Graceful Chippiparai is a sighthound that originated and has been bred in Tamil Nadu, South India. Often put in the same league as the Greyhound because of its incredible agility and lean body, the Chippiparai embodies the strong and silent hound dog. These dogs are perfect guard dogs for homes as well as estates, sharp and valiant enough to protect the family, and affectionate and loyal enough to be hailed as outstanding family pets. 

15-20 kg

Male: 63 cm

                                          Female: 56 cm                                       

Life Expectancy:
12-15 yr
Litter Size:
Breed Appearance:

Chippiparais are sight hounds, and have eyes positioned in such a way as to give them a 270 degree scope of vision – much more than most other breeds. They are known chiefly for their scrawny and skinny appearance. They are quite healthy and well-bodied. However, their muscles and bones, as opposed to their body fat, account for most of their weight.


Breed by the royal families of Chippiparai near Madurai district in Tamil Nadu, India, the Chippiparai was and continues to carry on the legacy of regality and nobility left by many Tirunelveli and Madurai rulers. Chippiparais are known to be aggressive hunters and were bred for this specific purpose. They were predominantly used to find and kill their prey, mainly deer, wild boar, and hare.


The Chippiparai is a sight hound breed of dog from the south of India. Thought to be a descendant of the Saluki, today it is found in areas around Periyar Lake. Chippiparai was chiefly pressed into service for hunting and supervising farms. Just some years ago, most of the farm people treated this breed as a watch-dog. Since it has a long and thin leg, it can move more swiftly and blisteringly than any other breed.

Currently Used As:

Watch dogs, Huntings dogs


Training Chippiparais is much easier when compared to the other hounds, owing to their enormous intelligence and desire to appease the owners. They cannot survive without enough physical activities and exercises every day. They will devote their energy needlessly towards trivial things, if their minds and bodies are not exercised enough.   


Generally the breed is healthy. Though sturdy enough to withstand adverse climatic conditions with limited means, the breed is resistant to cold weather. They are also  plagued by certain general health issues, such as sensitivity to anesthesia and food allergies.

Living Condition:

Generally outdoor dogs as they are used as hunting dogs.


These dogs require daily walks and running.


Chippiparais have short coats and do not require much grooming. You can brush them once or twice a week. Like most breeds, they love being massaged, so they will never complain about being brushed with a soft brush or a hound mitt.


Ideal for Indian weather 

Perfect guard dog and watchdog for the family

 Easy to groom

Needs regular exercise
Not comfortable with small children and smaller pets
Can attach themselves to one person and be suspicious of everyone else