Chippiparai

Also called Sippiparai

Known as a clever, loyal and biddable dog that tends to attach itself to one person and ignore attention from others.

Size	Large
Height	56 to 63 cm (22 to 25 in)males 63 cm, females 56 cm1
Coat	Short, smooth coat
Origin	India, southern Tamil Nadu (Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi and Madurai districts); named after the village of Sippipparai in Virudhunagar district.1
Last checked	2026-09-30

Rare breedShort profile

intelligent

loyal to one handler

quick at small-game hunting

Personality what they are like

Known as a clever, loyal and biddable dog that tends to attach itself to one person and ignore attention from others.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Chippiparai. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat

A lean, long-legged sighthound with a very short, close coat.1

Coloursfawnfawn and whitebrindle and whitegrey brindlered1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A sighthound bred for chasing hare, so it enjoys regular chances to run in a safe, enclosed space.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The very short coat needs minimal care beyond an occasional wipe or brush.1

Company who they like around

Forms a close bond with its main handler and prefers that person's company.1

The story where it all began

A native sighthound of southern Tamil Nadu that is thought to descend from Saluki-type dogs. It was traditionally kept by royal families in the region and used to hunt hare and other small game.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The breed takes its name from the village of Sippipparai in Virudhunagar district.1
2
It is often called the most intelligent and biddable of India's native breeds.1
3
Thanks to its trainability, it has been used as a police dog.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's name is derived from a village named Sippipparai in Vembakottai Taluk of Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, India.1

Name ideas for your new friend

RajaChitraVeeraShivaMayaKaviArjunSimbaKaliNilaRaviSurya

A day in the life told by a Chippiparai

I wake with the sun, my eyes fixed on my human, the one I chose. We walk to the open field, where I spot a rabbit and take off like the wind. My legs stretch, my heart pounds, and for a moment, I am free. After the chase, I return to my human's side, tail wagging. We sit together under a tree, and I rest my head on their knee. No one else matters. At home, I watch the gate with quiet focus. This is my life, and I love every second.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Simple Apple & Carrot Crunchies

Crunchy, low-calorie treats that help clean teeth and provide vitamins. Apple and carrot are safe for dogs in moderation and are naturally sweet.

You need

1 medium apple (cored, seeds removed)
1 medium carrot

How

Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
Core the apple and remove all seeds (seeds contain trace cyanide).
Slice both into thin, bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog’s size.
Serve raw as a crunchy treat, or lightly steam the carrot if your dog prefers softer textures.

How much: Give a few slices per day for a large/giant dog, ensuring treats make up no more than 10% of daily calories.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
Splash of water (as needed)

How

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Chippiparai, and at what times?

Feed your Chippiparai at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Sticking to set times helps their digestion, and you can ask your vet for a schedule that fits your dog's age and activity.2

What should a Chippiparai eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced dog food is best, and you can check the label for amounts or ask your vet. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep those away from your Chippiparai.3

How often should I bathe a Chippiparai?

Bathe your Chippiparai at least once every three months, or more often if they get very dirty. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can adjust based on their lifestyle.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Chippiparai need brushing?

Brush your Chippiparai weekly to keep their short coat healthy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days, and an occasional wipe is enough for this low-maintenance coat.1 4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Chippiparai's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days as a starting point. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer if you are unsure.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Chippiparai need?

Your Chippiparai needs daily walks and play, plus regular chances to run in a safe, enclosed space. This sighthound was bred for chasing, so they enjoy a good sprint in a secure area.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Chippiparai's teeth and ears?

Brush your Chippiparai's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check their ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Never push anything into the ear canal, and ask your vet for a dental care routine.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Chippiparai live?

The lifespan of a Chippiparai varies, so ask your vet or a good breeder for an estimate. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle help them live a long, happy life.

Is a Chippiparai good with children and other pets?

This breed tends to bond closely with one person and may ignore others, so early socialisation is key. Their temperament can vary, so ask a good breeder or an experienced owner about their behaviour with children and other pets.1

Can a Chippiparai be left alone?

Chippiparais form a strong bond with their main handler and prefer that person's company, so they may not enjoy long periods alone. It is best to ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on how to gradually get them used to being alone.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.