Rajapalayam dogs, also known as "Paleiyakarans" or "Poligars" are apparently becoming somewhat of a rare commodity in places like India, Singapore and Malaysia. What is a Rajapalayam dog? Apparently it is a unique breed specific to an area of India called Rajapalayam.

These dogs are highly valued because they are easily adaptable to any climate and very cheap to maintain.

According to the ChennaiOnline News Service:

Ashok Kumar and Surendra Babu, owners of a kennel and who specialise in South Indian breeds, say they are unable to meet the demand for Rajapalayam dogs, also known as Paleiyakarans or Poligars. "Every month we get orders for 50 pairs, each costing Rs 4,500, from Indians and Westerners. But we are unable to meet the demand. We can supply only 20 pairs" they told a reporter.

4,500 Indian Rupees is equivalent to $102.00 US Dollars by today's exchange rate. Pretty cheap to us Americans, but a lot of jack for Indians.

Indian dog breeders are concerned now because they're seeing a lot of cross breeding between Rajapalayam dogs and other breeds, perhaps as a way to increase inventory and bring down costs. As a result, the Kennel Club of India is calling for measures to protect local breeds.

So what does a Rajapalayam look like?