Rajapalayam

Also called Polygar Hound, Indian Ghost Hound, Rajapalayam Hound

A devoted, watchful dog that bonds closely with its people and takes guarding its home seriously.

Size	Large
Weight	20 to 30 kg (44 to 66 lb)1
Height	61 to 74 cm (24 to 29 in)males 61 to 74 cm, females 61 to 71 cm1
Coat	Short single coat
Origin	South India. Named after the town of Rajapalayam in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu.1

Recognised breedShort profile

graceful and elegant

loyal to its family

tireless over long distances

Personality what they are like

A devoted, watchful dog that bonds closely with its people and takes guarding its home seriously. In the field it is persistent and steady rather than a short-burst sprinter.1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short single coat

A tall, lean sighthound with a fine, short, single coat. It moves with a light, springy trot and suits hot climates better than cold ones.1

Coloursmilky whitewhite with faint brown markings1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Rajapalayam. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Built for stamina, it enjoys long, steady outings and room to run in a safe, enclosed area.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, fine coat needs very little care beyond an occasional brush.1

Home where they are happiest

Well suited to warm climates; its thin single coat gives little protection in cold weather.1

Company who they like around

Close bond with its owner and family; it can work alone, in pairs, in a pack or alongside its person.1

The story where it all began

The Rajapalayam was kept by the Nayak-era nobility of Tamil Nadu to hunt and to guard crops, livestock and estates. Numbers fell sharply in the 20th century, and a government breeding unit set up in Chennai in 1980-81, together with the Kennel Club of India's conservation project, helped bring it back.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
India Post featured the Rajapalayam on one of four dog-breed postage stamps issued in January 2005.1
2
The Indian Army has trained Rajapalayams as guard dogs, including for service in Kashmir.1
3
Its white coat and pale, pink-nosed look earned it the nickname 'Indian Ghost Hound'.1
4
Its gait is often compared with the trot of a thoroughbred horse.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after Rajapalayam, a town in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, India, where it originated.1

Famous ones stars of the breed

Rajapalayam dog (as a breed, not an individual) The breed is named after Rajapalayam, a town in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, and is also known as the Polygar Hound or Indian Ghost Hound.1

Name ideas for your new friend

KumarLakshmiChandGhostRajaMayaVeerNilaShadowBalaKaviDawn

A day in the life told by a Rajapalayam

I wake with the sun, padding softly to check my kingdom. The gate is still locked, good. I circle the yard, sniffing for any night visitors. My human brings out a cup of chai and sits on the step; I lean against their knee, tail slow and steady. We watch the birds squabble in the neem tree. Later, I patrol the fence line, a silent guardian. When the children come home, I wag once, twice, then settle at their feet as they do their homework. At dusk, I lead my human on our long, slow walk through the lanes, my nose reading every story the wind tells. Back home, I curl by the door, one ear cocked, dreaming of the moon.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Kennel Club of India: Recognised by the Kennel Club of India, which runs a 'Save the Rajapalayam' project to support the breed.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Simple Apple & Carrot Crunchies

Crunchy, low-calorie treats that help clean teeth and provide vitamins. Apple and carrot are safe for dogs in moderation and are naturally sweet.

You need

1 medium apple (cored, seeds removed)
1 medium carrot

How

Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
Core the apple and remove all seeds (seeds contain trace cyanide).
Slice both into thin, bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog’s size.
Serve raw as a crunchy treat, or lightly steam the carrot if your dog prefers softer textures.

How much: Give a few slices per day for a large/giant dog, ensuring treats make up no more than 10% of daily calories.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
Splash of water (as needed)

How

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Rajapalayam, and at what times?

Adult Rajapalayams do best with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feed at consistent times each day, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.2

What should a Rajapalayam eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, never give these to your Rajapalayam.3

How often should I bathe a Rajapalayam?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect its skin.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Rajapalayam need brushing?

Its short, fine coat needs very little care, just an occasional brush. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing once a week to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair.1 4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Rajapalayam's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain and bleeding.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Rajapalayam need?

This breed is built for stamina and enjoys long, steady outings plus room to run in a safe, enclosed area. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep it happy and healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Rajapalayam's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, gently dry them if needed. Never push anything into the ear canal.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Rajapalayam live?

Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet or a good breeder for specific expectations. With proper care, many dogs live into their teens.

Is a Rajapalayam good with children and other pets?

This devoted dog bonds closely with its family and takes guarding seriously. Early socialization and training are important; ask your breeder or a trainer about its compatibility with children and other animals.1

Can a Rajapalayam be left alone?

It forms a close bond with its owner and may not do well left alone for long periods. Provide plenty of companionship and mental stimulation, and consult a trainer or vet for specific advice.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.