MyDogBreedsSouthern Hound is originated from United Kingdom but Rajapalayam is originated from India. Both Southern Hound and Rajapalayam are having almost same height. Southern Hound may weigh 16 kg / 36 pounds more than Rajapalayam. Both Southern Hound and Rajapalayam has almost same life span. Both Southern Hound and Rajapalayam has almost same litter size. Both Southern Hound and Rajapalayam requires Low maintenance.
The Southern Hound hails from England and is a breed of dog that existed sometime in the 19th century.
There isn’t much information available as to the time the dog became extinct. Some people believe that other breeds were bred with the dog until the true Southern Hound bloodline no longer existed. It was a breed of scent hound, and had an excellent sense of smell.
Known also as the Old English Hound, it was during the 18th century that the Southern Hound’s popularity waned and other kinds of hounds became more prominent.
While the Southern Hound has been extinct for decades, there is still some of this dog breed found in modern day breed.
It s believed that the Southern Hound has been used in the development of the Beagle and the Bloodhound as you can see the similarities.
The Rajapalayam dog hails from India, from the small town of Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu.
Known also as the Poligar Hound, this Indian Sighthound has been the companion of royalty in Southern India.
Though the breed dates back a few hundred years, the developers of the breed brought about an albino dog. This Indian breed dog is almost on the verge of extinction. This is a pity as he is a splendid dog. Breeding centers have been set up to prevent the dog disappearing altogether.
The Southern Hound was a large, solidly built, deep chested dog with a square head and a longish muzzle. He stood at between 58-71 cm in height and weighed 25 – 41kg.
The Southern Hound had long, wide floppy ears, much like the Basset Hound of today. The tail was fairly long and curved upright. It was known for its deep melodious voice, much like the Bloodhound we have today.
It had excellent scenting abilities and was used to follow the trail of its prey. The coat of the Southern Hound was short and smooth and it is believed that the most common colors for the coat were white with black or brown markings, making it a tricolor dog.
Used to being on the hunt with other dogs, there is no doubt that the Southern Hound wasn’t aggressive towards other dogs and that he knew how to get along with them. It’s a dog that was dedicated to to the hunt and was bred to work, known for its stamina and endurance.
The dog didn’t possess strong herding or protective instincts and it is thought that it wasn’t kept as a companion dog. Because of the breeds used to develop this dog, it is assumed that it was a non-aggressive, friendly dog.
This is a large dog, graceful and elegant standing at between 65–75cm and weighing 22 to 25kg.
This is a hound dog, lean and muscular and will rely on good exercise to keep him in tip top working condition.
He is somewhat heavier than other sighthounds with a deep chest and long straight legs. He is a low maintenance dog with the white coat being short and fine. The ears are floppy ad the tail is slim and long and sometimes held up and curved.
The Rajapalayam has always been used for hunting wild boar, and today he makes a good guard- and watchdog. He needs a lot of space and exercise and isn’t suited to living in small spaces in the city.
He is a loving dog and becomes loyal and devoted towards his owner, being essentially a one-person dog. They tend to be aggressive and aloof with strangers.
Training and socialization will be important for this intelligent dog if you want him to behave around people. He doesn’t particularly get on well with other pets in the home, but training and socialization can change this.
The Southern Hound is no longer in existence, which is a pity as it seems as though he may have made an excellent pet in modern times.
They were a playful breed, loyal, gentle and affectionate and no doubt made a good watchdog too, although it is thought that his protective instincts weren’t good.
They aren’t dogs recommended for city living, but it seems according to the few records there are of this dog that he could have made a reliable, loving pet to have around.
A Rajapalayam dog has always been a hunter and this makes him an excellent watchdog, always on the look out for intruders.
The Rajapalyam has always been a dog deeply attached and loyal to his owners.They are good family companions and pets and with so many good characteristics, one hopes that this dog will still be around for a long time.
The Southern Hound had drop ears which would have made him prone to ear infections. This is because unlike dogs with erect ears, air isn’t able to circulate into the ear and the inside of the ear become a breeding place for bacteria.
The dog may have had to deal with Cherry Eye too. This eye problem affects the tear gland in the third eyelid. It needs to be treated so as to avoid long term eye problems. This is also because exposure of the tissue can bring on swelling, inflammation and infection.
The Rajapalayam isn’t a fragile dog, and he can live to 10, 11 or 12 years of age. There are always a few things to look out for with him. With white dogs, there is always a high incidence of deafness. Puppies born with blue eyes are often deaf.
White coated dogs, because of the piebald gene, are often affected by deafness. The piebald gene is because of an absence of melanocytes. These are cells which create pigment. When a dog is born without the genes to create melanocyte cells, a white hair coat and sometimes blue eyes are the result.
There are also skin problems associated with these all white dog breeds such as mange and dermatitis. Check him over for ticks and fleas.
Because this dog was once used as a hunting dog, they were accustomed to large open spaces. He would have required a fair amount of exercise. They would have needed a walk every day if he wasn't involved in a hunt that day.
The Southern Hound had a short coat and in those days he probably would have needed to be brushed once or twice a week.
The Southern Hound would have required top quality food to support his energy. If in that time there has been commercially manufactured food, it would have had to be the better quality ones. Today if you were feeding the Southern Hound you would check out the ingredients on the packaging and go for the dog foods with wholesome, natural ingredients in them.
No doubt the owners of these dogs provided their dogs with raw and cooked meat. If you had a Southern Hound today you would try to include some home-made food for him which would be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super nutritious.
The Southern Hound would have required a constant supply of fresh, cool water within his reach.
The short coat does shed so he will need to be brushed once or twice a week.
You will also need to follow a regular grooming program with this dog, checking inside his ears for infection, checking his eyes for discharge and checking inside his mouth for bad, rotting teeth. Teeth- and gum disease aren’t just about losing a tooth - bad teeth and gums can cause a host of health issues for other body parts like the heart and kidneys.
His toe nails too wll require clipping to prevent splitting and chipping.
Provide your pet with lots of exercise – a walk every day, a run in the park off his leash as well as ball and frisbee games.
You can’t ever become lax with giving your pet good food. Good, wholesome food promotes health and longevity.
There are some good commercially manufactured dog foods which are wonderfully convenient – you just want to be sure its the high quality ones full of vitamins and minerals.
Also, provide him with uncomplicated, home-made dog food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach, all chopped up and mixed in twice a week with the dry kibble will ensue health and contentment.
Try and add some raw meat in as well. This simple diet plan will be gentle on your pet’s digestive system.
Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.