Rajapalayam

The Rajapalayam is a tall Indian sighthound from the town of Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu, historically kept for guarding and hunting wild boar. The classic dog is lean but muscular, with long legs, a deep chest, tucked waist, drop ears, and a curved tail. Many are milk-white with a pink nose and pale amber or golden eyes, although local dogs may vary. It is usually discussed with India's indigenous hounds rather than with European greyhound breeds, and preservation efforts often emphasize its regional identity and old working type.

Practical ownership revolves around secure space and respectful handling. Rajapalayams tend to be watchful with strangers, strongly prey-driven, and fast enough that casual off-leash exercise can become risky near livestock, cats, or traffic. Their short coat suits warm climates better than cold wet ones, but pale dogs may still need skin protection from harsh sun. Early socialization helps them separate normal visitors from real threats. Breeders and buyers should be alert to deafness in very pale lines and avoid narrowing an already limited population.

Colors: Albino, Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Grey, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Leucistic, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Melanistic, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow