The Kombai is a sighthound from India, that comes with the catchphrase “a sighthound that is different from the others”. Named for the town he was created in, he was originally used for hunting but also has very strong guard dog instincts and he will guard those he loves with his life. This athletic breed packs a lot more punch than most sighthounds, with a powerfully built frame rather than a slender build, and the ability to kill a bear if necessary! In the past they were most commonly used to hunt wild boar, bison and deer. This breed was even used in the army at one point, and trained to rip out the hamstrings of enemy horses! Today he is very rare and even endangered – only really seen in India. The “ferocious” temperament makes the breed difficult for the majority of pet owners to own.
There is a wide variation in the height of the Kombai. Some can be as short as 23 inches at the withers while others could get as tall as 30 inches! Most fall somewhere in between this range although all are strong and muscular. Because this is a serious guard dog with a propensity for being over-protective, he needs early and frequent training to keep him in check. Adding in the fact that this higher-energy dog needs lots of exercise (both mental and physical) as well and one can see that this is not a good choice for a first-time dog owner. Nor is he a good match for a family as he isn’t fantastic with young children without extensive socialization and constant supervision.
In case it wasn’t obvious, the Kombai isn’t known for his pleasant attitude toward strangers. Highly suspicious, he would not be a good choice for someone who wants a therapy dog. Although he is loyal and loving to his owners, he’s not overtly affectionate. With small pets, he can be a liability because of his prey drive. This temperament is the opposite of what many would want in a family companion – that said, his fiercely protective nature and extreme bravery definitely fulfills a need, and he can be the perfect fit for someone looking for a no-nonsense guard dog.
The Kombai can be stubborn, yet can also be obedient and eager to please when trained by a knowledgeable person. Training should be firm yet fair, and should be a regular consistent part of the dog’s life. This intelligent, yet sensitive hound will not tolerate overly harsh treatment at all. In addition, early socialization is definitely a must to supplement every training program and make sure he grows up stable and steady.
The smooth, red coat of the Kombai sheds a moderately high amount but he fares well in hot weather. He requires very little grooming to keep him healthy and his coat shiny, nor does he need any special trimming. He doesn’t drool, needs only infrequent baths, and is overall easy to keep in terms of coat care. This is also a very hardy breed, with very few health issues and an average lifespan of 13-15 years. Occasionally hip dysplasia, anesthesia sensitivity and skin issues are seen but a responsible breeder should be working on minimizing these issues in their breeding program.
Perhaps surprisingly, the Kombai can be adaptable to many different living situations including apartments as long as his high exercise requirements are fulfilled – meaning several hours a day for such a small living space. It is the rare person who would be able to dedicate that amount of time to exercising the dog, and without it, the owner risks behavior problems including frustration and even owner-directed aggression. The best situation for the prospective Kombai owner is a house with a securely fenced yard, in addition to having the time and experience for this beautiful, yet serious breed.
Photo by Richie2089