Dogo Guatemalteco vs Combai - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The 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.

Known as the Guatemalteco Bull Terrier or Guatemalan Molosser, the Dogo Guatemalteco is also known as the Bull Terrier Guatemalteco, Guatemalan Bull Terrier, and Guatemalan Molosser.

This big Molosser-type dog originates in Guatemala. In the 20th century, it was known as the Bullterrier Guatemalteco, but at the end of the century, it was changed to Dogo Guatemalteco.

Today, while the dog is kept as a companion dog, most are working guard dogs. The Dogo Guatemalteco isn’t recognized by any major international kennel clubs. However, the Kennel Club of Guatemala has given full recognition to this dog and it was in 1981 that the Guatemalan government named the dog as their national dog breed.

The 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.

The Guatemalteco is a medium to large dog standing at 54 – 60cm and weighing between 40-45kg. He has a short, smooth coat and is essentially white with some black markings on the head.

This breed was created from a crossing between a bull terrier, boxer and dalmatian. Some of the dogs are thickly built, while others are more leaner and athletic looking.

The ears of the dog vary quite a bit because while sometimes the ears fold down closely to the head, others are semi-pricked. There are some dog owners who have their dogs ears cropped into fully erect triangular shapes. The eye are small and usually dark brown.

Temperament:

The Dogo Guatemalteco is a fearless, evenly tempered dog. He was bred as a guard dog and he wants to protect his human family, forming a deep bond with them. It makes them difficult to re-home because of this.

It is imperative to have this dog trained and socialized because it might believe its the leader of the pack in your home. He is quite capable of getting along well with children and pets in the home. Because of his dominant nature, he isn’t suited as a pet for the first-time dog owner. He also doesn’t warm easily to strangers.

The 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.

Your Dogo Guatemalteco is an intelligent dog breed, and because he is strong-willed and stubborn he might give you a hard time during training. It is possible though and it is important as the training will turn him into an obedient, relaxed dog, able to get on with all his family members, including pets.

He is an energetic dog and will require walks and other forms of exercise each day.

This is certainly not the kind of dog that you buy to protect your property and provide little else for him except food and water. Frustration on the dog’s part can lead to destructive behavior and aggression.

Treat him well and he can make an excellent family companion.

Most 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.

This dog can be susceptible to skin allergies. The skin is sensitive and prone to rashes.

Another health concern with this dog because of his white coat, is congenital deafness. The deafness could be in one- or both ears.

The dog could also experience lameness, of which the most common problem is hip dysplasia. Because skeletal problems occur in this breed, it is advisable for owners to have their pet tested by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

Exercise:

The 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.

The coat of the dog is short and harsh and it sheds throughout the year. While he is still looked upon as a low maintenance dog, regular brushing will be required twice a week.

Because he is a dog breed that is susceptible to skin allergies, bathing isn't necessary as it removes the dog’s natural oils.

Other areas of grooming for this dog are brushing his teeth twice a week, trimming his nails and checking his ears.

Diet:

Always choose a high quality dog food for your Dogo Guatemalteco and look at the feeding recommendations on the packaging.

When you feed your pet kibble, you can also mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetable and chicken for variety and contentment.

Raw meat is also advised from time to time. Don’t just go on and on through the years feeding your dog the same amount of food, as there are factors to take into account when deciding on food quantity. The age of your dog, it’s stage of life and its activity levels will mean regulating your pet’s food to match his needs.