Vietnam’s National Dog: One of the World’s Most Expensive Breeds with Unique Traits Found in Only 3 out of 1000 Canines

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback: A Rare and Priced Canine Companion

In 2015, Catherine Lane, a British woman, traveled to Vietnam to select and purchase two black Phu Quoc Ridgeback puppies. As reported by Dailymail, after some time, the pair gave birth to four puppies (three females and one male), which were sold for a staggering £10,000 each (approximately over 300 million VND at the time). Lane is recognized as the first European to own and successfully breed this rare dog, native to Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam.

Since then, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback has been gaining recognition worldwide as a valuable breed, both economically and culturally. But what makes these dogs so expensive?

A Rare Breed with Unique Characteristics

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback (or Phu Quoc Dog) is the only native dog breed on Phu Quoc Island, located in the Kien Giang province of Vietnam. They are famous for their unique reverse-directional hair whorl on their back, a feature found only in three dog breeds worldwide, despite there being over 1,000 recognized breeds, according to Tay Ninh Newspaper.

This breed originated on the island of Phu Quoc approximately 400 years ago, although its exact origins are disputed, with countries like Thailand and France claiming it as their own. Currently, there are only around 800 registered Phu Quoc Ridgebacks globally. On December 14, 2008, the Vietnam Kennel Association (VKC) officially registered the breed with the World Canine Organization, solidifying its Vietnamese heritage.

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback, also known as the national dog of Vietnam, is characterized by its distinctive hair whorl, resembling a small sword, measuring 35 to 40 cm in length and 3 to 5 cm in width. This whorl is typically harder and darker than the surrounding fur, and it stands out prominently under light. In terms of physique, these dogs are compact, with adult females standing at 48 to 52 cm and males at 50 to 55 cm, weighing between 12 to 18 kg and 15 to 20 kg, respectively. Compared to the Thai Ridgeback, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback has a smaller, more slender build, with a rectangular body shape.

An Intelligent and Agile Hunting Companion

Phu Quoc Ridgebacks are renowned for their agility, endurance, and flexibility. They excel at climbing, jumping, and swimming, showcasing their all-around athleticism. These dogs are highly alert and cautious, displaying friendliness towards their owners and familiar people while remaining wary of strangers. Notably, they will never accept food from strangers, only eating from their owner’s hand. While they rarely initiate attacks, they will not hesitate to bite if they sense a threat to their safety.

One of their standout qualities is their exceptional swimming ability, attributed to their webbed feet, which is a unique feature among dog breeds. Their love for water goes beyond swimming, as they also enjoy diving into cool waters and performing acrobatic leaps. This affinity for water has enhanced their survival skills, particularly when it comes to hunting or navigating through bodies of water.

Mr. Pham Quoc Thang, Head of the Hanoi Representative Office of the Vietnam Kennel Association (VKA), shared with 24h that the Phu Quoc Ridgeback is an excellent hunter. “Everyone knows that rabbits are agile and zig-zag runners, but the Phu Quoc Ridgeback can still hunt them down due to their superior braking and pivoting abilities, thanks to their uniquely angled shoulder blades. Additionally, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback has several physical adaptations suited for hunting, such as the absence of dewclaws and thick paw pads,” Mr. Thang added.

The rarity of the Phu Quoc Ridgeback, coupled with its purebred genetics, has contributed to its high value. Additionally, this breed is highly regarded for its intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. While it may not be listed among the smartest dog breeds globally, its scarcity makes pricing challenging yet intriguing.

A Valued Companion with a Rich History

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback has a long history of serving as military dogs for the Nguyen Dynasty. These dogs were chosen for their exceptional territorial instincts and vigilance. According to the book “Nguyen Phuc Toc De Pha Tuong Giai Do”, a royal family chronicle, four Phu Quoc Ridgebacks played a pivotal role in saving the life of Emperor Gia Long (then known as Nguyen Anh) on two separate occasions before he ascended the throne, helping him evade capture by the Tay Son army and protecting him from harm.

Once Emperor Gia Long ascended the throne, he bestowed upon these loyal dogs the title of “Cuu kon phò nguy Tá quốc huân thần Thần khuyển đại tướng quân”, which translates to “Rescuing Danger and Assisting the Country’s Meritorious and Divine Dog, Great General.” When the dogs eventually passed away, the emperor arranged for their respectful burial and established a grand temple in their honor.

Today, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback is beloved not only for its historical significance but also for its adorable appearance and friendly demeanor. They make ideal companions for active individuals and families, especially those who enjoy water sports and outdoor adventures. The coat colors of these dogs are also noteworthy, with certain colors like tiger brindle, golden fire, and solid black considered rare and highly prized, as reflected in the folk saying, “Nhất Vện, nhì Vàng, tam Đen, tứ Đốm” (“First is Brindle, second is Golden, third is Black, and fourth is Spotted”). These unique coat colors are a source of cultural pride and emotional value for their owners.

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