The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

Mandai Sheephound

Information and Pictures

Front side view of a short haired, gray with black wiry looking dog with long legs, a black nose one ear that stands up and the other ear folds over with a long tail and a red collar standing on a red brick patio.

Dhruva the Mandai Sheephound at 10 months old"Dhruva is a Mandai Sheephound pup owned by Mr. Mani Satish, Tamil Nadu India. Dhruva is very energetic, intelligent and a born guard dog. He already knows whom to welcome, whom to not. Obeys nearly all commands and bring the newspaper on command. Interestingly, he is a non-standardized dog breed, yet obeys every command from his owner. But is aloof to unknown people and is fairly aggressive."—Picture courtesy of Ajit Roy

Other Names
  • Ramnad Combai
Description

The Mandai Sheephound is taller and heavier than other typical sighthounds with good boned broad legs and a deep chest. The short coat comes in grey, shades of brown, fawn with white markings on the head to nose and underparts, gray with white markings, black, white and piebald. Gray is the most prized color. Solid colors can have a white line running down from the forehead to the top of the nose. The ears are dropped, erect or semi flying. The tail is long and tapered or sickle shape. The eyes are almond in color.

Temperament

The Mandai Sheephound is a hunter and sheepdog by nature used as a flock guardian in Tamil Nadu to protect flocks from leopards, wild boar and other wild animals. A fast runner who takes his job seriously. This is a very intelligent breed that is always ready to protect the flock and the master and his family. A big hound dog with good guard dog instincts. Early socialization is essential so it can get along with outsiders, other dogs and pets.

Height, Weight

Height: Male: 26-29 inches (66-73 cm) some males can reach over 30 inches (76 cm) Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm)
Weight: Male: 70-79 pounds (32-36 kg) Female: 53-68 pounds (24-31 kg)

Health Problems

The Mandai is a very healthy and hardy breed, with little health problems.

Living Conditions

This flock guardian hound does best in farmland, but can live in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised.

Exercise

When not working as a farm dog, the Mandai Sheephound needs to be walked daily.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years, some can live longer.

Litter Size

About 6 to 8 puppies

Grooming

The Mandai is a short haired dog that needs little grooming. This breed is a moderate shedder.

Origin

The Mandai Sheephound, also known as Ramnad Combai, is found in Ramanathapuram disrict of Tamil Nadu state of India, and the adjoining Palani, sirumalai, udumalai regions. It is an old breed and is said to have evolved from the hunting breed Poligar Hound.

Group

Flock Guardian

Recognition
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Front side view of a gray and black shorthaired dog with a long tail and long legs, a black nose and dark almond shaped eyes standing on a brick walkway. The dog has one perk ear that stands up and one ear that is folded down and out to the side.

Dhruva the Mandai Sheephound at 10 months old—Picture courtesy of Ajit Roy

A gray with black puppy jumped up with his front paws on the side of a concrete wall. The dog has ears that fold over and out to the sides, a black nose, dark eyes, a lighter under belly, legs and paws and a black body.

Dhruva the Mandai Sheephound as a puppy—Picture courtesy of Ajit Roy

View from the top looking down at a shorthaired gray puppy with a long tail, a black nose and dark almond shaped eyes standing outside on a concrete patio next to a concrete wall. Its body is darker on the top and lighter on its underside

Dhruva the Mandai Sheephound as a puppy—Picture courtesy of Ajit Roy

Side view of a short haired gray puppy with a long tail. dark eyes, a black nose wearing a red collar standing outside on concrete next to a black trash.

Dhruva the Mandai Sheephound as a puppy—Picture courtesy of Ajit Roy