Otterhound vs Combai - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Otterhound vs Combai - Breed ComparisonCombai is originated from India but Otterhound is originated from United Kingdom. Combai may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than Otterhound. Combai may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than Otterhound. Both Combai and Otterhound has almost same life span. Both Combai and Otterhound has almost same litter size. Combai requires Low Maintenance. But Otterhound requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
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India
United Kingdom
Height Male:
43 - 64 cm
16 - 26 inches
61 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
43 - 64 cm
16 - 26 inches
61 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 34 kg
39 - 75 pounds
35 - 54 kg
77 - 120 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 34 kg
39 - 75 pounds
35 - 54 kg
77 - 120 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
2 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Indian Bear Hound, Indian Bear Dog and Tamil Bear Hound
None
Colors Available:
Brown, reddish, tan
black, red, grizzle, Wheat, cream and tan - white markings.
Coat:
Short and smooth
Medium length, curly, weatherproof
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, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate 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.

otterhoundThere aren’t many Otterhounds around and this British pure-breed dog is a scenthound and dates far back to the 19th century.

The dog is regarded as a Vulnerable breed by the English Kennel Club. It is believed that these dogs descended from Bloodhounds and that it was developed in England to hunt otters.The dog’s nose is so sensitive that he was well suited to this job. He was appreciated by royalty and had many royal admirers.

The dog was brought to the United States in 1900 and the Otterhound Club of America was founded in 1960 with the Otter Hound being officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991.

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.

otterhound puppy - descriptionThe Otterhound has a weather-resistant double coat which is somewhat oily. The coat is available in a number of colors such as wheat, red, grizzle, black, cream and tan with some white markings.

The double coat is somewhat oily and he has webbed feet, making him particularly suited for his life around water. This large hound stands at between 61 and 70cm and weighs in the region of 35 to 54kg. He has a large head with a nose that can track and scent in mud.

Temperament:

Otterhounds are active dogs, loving nothing more than to be running and playing, and that of course includes swimming. He makes a great sporting companion too and won’t have trouble keeping up with you as you jog or cycle.

These dogs are friendly, social, docile and amicable but they are also strong-willed, stubborn and independent. If you want him to be obedient and well behaved, then he will most certainly require training and socialization.

They get on well with children and will appreciate a firm, consistent, kind owner. He isn’t a city dog as he requires room to run, and therefore a farm or home with large grounds will suit him. Not only that, he is quite a barker, especially when he is bored with nothing to do so city life and living close to neighbors won't do for him . He will suit an active, outdoor family.

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.

otterhound dog - characteristicsYour Otterhound is a big, beautiful dog who is also lovable, making a great pet for an active kind of family. He is friendly, social and playful but he is also independent and likes to have his own space occasionally.

He is a loyal, fun dog who has a sense of humor, providing quite a bit of entertainment for his owner. He is the kind of dog that is willing to be 100% part of the family and will be thrilled to be counted in on all activities – whether camping, hiking or swimming.

Give him the love he craves and he will make you an awesome 4-legged friend.

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.

otterhound puppies - health problemsThe average lifespan of this dog is between 10 and 13 years, but with good care he can reach 15 years of age.

The Otterhound is generally a healthy breed but he can sometimes get one or two of the common dog diseases there are.

Common problems that can occur are hip dysplasia. There are things that can be done to prevent this joint condition and one is to ensure your dog doesn’t become overweight. You also want to prevent having your young dog exercise excessively before his first birthday and you don’t want him leaping off beds or other high places.

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.

Grooming:

otterhound dogs - caringYour Otterhound has a curly, longish water resistant double coat which doesn’t shed much. The coat is easy to groom, requiring nothing much more than a brush twice a week.

The nails of the dog should be checked regularly and trimmed. Check in and outside his ears as well as his eyes for any sign of infection.

His teeth should also be checked. Some people are reluctant to brush their pet’s teeth, saying this is a new money-making fad and that it has never been required in the past. Whatever your views, periodically check inside your pet’s mouth for the sign of a rotten tooth as this can cause your pet a lot of pain and illness.

Diet:

The Otterhound has no special food requirements and relies on you to feed him quality, tasty food. For convenience, there are some excellent ready-to-eat, convenient commercially manufactured foods made to cater for your pet’s size and his activity levels.

He also relies on variety in his diet, so give him some home-made food added into the kibble a couple of times a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as carrots, sweet pototoes and spinach will be excellent for him.

He will thank you for keeping things so simple for him as then he won’t be plagued by digestive problems and visits to the vet. You can also add in some raw meat occasionally. Never leave him without fresh, cool water.

General Care:

  • Ensure he has a nice dry, warm place to sleep.
  • Never leave him in a hot car ever.
  • If he spends a lot of time outdoors, make sure he has shelter from the sun and rain.
  • Supply him with some stimulating toys.
  • Give him of your time. What’s the point of having a dog, if you neglect connecting with him. Dogs are social creatures and they need to be loved, touched and cared for by their human family.
  • Have him or her spayed or neutered if you don’t want puppies.
  • Get your pet to the vet if he shows signs of illness.

Comparison with other breeds

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  5. Otterhound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Otterhound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Otterhound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Otterhound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Otterhound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Otterhound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Otterhound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  26. Combai vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Combai vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Combai vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Combai vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Combai vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Combai vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Combai vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Combai vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Combai vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Combai vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Combai vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Combai vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Combai vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Combai vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Combai vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Combai vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Combai vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Combai vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Combai vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Combai vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Combai vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Combai vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Combai vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Combai vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Combai vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison