Combai vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Combai vs Australian Kelpie - Breed ComparisonAustralian Kelpie is originated from Australia but Combai is originated from India. Australian Kelpie may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than Combai. Australian Kelpie may weigh 14 kg / 30 pounds lesser than Combai. Both Australian Kelpie and Combai has same life span. Both Australian Kelpie and Combai has almost same litter size. Australian Kelpie requires Moderate Maintenance. But Combai requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
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Australia
India
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
43 - 64 cm
16 - 26 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
43 - 64 cm
16 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
18 - 34 kg
39 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
18 - 34 kg
39 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
3 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Kelpie, Barb
Indian Bear Hound, Indian Bear Dog and Tamil Bear Hound
Colors Available:
Many Colours, from solids to bi-colours - tan, fawn, blue, red, black, chocolate
Brown, reddish, tan
Coat:
short and dense
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

australian kelpieThe energetic Kelpie came into being around 1870, with this working dog breed having a role to play with the herding of sheep in the harsh Australian outback.The sheep and wool industry in Australia has always been big business, and Australian ranchers were looking for a tough dog that could cope with sheep but also cope with the harsh environment.

These are adaptable dogs too and their ancestors include the Coley or Collie, a British herding-type dog, the English- and the Australian Shepherd and the Dingo. In fact it is believed that up to 4% of their genes comes from the Dingo. These adaptable dogs were also brought to North America where they quickly adapted to the different climate and different livestock.

The Australian Kelpie isn’t your regular pet as they are essentially an outdoor, working dog. They are recognized today by the United Kennel Club and registered by the North American Australian Kelpie Registry.

combaiThe Combai is a dog from Tamilnadu, Southern India, developed to hunt dangerous animals by the Indian royalty. It is a rare breed in India, believed to be close to extinction.

The dog is also known as the Indian Bear Hound, Indian Bear Dog and Tamil Bear Hound. You can spell the name of the dog with a ‘C’ or a ‘K’, Combai or Kombai.

Accurate records as to the history of this dog haven’t been kept, so much of the dog’s history is on speculation, although it is believed with some certainty, that the breed has been around since the 15th century. It is thought that the Combai was developed from Mastiff-type dogs, Pariah dogs, the Thai Ridgeback and Khoisan dogs.

Description

The Coat

australian kelpie puppy - descriptionThe Kelpie is a medium-sized dog with a coat that comes in a number of colours – black, chocolate, fawn, red, blue, tan, white and gold. . The nose colour blends in with the dog’s coat colour and can be black, brownish and even pinkish.

A Sharp, Intelligent Look

The Kelpie has a medium-length tail which is low-set. The ears are pricked, giving the dog an intelligent, alert appearance. The dog’s head is also narrow and long, and his eyes are bright and inquisitive.

Lithe and Athletic

The Australian Kelpie has an athletic appearance, with a body which is longer than their height, similar to that of a German Shepherd. Because the Australian Kelpie is such an energetic, active breed, he’ll need plenty of ‘jobs to do’, lots of ball games and other exercise to keep him free from boredom and to ensure he maintains his lithe, lean, muscular limbs.

combai puppy - descriptionThe Combai is a medium sized dog, standing at between 43 to 64cm in height and weighing up to 34kg. Possibly the most distinctive feature of the Combai is a ridge of fur that runs down its back, with the hair growing in the opposite direction to the dog’s body hair. The coat of the dog is short and smooth with colors being brown, tan or reddish. The dog is medium sized, though size does vary quite a bit . The dog is muscular, lean and athletic with a long tail that curls over the back.

The head of the Combai is fairly narrow with a muzzle which is quite long.The ears of the Combai vary as well and usually drop down or they fold backwards.

Temperament:

The Combai’s temperament is by no means gentle and it is believed to be a fierce, angry breed who will fight other dogs to the death.

It is sometimes hard to believe that the Combai, with training and socialization can make a good family pet. He then loves the company of his human family and remains loyal to them. When trained and socialized they also get on well with children in the home.

It isn’t recommended as a first dog choice for those who have never owned a dog as it does tend to be aggressive. The dog is also very territorial and alert and its why he makes a good watchdog.

Characteristics

Friend of Children

australian kelpie dog - characteristicsThe Australian Kelpie is an active, busy, intelligent, loving breed who is highly protective of his human family. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home but you’ll want him trained if you want him to be gentle around children and smaller pets. He does tend to gravitate towards one particular family member as his ‘favourite’ though.

He Must be Busy

Your Kelpie won't do well in an apartment as he is a working dog who wants plenty of place to run and play. If he is bored, it manifests itself with constant barking. Make sure to provide a stimulating, active lifestyle for your Australian Kelpie, provide him with everything a dog needs and you’ll be rewarded with a devoted and loyal companion.

combai dog - characteristicsThe Combai is known for its bravery and fearlessness and this is what makes him such an exceptional watch dog as he also doesn’t take kindly to strangers.

The Combai is full of energy too and won’t like to spend days lying around. He will require regular exercise.

Have him trained and socialized and he becomes the most loyal and devoted pet and companion.

Health Problems

A Healthy Breed

australian kelpie puppies - health problemsYour Australian Kelpie is a hardy breed and you won’t find many health problems with him. Yes, every dog is susceptible to illnesses which are common with all dog breeds, and these are illnesses such as hip dysplasia and cryptorchidism.

You will need to check your Kelpie out for eye disease such as PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a group of genetic diseases which are found in some breeds of dogs. This can lead to cataracts and blindness.

Lifestyle and Environment Impact Health

Health problems in your Australian Kelpie can certainly be partially prevented by the way you feed your dog and by the environment you provide him with. Every dog has the potential to develop genetic health problems, but as we’ve said, the Kelpie is a generally healthy breed.

Always find a reputable breeder whose focus is on breeding healthy dogs and who can provide certification that the parents of the dog are clear of defects and are in tip-top condition for breeding.

Puppy Vaccinations

Along with quality food and fresh water, getting your puppy vaccinated is hugely important. Australian Kelpie puppy shots will protect your new 4-legged family member from the likes of distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. Your puppy will also need additional booster vaccinations after his first shots which start at around 8 weeks of age.

combai puppies - health problemsMost dog experts will agree that the Combai is a breed that enjoys excellent health, and that in fact it seems as though the dog is disease- and parasite resistant.

There are however, always common dog illnesses that every dog owner should be aware of and it is always to a dog owner’s benefit to have their pet tested by Foundations such as the Orthopedic- and Canine Eye Registration Foundation who can perform tests to identify potential health defects before they show up.

Some of the ailments of concern in hounds include progressive retinal atrophy, demoid sinus and hip dysplasia.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

The Retina is the light sensitive part of the eye and also part of the central nervous system. In retinal degeneration, the cells of the retina decline in function and this is what leads to possible blindness.

Progressive retinal atrophy worsens with time. If your pet doesn’t seem to react to light properly it may be wise to have him checked by the vet.

Demoid Sinus:

This defect is found in newborns as well as later on in life, and found primarily in Ridgeback dogs. Dermoid sinus is a neural tube defect that is typically found along your dog’s back, the tail and the neck.

The role of the tubes is to drain out dead cells for example. Not correctly formed, they become infected and an abscess forms with discharge. You will have to get your pet to the vet who will proceed with treatment as your pet can experience pain and discomfort.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

australian kelpie dogs - caringAustralian Kelpies are low maintenance and their coat is easy to groom and maintain. You want to give him a good brush twice a week to get rid of loose hair. Australian Kelpies are moderate shedders.

Feeding your Kelpie

It is important to get your puppy off on the right foot to avoid health problems later on. Homemade dog food which includes chicken, rice and vegetables is always the best food for your dog. If you can't prepared your own meals for your Kelpie, top grade commercial dog food brands are recommended.

When looking at dog foods, remember that your Kelpie is a working dog – a naturally active breed and you’ll need to look at dog food which has been specially formulated for active dogs. Every dog will need raw meat in their diet if you want to avoid a dog with an itchy, flaky skin, a dog with poor energy levels and a dog that has no resistance to infection.

Training

Every owner who cares for their dog will provide him with socialization and training. The Australian Kelpie is an intelligent breed who responds well to training.

Exercise:

combai dogs - caringThe Combai is an active dog and he will require quite a bit of exercise. A good way of giving him exercise is to take him on walks or allow him to go jogging with you or cycling.

Denying him exercise will make him frustrated and destructive. His high exercise needs mean that he won’t do well in small apartments but will do well in the suburbs or in the country.

Grooming:

With his short coat, the Combai is a low maintenance breed.  This breed should never require professional grooming, only an occasional brushing.  Other than that, he will require his nails being clipped, his ears checked for infection and his teeth cleaned 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

High energy dogs like the Combai will require a top quality kibble diet recommended by your vet with raw meat included in his diet from time to time as well as nutritious cooked food added in such as brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken. Fresh water must be available to him night and day non-stop.

Comparison with other breeds

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  3. Combai vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
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  5. Combai vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Combai vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Combai vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Combai vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Combai vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Combai vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Combai vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Combai vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Combai vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Combai vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  26. Australian Kelpie vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Australian Kelpie vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Kelpie vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Kelpie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Australian Kelpie vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Australian Kelpie vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Australian Kelpie vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Australian Kelpie vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Australian Kelpie vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Kelpie vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Australian Kelpie vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Australian Kelpie vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Australian Kelpie vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Australian Kelpie vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Australian Kelpie vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Australian Kelpie vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Australian Kelpie vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Australian Kelpie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Australian Kelpie vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Australian Kelpie vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Australian Kelpie vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Australian Kelpie vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Australian Kelpie vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Australian Kelpie vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison