The Kombai is described as a broad, short, muscular, powerful and athletic dog that stands around 58 centimetres (23 in).

[2][3] They have a short, smooth coat that is usually light brown to dark red in colour, and a black muzzle.

[6][4] The Kannada Vokkaliga[7][8][9] zamindars of Kombai presented Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali with these dogs for their army.

[9] It is said that the Kombai polygars valued the dog so highly that in olden days they were ready to exchange a horse for one.

However, it was reported they suspended their Kombai breeding program when owners who had purchased dogs returned them, finding their character ill-suited to keeping as pets.