Combai is originated from India but Francais Blanc et Noir is originated from France. Combai may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Francais Blanc et Noir. Both Combai and Francais Blanc et Noir are having almost same weight. Both Combai and Francais Blanc et Noir has same life span. Both Combai and Francais Blanc et Noir has almost same litter size. Combai requires Low Maintenance. But Francais Blanc et Noir requires Moderate Maintenance
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.
Translated from the French Chien Francais Blanc et Noir, is the French White and Black Hound. His ancestry goes back before the French Revolution to the old Hound of Saintonge and the Gascon Saintongeois. The Francais Blanc et Noir was bred to be a hunting dog and he is a scent hound. They were dogs that went hunting in packs, mostly for Roe and Red deer. In the late 19th Century, the Gascon Saintongeois was crossed with the Poitevin and the result was the Francais Blanc et Noir.
The breed was recognized in 1957 and by 2009 there were about 2000 dogs registered with the Federation Cynoloqique Interenationale. There are three types of the Francais line. They are the Chien Francais Tricolor and Chien Francais Blanc et Orange. The Blanc et Noir was bred as a hunting dog and they remain that especially in France. However, they are also very popular in dog shows. Because so many dogs belonged to hunters who felt no compulsion to register them, they were not recognized internationally for many decades later than they should have been.
Following the Second World War, breeding programs were in chaos and hunters were abandoning dogs that they could not feed. The military killed many dogs also. The Chien Francais Blanc et Noir saw its ranks greatly depleted but the breed survived. After being recognized in 1957 by the CKC and FCI, they gained international attention for the first time. Even though the breed is rare its numbers are greater than either of the other Chien Francais types. The breed registers 200 to 400 new dogs every year.
They are still endangered though because there are very few dogs left outside of France.
The UKC has recognized the breed but the AKC doesn’t.
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.
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.
Being a pack hunting dog, the Francais Blanc et Noir is muscular and lean. A long legged athletic breed with long drop ears, a domed head, and flews overhanging the lower lip. The coat is black and white, with black and blue ticking. There are tan dot on the cheeks and above the eyes and also below the tail. These spots of pale tan color can also appear on the dog’s legs. The Francais Blanc et Noir is known for its scenting ability and for its great voice. With its athletic build it is also known for its ability to persevere
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.
They are good with children as long as the children are not overly rambunctious.
He is a large active dog that would not be adaptable to apartment or city life.
The breed is very smart and easily trainable.
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.
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.
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.
The Francais Blanc et Noir has the propensity for several minor and a few major health problems. These include:
Can lead to death if not treated immediately. Stomach twists and distends.
Can lead to arthritis and lameness if not treated.
These can be avoided if ears are checked and cleaned after each hunt and after exercise.
The breed is susceptible to the non-fatal type. Check for mites regularly.
Both seasonal and food potentially.
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.
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.
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.
Until a year to 18 months feed two to three times per day two to two and one half cups of high quality dry dog food.
After 18 months of age feed the adult at least twice a day about three to four and one half cups of high quality dry dog food.
The Francais Blanc et Noir is a dog with a lot of energy and bred to be very active. He needs plenty of exercise and both mental and physical stimulation. If you jog take him with you or take him on long walks every day. He will need a large yard and he needs a job if he is not used for hunting. He is good at field trials, tracking exercises, a search and rescue dog and barn hunts.