Combai vs Beagador - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

The Beagador, the gorgeous medium size dog, is a mix of two beautiful breeds: Labrador retriever and a Beagle. This mix was made on purpose in the USA and resulted in a breed that got all the best of both breeds. The Beagador is an intelligent dog, very good in sports and very sociable. This made him very popular around the globe and one of the most desirable dog pets.

The Combai is a dog from Tamilnadu, Southern India, developed to hunt dangerous animals by the Indian royalty. It is a rare breed in India, believed to be close to extinction.

The dog is also known as the Indian Bear Hound, Indian Bear Dog and Tamil Bear Hound. You can spell the name of the dog with a ‘C’ or a ‘K’, Combai or Kombai.

Accurate records as to the history of this dog haven’t been kept, so much of the dog’s history is on speculation, although it is believed with some certainty, that the breed has been around since the 15th century. It is thought that the Combai was developed from Mastiff-type dogs, Pariah dogs, the Thai Ridgeback and Khoisan dogs.

The Beagador got his height genes from the Beagle. That means that he is a bit shorter than the Labrador. Generally, they look a lot more like the Labrador, but in some cases, the puppies actually look more like a Beagle. So, actually, there is no rule about this. They have the short coat, usually very smooth. Sometimes it turns out softer and sometimes it doesn’t. They come in many colours, and they are usually two-coloured. So, the real truth is that Beagador breed appearance depends on the stronger genes between parent mix of Beagle and Labrador.

The Combai is a medium sized dog, standing at between 43 to 64cm in height and weighing up to 34kg. Possibly the most distinctive feature of the Combai is a ridge of fur that runs down its back, with the hair growing in the opposite direction to the dog’s body hair. The coat of the dog is short and smooth with colors being brown, tan or reddish. The dog is medium sized, though size does vary quite a bit . The dog is muscular, lean and athletic with a long tail that curls over the back.

The head of the Combai is fairly narrow with a muzzle which is quite long.The ears of the Combai vary as well and usually drop down or they fold backwards.

Temperament:

The Combai’s temperament is by no means gentle and it is believed to be a fierce, angry breed who will fight other dogs to the death.

It is sometimes hard to believe that the Combai, with training and socialization can make a good family pet. He then loves the company of his human family and remains loyal to them. When trained and socialized they also get on well with children in the home.

It isn’t recommended as a first dog choice for those who have never owned a dog as it does tend to be aggressive. The dog is also very territorial and alert and its why he makes a good watchdog.

Children friendliness

The Beagador is a friendly breed. They will make no difference between adults and children, and they will bond easily even with complete strangers. But, children are usually more active than adults, so, in situations where he can choose, he will definitely choose to play with children. Some say that this dog never grows up in his heart. Maybe that is the reason they like children more.

Special talents

Hunting, sports

Adaptability

The Beagador has the sweetest temper. But, for him, everything is a game. He might be a little bit too happy for other dog breeds. He likes to chase, jump, wrestle and be very physical with other animals. Some animals will enjoy this, but most of them won’t. If you start training him while he is still a puppy and socializing him from his early days, he will learn how to fit in and take a break once in a while.

Learning ability

The Beagador is very intelligent breed. They will be easy to train but only if you are experienced teacher. If you are not, they will try to get the things on their own way and you will end up being trained. It is advisable to use the reward technique, but make sure you don’t prise your Beagador with food. Early training is a must.

The Combai is known for its bravery and fearlessness and this is what makes him such an exceptional watch dog as he also doesn’t take kindly to strangers.

The Combai is full of energy too and won’t like to spend days lying around. He will require regular exercise.

Have him trained and socialized and he becomes the most loyal and devoted pet and companion.

Eye problems

The problems with their third eyelid, high risk of corneal wounds since they get too playful all the time, a disease that causes the dysfunction of the tear glands, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataracts, blindness.

Dwarfism

When the puppies are born with skeletal defects that causes them to remain small.

Skin problems

Atopic dermatitis – very dry skin. If not treated, it will result in wound made by scratching the itchy and dry skin.

Ear problems

Since they have dropped ears, they don’t have the natural airflow and that causes the most of the infections.

Most dog experts will agree that the Combai is a breed that enjoys excellent health, and that in fact it seems as though the dog is disease- and parasite resistant.

There are however, always common dog illnesses that every dog owner should be aware of and it is always to a dog owner’s benefit to have their pet tested by Foundations such as the Orthopedic- and Canine Eye Registration Foundation who can perform tests to identify potential health defects before they show up.

Some of the ailments of concern in hounds include progressive retinal atrophy, demoid sinus and hip dysplasia.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

The Retina is the light sensitive part of the eye and also part of the central nervous system. In retinal degeneration, the cells of the retina decline in function and this is what leads to possible blindness.

Progressive retinal atrophy worsens with time. If your pet doesn’t seem to react to light properly it may be wise to have him checked by the vet.

Demoid Sinus:

This defect is found in newborns as well as later on in life, and found primarily in Ridgeback dogs. Dermoid sinus is a neural tube defect that is typically found along your dog’s back, the tail and the neck.

The role of the tubes is to drain out dead cells for example. Not correctly formed, they become infected and an abscess forms with discharge. You will have to get your pet to the vet who will proceed with treatment as your pet can experience pain and discomfort.

Diet tips

One of the first things you will notice is – you will never be able to feed your Beagador. He is always hungry, and he can always have just one more bite. But, this usually leads to very dangerous obesity. Make sure you feed him with prescribed portions: three times a day until he is 6 months old, and two times per day once he grows up. Their diet must be sugar-free.

Points for Good Health

The Beagador is one of the lovable breeds. They need a lot of love and they show a lot of love. They have playful nature and they get happy just by being with people. They shouldn’t be left alone for too long because they will easily develop the separation nervousness. They like to eat and they will use any chance to beg for food. That makes them very obese in no time. Keep in mind that giving them the prescribed proportion is for their own good. They need moderate grooming since they shed regularly. If you bathe them once in a month and brush them two times per week, they will do just fine.

Games and Exercises

The Beagador is a very active dog. They need daily activity. Since they are very friendly, you will have a great chance to meet a lot of people at the dog park! They will run with you, run along while you drive your bike, play in the water, fetch.

Exercise:

The Combai is an active dog and he will require quite a bit of exercise. A good way of giving him exercise is to take him on walks or allow him to go jogging with you or cycling.

Denying him exercise will make him frustrated and destructive. His high exercise needs mean that he won’t do well in small apartments but will do well in the suburbs or in the country.

Grooming:

With his short coat, the Combai is a low maintenance breed.  This breed should never require professional grooming, only an occasional brushing.  Other than that, he will require his nails being clipped, his ears checked for infection and his teeth cleaned 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

High energy dogs like the Combai will require a top quality kibble diet recommended by your vet with raw meat included in his diet from time to time as well as nutritious cooked food added in such as brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken. Fresh water must be available to him night and day non-stop.