At present the information and literature available enumerate the existing Tamilnadu native dog breeds as four namely
(1) Rajapalayam
(2) Kombai or combai
We are not concerned with these two breeds for the present.The other dog breeds of TamilNadu are said to be the
(3) Chippiparai - Referred to as the grey hound of the South
(4) Kanni - A black and tan hound
Regarding chippiparai I have seen some literatures describe it as a hound with semi erect ears (which stand erect when its excited) and also stating that its of white, grey, grey mottled white and other dark colours.
Some acclaimed and revered dog experts have said that the Chippiarai is a hound much larger than the caravan hound.
It is also said that kanni is a black and tan hound. The KCI does not recognize this breed as such. It is said that the Kanni got its name, since it was given as a part of dowry to a newly married maiden.
However the ground reality as on date is that there is no dog which matches the above said descriptions of chippiparai in Tamil Nadu today.
The native sight hounds of Tamil Nadu at present are in the average smaller than the caravan . They come in all colours white, grey, black and an; fawn, red, ivory and rarely brindle. These dogs are also known as “Kannis” and “vetta Nais” (hunting dogs) in the areas where they are found.
There is no distinction between the two breeds Kanni and Chippiparai in their native areas( south of madurai. Virudhunagar, tirunelveli districts etc) and these names are used interchangeably and in the alternative.
