{"data":{"slug":"rajapalayam","name":"Rajapalayam","url":"https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/rajapalayam","api_url":"https://techtools.cz/dog-atlas-api/v1/breeds/rajapalayam","also_known_as":["Rajapalayam Hound","Polygar Hound","Indian Ghost Hound"],"kind":"breed","extinct":false,"group":{"key":"sighthound","label":"Sighthound","fci_group":10,"fci_group_name":"Sighthounds"},"size":"Medium","origin":"India","countries":["India"],"height_cm":{"min":61.0,"max":71.0},"weight_kg":{"min":20.0,"max":30.0},"life_expectancy_years":{"min":10,"max":15},"temperament":["Loyal","Alert","Protective","Reserved","Courageous"],"exercise_level":"High","wikipedia_views_60d":8829,"summary":"The Rajapalayam is a tall, white sighthound from southern Tamil Nadu in India, once a guard and hunting dog of local rulers. It is loyal and protective with its handler and copes well with tropical heat.","photo":{"url":"https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/photos/rajapalayam-7bb5ae5850-1280.webp","small_url":"https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/photos/rajapalayam-7bb5ae5850-640.webp","width":610,"height":786,"author":"Vbala0733","license":"CC BY-SA 4.0","license_url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0","source_url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:02._Bheem_the_male_rajapalayam.jpg"},"updated_at":"2026-10-15T14:56:18Z","ratings":{"energy":4,"exercise":4,"grooming":1,"shedding":2,"trainability":3,"barking":2,"kids":3,"other_dogs":2},"coat":"Short, smooth and white","colors":["White"],"fun_fact":"The Rajapalayam is nicknamed the Indian Ghost Hound, and it was celebrated on an Indian postage stamp in 2005.","sections":{"overview":"The Rajapalayam is a lean, elegant white sighthound named after the town of Rajapalayam in southern Tamil Nadu. It is known as the Polygar Hound or the Indian Ghost Hound, thanks to its pale coat and silent, quick movement.\n\nIt is an athletic, dignified dog that bonds strongly with one household. It suits experienced owners who can offer training, space and regular activity.","history":"The breed is believed to have been raised as a guard dog under the Nayaka dynasties of southern Tamil Nadu, and takes its name from the town of Rajapalayam. Records show that such dogs were used in the Carnatic and Polygar Wars of the 18th century, and the breed has also served with the Indian Army.\n\nIn 1980 a breeding unit in Chennai began rearing native Indian breeds, including the Rajapalayam. India Post issued a stamp featuring the breed in 2005.","appearance":"A medium to large, powerful hound, the Rajapalayam stands roughly 61 to 71 cm tall and weighs about 20 to 30 kg. It has a deep, muscular chest, a slim waist, a slightly arched back and long, slender legs.\n\nThe short coat is white, the face is broad, the eyes are yellowish and the nose is a light reddish colour. The long tail tapers to a fine point.","personality":"This is a loyal and often possessive dog that attaches closely to its handler. It is known for obedience, but it can be aloof with strangers and needs good socialisation and firm, patient training to settle among people.\n\nRajapalayams are watchful and courageous, with a strong chase instinct. They are usually best in homes without small pets that could trigger it.","care":"The breed needs regular physical work and exercise, ideally including safe off-lead running in a secure area. Without it, it may become restless or destructive.\n\nThe short coat is easy to keep clean with occasional brushing. Because of its pale skin and coat it benefits from protection from strong sun, though it tolerates heat and humidity well.","health":"The breed is generally robust and well adapted to tropical climates. White-coated dogs can be prone to sunburn and skin problems, and deafness is sometimes a concern in very pale dogs. No other health issues are firmly documented in the source."},"recognition":{"fci_number":null,"fci_standard_url":null,"akc_url":null},"sources":{"wikipedia":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajapalayam_dog","wikidata":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38312","wikipedia_revision":1363356198},"profile":{"written_by":"AI model (Claude Sonnet) from the sources above","written_at":"2026-10-15T13:37:29Z"}}}