Top 5 Essential Facts about the Vietnamese Dog Breed Known as the 'Great Jungle Hunter'

When bringing home a dog, especially a puppy, it's important to monitor their health closely, as H'Mong Cộc dogs, which originate from highland areas, may experience heat shock, digestive issues, or respiratory problems when relocated to the lowlands. Make sure to vaccinate puppies early to prevent dangerous diseases.

The H'Mong Cộc is an independent breed, so they don't require excessive care. They are also not picky eaters, which keeps their food costs low. However, avoid feeding them fatty or spicy foods. The best diet for H'Mong Cộc includes cooked organ meats and grains like rice and corn. Occasionally, you can supplement their diet with eggs or milk for added nutrition.

Due to their independent nature, it's crucial to start training them early to respond to commands and establish discipline. If possible, set up obstacles in their living area to encourage climbing, or take them for regular walks to maintain good health. Bathe them at least once a week to keep their coat clean and prevent skin infections.

The average price for a H'Mong Cộc dog on the market today ranges from 2 to 6 million VND (for a 2-month-old puppy). The higher cost is due to the fact that this breed has only gained widespread attention in the past five years, making them relatively rare.

Currently, many H'Mong Cộc dog breeding farms are professionally developing from high-quality stock. You can find H'Mong Cộc dogs at the following locations:

• Trần Danh Tuyên H'Mong Cộc Farm - Hà Giang
• Ninh Hiệp H'Mong Cộc Conservation Farm
• Ba Vì H'Mong Cộc Conservation Farm
• Bắc Hà H'Mong Cộc Dog Farm...

The H'Mong Cộc breed has ancient roots in the northern mountainous regions of Vietnam. It was domesticated by the H'Mong ethnic group and kept as a household pet for centuries. The breed was originally used for hunting, guarding homes, and protecting property. H'Mong Cộc dogs are highly adaptable and can quickly adjust to a variety of living conditions. Although less known than the Phú Quốc dog, especially in southern provinces, the H'Mong Cộc is gaining popularity in Vietnam due to the growing trend of raising indigenous dog breeds.

In modern times, due to changes in the socio-economic landscape, the H'Mong Cộc is no longer used for hunting but remains a trusted guard dog and a skilled rat catcher, beloved by the people of the northern mountain regions. They are also being trained by police and border guards in the northern border areas for use as service dogs, performing their duties with distinction.

Size: The H'Mong Cộc is a medium-sized dog, standing between 48 to 54 cm tall and weighing between 16 to 26 kg when fully grown. They have a large head, wolf-like features with a short, wide muzzle, and ears proportionate to their head size. Their body is muscular and sturdy, with a broad skeletal frame. Their legs are thick but lean, not fatty, and their chest is wide with a slim waist. The physical difference between males and females is minimal.

Coat: The H'Mong Cộc has a thick, coarse coat that is rough to the touch, unlike the silky fur of many other breeds. The coat thickness ranges from 2.5 to 4.5 cm, depending on the part of the body. Generally, the fur around the neck is the longest, while the fur on the head, ears, and legs is shorter.

Coat Color: The H'Mong Cộc has a solid-colored coat in shades of red-brown, black, white, and brown. Some dogs have a brindle coat, which is considered the rarest and most prized color. Dogs with brindle coats are often thought to be more intelligent than those with other colors.

Tail: The most distinctive feature of the H'Mong Cộc is its tail, which is naturally short, ranging from 3 to 15 cm in length. The tail is slightly raised but does not stand upright.

The H'Mong Cộc is an intelligent and loyal breed. They have an extremely strong territorial instinct. When a stranger approaches the house, the H'Mong Cộc will bark loudly to warn of the intruder, and if the stranger attempts to take anything or acts suspiciously, the dog will immediately attack. They are especially cautious and will never eat food from strangers.

The H'Mong Cộc has an excellent memory and can recognize directions, remembering routes with incredible accuracy. There is even a story of a dog that was sold but managed to break free and run over 10 km to find its way back home. This remarkable navigational ability is highly admired by dog enthusiasts.

This breed is also very friendly with children and enjoys playing with them. However, caution should be exercised when introducing them to unfamiliar children. Due to their high alertness and protective nature, they should always be kept on a leash when outdoors, and care should be taken when guests visit the home.