Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Combai - Breed Comparison

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Combai - Breed ComparisonCombai is originated from India but Glen of Imaal Terrier is originated from Ireland. Combai may grow 28 cm / 12 inches higher than Glen of Imaal Terrier. Combai may weigh 18 kg / 40 pounds more than Glen of Imaal Terrier. Both Combai and Glen of Imaal Terrier has almost same life span. Combai may have more litter size than Glen of Imaal Terrier. Both Combai and Glen of Imaal Terrier requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Terrier dog
undefined
India
Ireland
Height Male:
43 - 64 cm
16 - 26 inches
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
Height Female:
43 - 64 cm
16 - 26 inches
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 34 kg
39 - 75 pounds
12 - 16 kg
26 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 34 kg
39 - 75 pounds
12 - 16 kg
26 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
3 - 5
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Indian Bear Hound, Indian Bear Dog and Tamil Bear Hound
Wicklow Terrier, Glen
Colors Available:
Brown, reddish, tan
tan, Wheaten, blue
Coat:
Short and smooth
Medium length and wiry
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

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.

glen of imaal terrierHailing from Ireland and known also as the Wicklow Terrier or just Glen, the Glen of Imaal Terrier was used to get rid of rats, badgers and otters as well as being a good all-round farm dog.

Using his strength, he was good at digging into burrows to root out badgers, but unlike other terriers, he wouldn’t go on and on yapping around his prey. He isn’t an excessive barker.

The terrier was recognised by the Irish Kennel Club in 1934 and later by the American Kennel Club in 2004. The Canadian Kennel Club recognized Glens in 2017.

Description

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.

glen of imaal terrier puppy - descriptionAn interesting fact with the Glen of Imaal Terrier is that this is a dwarf breed, being a big sized dog on short legs, with the front feet turning out.

A typical Glen of Imaal Terrier stands at roughly 30 – 36cm and weighs up to about 16kg. Another interesting aspect with this dog is that it can take up to 4 years to reach maturity.

The head of this muscular dog is large, the ears are half erect, and while the tail has always been traditionally docked, it is often left long. The double coat of the dog is soft with the undercoat but he has a wiry outercoat. The color of the coat is essentially wheaten, tan or blue. The coat doesn’t shed much but some Glen owners strip excess hair a few times during the years.

Temperament:

Glen of Imaal terriers are energetic, easygoing and they make splendid pets for any family. He is more than happy to give up lying around for games and activity just to lie at his owner’s feet. He is an intelligent dog too and even though he is somewhat stubborn, he responds well to training and socialization. In fact training and socialization is important for every dog breed to prevent negative behavior and to ensure your pet is obedient.

Characteristics

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.

glen of imaal terrier dog - characteristicsThe Glen of Ismaal Terrier is more docile than other terrier breeds, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t feisty. He loves to play and is an adventurous dog, always on the lookout for exciting opportunities and to chase prey.

He is a good natured pet and he gets on well with adults, children and pets in the home. He can adapt well to life in the city or in the countryside so long as he is with his family members.

He isn’t a couch potato dog though, and wherever he lives, he will need a good amount of exercising. Treat him with the love and respect he craves, and you’ll have a wonderful canine companion.

Health Problems

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.

glen of imaal terrier puppies - health problemsThe Glen of Imaal Terrier is a feisty, healthy breed, particularly when he gets the best food there is, then he is not likely to get ill easily.

However, just like other dogs, he can be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia. When a dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia, the socket part of the joint is poorly developed, so that is causes abnormal friction.

Inflammation and pain can be the result and your dog can become lame. Unfortunately, rapid weight gain with puppies can put more stress on the hips, and diets without the right balance of vitamins and minerals can be bad for good bone development.

Caring The Pet

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.

glen of imaal terrier dogs - caringCaring for a Glen of Imaal isn’t going to be a huge job. This is what makes him such a wonderful pet as he is a straightforward pet, requiring little more than a brush to avoid the hair matting.

Check his ears, teeth and nails from time to time to ensure he is always in tip top condition.

Diet:

If you intend making use of the convenience of commercially manufactured dog foods, the top quality one will provide you with balanced nutrition for your Glen and you can mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken from time to time.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a small-breed dog and, he should be offered dog food that has been specially formulated for small, energetic dog breeds. You can also add in a little bit of raw meat into his kibble as a treat as this is important for keeping him free of skin allergies.

Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool drinking water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Combai vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Combai vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Combai vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Combai vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  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
  15. Combai vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Combai vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Combai vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Combai vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Combai vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Combai vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Combai vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Combai vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Combai vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Combai vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Combai vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison