Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog Breed Guide

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback is an ancient breed that originated on the island of Phu Quoc in Vietnam. It comes in a variety of colors including black, red, brown, tan, yellow and sable. The Phu Quoc Ridgeback is sometimes used as a hunting dog, chasing prey animals (mice or cats).

Therefore, it is important to socialize your Ridgeback with other animals in the household at an early age so that he learns not to chase other small pets. This breed is noble and very intelligent. Sometimes their intelligence can be hard to train, but if you motivate them to train with lots of rewards, you will find that they are very intelligent dogs. The Phu Quoc Ridgeback is a loving companion dog with a natural protective skill.

History of Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog:

There are three types of Ridgeback. Rhodesian Ridgeback, Thai Ridgeback, and Phu Quoc Ridgeback. As the name suggests, the original Phu Quoc Ridgeback comes from Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam. It is believed that this powerful breed was used by the local population as hunters and guard dogs. It was in the 18th century when French breeders left records of the breed that it was discovered.

Soon after, the breed was taken to France, where two members of the breed (Xoai and Chuoi) are said to have won a dog show in Lille. Widely recognized as a breed that has survived for years without human intervention, many Phu Quoc Ridgebacks today roam the streets of Vietnam, fending for themselves. Species developed by natural selection have good health and longevity. Although the world has become more aware these days, it has not yet been recognized by any international organization.

Due to the small population, no breed standards have been established and they are not allowed to compete in international competitions. As the population continues to grow, we expect more exposure rights to be introduced. Due to its growing popularity, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback was recently chosen as the mascot for the 2018 Ho Chi Minh Floral Expo.

Some Quick Facts About Phu Quoc Ridgeback:

• They’re very muscular in appearance
• Phu Ridge Quoc Backs have a variety of colors in their coats
• These dogs have a very good temper

Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog Breed Overview & Appearance:

A muscular dog with a medium build, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback is a true athlete. The body should be strong and square with clean lines and a “ridge” of skin on the back. The head is narrow, not long, with a beautiful forehead that wrinkles when you concentrate.

The ears are large, triangular, open in front of the face, and well apart. The eyes are brown (darker is better) and almond-shaped. The nose and lips are black, and the tongue has black spots. The chest should be deep, but not wide so that the ribs are visible. They must have webbed feet to be able to swim (a requirement for all dogs on the island).

The tail is of medium length, tapering at the tip. Females reach a height of 48-52 cm, males reach a height of 50-55 cm. Females weigh between 12 and 18 kg, and taller males between 18 and 20 kg. Its coat is short and thick, and the crested coat is slightly darker than the rest of the coat, regardless of color. The ridge should cover 60% of the length of the spine.

Weight	31–40 pounds
Height	24-26 inches
Lifespan	14 to 16 Years
Temperament	Loyal, Aggressive, Brave, Daring, Independent
Litter Size	4 to 6 puppies
Group	Hunting Dogs
Size	Large
Colors	Black, Dark Brown, Golden Brown, Reddish and Yellow
Coat	Smooth and Silky
Shedding	Moderate
Puppy Price	$80 to $120 USD

Temperament of Phu Quoc Ridgeback:

Intelligent and curious, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback learns quickly and takes good care of its owners. Brave and loyal to their families, they do not hesitate to defend their territory when necessary. His loyalty is one of his most important qualities.

They are known to scream when new people enter their territory but rarely show true aggression. They are sociable and get along well with other dogs and children. Due to its independence, there is no problem separating this species. Energetic and athletic, Phu Quoc Ridgebacks will be happy to accompany you on steep hikes.

Maybe you stop on the road, climb a tree and check the road ahead. If there is water on the side of the road, he will not hesitate to dive quickly. Because they are island dogs, they like to be in the water.

Are Phu Quoc Ridgeback Good Family Dogs?

Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs can make excellent family pets with proper training, socialization and care. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence and protection as loyal companions. However, they have strong hunting skills and are very energetic, so early socialization and regular training are important.

In addition, it is important to give them plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and well-behaved. As with all dog breeds, each individual’s personality is different, but with proper care and training, they can make great additions to the family.

Are Phu Quoc Ridgeback Good with Other Pets?

If properly socialized and introduced from an early age, Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs may be able to bond well with other dogs. However, their hunting skills lead them to hunt smaller animals. This is especially true if they have not been trained or trained extensively.

It is important to supervise the interactions between your Phu Quoc Ridgeback and other pets, especially small animals such as cats, rabbits and small dogs so that you are confident in their behavior around them. Early socialization, good reinforcement training, and gentle introductions will help your dog learn to get along with other pets in the household.

Food and Diet Requirements of Phu Quoc Ridgeback:

Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs thrive on a balanced diet rich in high-quality animal protein, essential fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and low levels of carbohydrates from healthy sources. It is important to choose a food that meets your dog’s nutritional needs and supports muscle development and strength.

Additionally, having access to fresh water and talking to your veterinarian about dietary recommendations based on factors such as age, weight, activity level, and health considerations will help keep these dogs healthy and happy throughout their lives.

Exercise Needs Of Phu Quoc Ridgeback:

Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs are energetic and active in nature, so they need regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Daily exercise, whether it’s walking, running, or participating in an interactive sporting event, is important to meet the needs for physical and mental stimulation.

These dogs also enjoy activities such as fetch or handling training that stimulate their instincts. Providing opportunities to explore and exercise in a safe environment not only helps maintain physical health but also helps prevent boredom and behavioral problems. It’s important to tailor exercise routines to their age, health and energy levels, this will ensure a balanced routine that keeps your child motivated and happy.

How to Train a Phu Quoc Ridgeback?

Training the Phu Quoc Ridgeback requires consistency and good technique that complements its intelligence and unique character.  Start early, using positive reinforcement such as treats, praise and play to reinforce socialization and the basic commands.

Establish equality between family members by establishing clear rules and boundaries. Drain their energy through exercise and mental stimulation. Patience and perseverance are key. These dogs are usually calm and patient. Professional guides or listening classes can be helpful, but building a strong, trusting relationship through positive reinforcement will be the cornerstone of successfully training your Phu Quoc Ridgeback.

Grooming Needs of Phu Quoc Ridgeback:

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback needs very little grooming due to its short, soft coat. Brushing your dog weekly with a soft brush will help remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy. Wash your dog if it is not visibly dirty, use a mild shampoo and rinse well. It is important to check and clean the ears, trim the nails and take care of the teeth.

 It is important to be aware of skin irritations and keep the coat clean and healthy. In general, their grooming requirements are simple, as they are a low-maintenance breed in this respect. Regular checkups and basic maintenance routines will help these dogs stay fit and healthy.

Common Health Problems of Phu Quoc Ridgeback:

As a breed that has evolved over time, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback is free from many of the problems that plague purebred dogs around the world. Unfortunately, due to the small population, medical research is lacking. However, Phu Quoc Ridgebacks are known to live well in their youth and are known to suffer from several diseases, including:

• Hip Dysplasia: Like many dogs around the world, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback suffers from chronic orthopedic conditions. The hip bones do not sit properly in their sockets and the joints rub against each other. Inflammation causes pain and lameness in deer tails. Dogs with this condition begin to “slow down”, have difficulty standing up and show signs of stiffness. Weight management, lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery may be options for affected patients.

•  GDV: GDV (or gastric dilatation volvulus), also known as bloat, is a serious medical emergency that occurs more often in deep-chested dogs. The exact cause is unknown, but one theory is that feeding your dog large meals and exercising increases the risk of his stomach turning on its own. It is usually easy to diagnose as infected dogs “bloat” quickly and the abdomen fills with air. As the animal is tired and stressed, the symptoms worsen over time. This disease can be treated, but surgery is required to be successful.

• Parvovirus: Phu Quoc Ridgebacks do not have a disease that affects other dogs, but unfortunately it is a virus that kills many members of the breed in their lifetime. Parvovirus, which is easily preventable in most cases, can be prevented by vaccination. Infected animals develop vomiting and diarrhea and are at high risk if they do not receive supportive care in a veterinary hospital. Because it is highly contagious to other dogs, animals with parvovirus must be isolated and cared for.

FAQ’s:

Conclusion:

Known for their loyalty, intelligence and protective nature, Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs make loyal companions with proper training and socialization. Their low grooming and exercise requirements make them ideal for active families or individuals looking for a low-maintenance pet.

Although their special work requires patient training, their love and loyalty are rewarded by those who work hard to care for them. With early socialization, ongoing training, and attention to their physical and mental health, Phu Quoc Ridgebacks can become loving and complete family members.

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