Chippiparai

Chippiparai
Origin India
Breed status Not recognized as a standardized breed by any major kennel club.
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Chippiparai is a sighthound breed of dog from the south of India. Thought to be a descendant of the Saluki, today it is found in the area around Periyar Lake. It is used primarily for hunting wild boar, deer and hare. It is also used for guarding the home. Bred by royal families in Chippiparai near Madurai district Tamil Nadu, it was kept as a symbol of royalty and dignity by Tirunelveli and Madurai rulers.[1]

Description

Head Study

Appearance

The typical color is a fawn, reddish brown, slight black tinged coat, silver-grey, with very limited or no white markings and long curved tail. Other colors, particularly variations of grey and fawn, also occur. This is a medium dog, around 25 inches or 63.5 cm at the withers.,[2] in a recent study males averaged approximately 63.0 cm and females approximately 56.0 cm at the withers.[3] It has a short coat that is very close; on the whole the coat if kept groomed has a shine on it. A shining, shell-like appearance is greatly desired. This kind of coat makes it ideal for hot climates. This hound is also less prone to ticks and fleas, with their short coat providing easy detection. The overall appearance is very similar to that of the Sloughi, or the Rampur Greyhound.

Temperament

Male Puppy

The Chippiparai is a robust animal needing little or no veterinary care. It is so active during young stages. It does need lots of exercise, as it was and is a breed meant to hunt. Chippiparai is an intelligent breed and a wonderful watch dog. Contrary to the belief that it is a one -man dog, Chippiparai gets along well with people if it is properly socialized. Chippiparai loves human companionship and it hates to be in isolation. It is capable of great speed and can overtake a hare with ease.

The Chippiparai is not a fussy eater. It is easy to groom and does not shed much due to its short coat length.

Health

Generally the breed is healthy. Though sturdy enough to cope within limited means and harsh weather conditions, the breed does suffer from cold weather. They have certain general health issues such as [4] are: sensitivity to anesthesia and food allergies.

Future of the breed

The breed is rare in dog show circles and the blood line may be lost soon if steps are not taken to ensure its survival. It does not cost much in its native regions and with some attention and breeding programs the breed can be revived.

References

  1. ↑ Karthickeyan, S.M.K.; Ravimurugan T.; Hisham, A.; & Sivaselvam, S.N. Chippiparai breed of dogs in Tamil Nadu: An assessment of physical and performance characteristics. Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology 10 (3) 45-49 2015
  2. ↑ Dr Gautam Unny. "Chippiparai- Pets - Indiatimes". Pets.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2014-05-08.
  3. ↑ Karthickeyan, S.M.K.; Ravimurugan T.; Hisham, A.; & Sivaselvam, S.N. Chippiparai breed of dogs in Tamil Nadu: An assessment of physical and performance characteristics. Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology 10 (3) 45-49 2015
  4. ↑ "Chippiparai Dog Breed - The Indian Hound Dog". PetsWorld. Retrieved 2014-06-21.
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