards strangers, and will attack intruders. Socialization in puppyhood is important. Rajapalayams usually do not get along well with other pets like cats, owing to their strong hunting instincts.
Appearance
It is a large dog, usually measuring about 65–75 cm (25–30 inches) at the withers. It is a hound, and therefore should be kept in optimum working condition. It tends to be heavier boned than most sighthounds, but shares the depth of chest and basic body structure.
Its facial structure is considerably different from that of a Caravan Hound, as it is meant primarily for hunting wild boar. The tail has a slight curl.
Pink nose, paws & mouth. The most prized colour is milk white, with a pink nose and golden eyes. However, other colours including spotted or solid, black, and brown, are known to occur. In the past, puppies of colour were usually culled from the litters since the owners preferred the pure white dogs. The coat is short and fine. An extremely handsome and graceful dog, the Rajapalayam has a gait similar to the trotting of a thoroughbred horse. As with many fully white dogs, there is a high incidence of deafness in this breed. Puppies born with whitish or blue eyes are deaf. Many Rajapalayam dogs suffer from mange, though this is usually not a serious problem. Though the breed dates back a few centuries, the creators of the breed unwittingly ended up fashioning an albino dog, characterized by the pink nose and the lack of pigmentation.
Future of the breed
The pure Rajapalayam is more or less extinct, and only a few are to be found in isolated pockets around southern Tamil Nadu. The breed may vanish all together if efforts are not initiated soon to revive it. A dog breeding unit was established at Saidapet, Chennai, during
1980–81. This unit primarily rears native breeds like the Rajapalayam, Combai, and
Chippiparai, whilst also rearing Doberman and Labrador Retriever breeds. The puppies
are sold to the public at reasonable price. 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 are given female dogs and expertise that is required for
large-scale breeding. The Indian Postal Department has brought out postage stamps
on the Rajapalayam, 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
Source :en.wikipedia.org
