Furry Diary

Chippiparai

Also called Sippiparai

Rare breedShort profile

From India, southern Tamil Nadu (Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi and Madurai districts); named after the village of Sippipparai in Virudhunagar district.1

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Height, male63 cm1
Height, female56 cm1
Sizelarge

Source gives averages only (males about 63 cm, females about 56 cm).

intelligent
loyal to one handler
quick at small-game hunting
1

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

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

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. 1

    The breed takes its name from the village of Sippipparai in Virudhunagar district.1

  2. 2

    It is often called the most intelligent and biddable of India's native breeds.1

  3. 3

    Thanks to its trainability, it has been used as a police dog.1

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Chippiparai. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can adjust based on their lifestyle.4 Furry Diary plan

How often does a Chippiparai need brushing?

Brush your Chippiparai weekly to keep their short coat healthy. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days, and an occasional wipe is enough for this low-maintenance coat.14 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.

  1. Chippiparai - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, height, colours, temperament, uses
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.