Kombai
Also called Polygar dog
From India: the Theni district of Tamil Nadu, named after the town of Kombai.1
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth double coat
A broad, muscular and athletic dog with a short, smooth coat, dark eyes, mid-length ears with folded tips and a fine black mask on the muzzle. The tail is carried over the back in a sickle curve.1
Personality what they are like
A clever, loyal dog that is warm and affectionate with the people it knows and notably tolerant with children in its family. With strangers and unfamiliar dogs it is very protective, which makes it a traditional guardian.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A strong, athletic working dog that can clear hedges and obstacles with ease; it needs regular vigorous exercise.1
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with the household it knows and is naturally watchful of outsiders and unfamiliar dogs.1
The story where it all began
The Kombai comes from the Theni district of Tamil Nadu, where local landholders kept it for guarding and coursing game. Tradition says the zamindars of Kombai presented such dogs to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan for their armies. It is rare today, and breeders across southern India are working to increase its numbers.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Kennel Club of India
- Listed as a recognising body in the Wikipedia breed infobox.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Kombai. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Kombai (dog) en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (primary-source pages were unavailable)
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.