Thai Bangkaew 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.

The Thai Bangkaew breed comes from a small village in the Bang Rakarn District of the Phitsanulok Province, in Thailand. The breed is named after that village of Bangkaew. A wild dog was crossed with a Buddhist abbot’s black and white female. Today’s Bangkew is the direct result of breeding only from the litters produced from these original two. Some believe the wild dog was a jackal that is now extinct. The breed is similar to a Spitz and is a good hunter and an intelligent family member. However they still maintain some of the wildness of the jackal.

The Thai Bangkaew was developed to be a guard dog and alert their owners of any strangers or dangers. By 1957 the dog we know today we being developed through selective breeding. They are not recognized today by the AKC. These facts have made it a very rare breed that is hard to find outside southeast Asia. They are great outdoor companions.

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.

A compact and square dog, the Thai Bangkaew is a well proportioned breed with a gait that is smooth. They have a deep, wide chest with muscular and strong neck. The head is also square, the ears pointed and the eyes brown and average size. They have a double coat and a longer, thicker ruff. Their chest and back also have a ruff like a lion. The tail is plumed and carried up high and curves over the dog’s back. Their coat is water-repellent.

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.

1.Children friendliness – yes with early and proper socialization be watchful with small children

2.Special talents tenacity, climber

3.Adaptability – needs exercise, not a great apartment dog

4.Learning ability – high but independent and stubborn

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 is a very healthy breed with a relatively clean genentic pool. The dogs tend to be healthy. They have no congenital health issues. However they do contract some normal canine issues.

Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Luxating Patella – slipped kneecap – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Cryptorchidism – absence of testicles – dog is sterile.

Chronic ear infections

Eye Diseases

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.

. Feeding the puppy Feed a high quality high protein puppy food for medium sized dog. Feed 2 cups in 3-4 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Feed a high quality high protein adult food for medium sized dog. Feed 2.5 cups in 2 meals per day

3.Points for Good Health general good health

4. Games and Exercises they need daily exercise and they love to swim. He loves to dig and is a climber as well. Good at herding, barnchase.