Top 8 Facts About the Rarest and Most Expensive Dog Breeds in the World That Vietnam Possesses

Phu Quoc Dogs are medium-sized dogs with a sleek, muscular, and well-toned body. Here are the key physical traits of a Phu Quoc dog:

• Height:
• Males: 50 - 55 cm
• Females: 48 - 52 cm
• Weight:
• Males: 15 - 20 kg
• Females: 12 - 18 kg
• Coat: Short, stiff fur that doesn’t exceed 2 cm in length, closely fitting the body; coat colors include black, yellow (ranging from light to red or reddish brown), and brindle (black stripes on a yellow background)
• Neck Mane: A mane of fur running against the grain along the back, darker than the rest of the body’s fur, and varying in shape and symmetry along the spine
• Ridge of Fur: There is a ridge of fur at both ends of the mane; some dogs have more pronounced ridges, which are symmetrical along the spine
• Head: Elongated
• Nose: Black, straight, and about half the length of the head
• Tongue: Features dark spots
• Eyes: Brown to black or amber-colored
• Eyelids and Eyebrows: Black, non-drooping
• Ears: Medium-sized, balanced with the head, erect on each side of the skull, resembling seashells
• Neck: Long, gradually widening towards the shoulders, with taut skin and no loose folds around the neck
• Back: Straight and strong
• Hips: Firm and lean
• Chest: Deep but not excessively wide
• Abdomen: Trim
• Tail: Short, highly flexible, and curved like a bow, tapering towards the tip
• Legs: The front legs are straight and parallel, while the back legs are muscular with well-defined thighs
• Paws: Long, oval-shaped, with thick pads

These characteristics are based on the 2009 guidelines issued by the VKA, which are derived from the breed standards described in Count Henri de Bylandt's 1897 book “Les races de chiens”.

1. Fur Ridge:
The fur ridge on the back is often considered the most distinctive feature of the Phu Quoc Dog. However, not all purebred Phu Quoc Dogs have this trait, and having a ridge does not necessarily indicate purity. Based on the experience of long-time breeders, only about 40% of puppies in a litter are born with a ridge, meaning if a mother has seven puppies, only three may have the ridge. This percentage holds true whether both parents have ridges or not. Occasionally, crossbreeds between Phu Quoc Dogs and local dogs may have a ridge, so it's not an absolute indicator of a purebred. While it is natural for some Phu Quoc Dogs to lack a ridge, those without it are often seen as undesirable and have significantly lower market value. No scientific studies have proven that a lack of a ridge correlates with intelligence, behavior, or other qualities of the Phu Quoc Dog. Disqualifying a purebred dog simply for lacking a ridge, even if both parents are ridged, is unfair. Ridged Phu Quoc Dogs are preferred by those who appreciate their distinctive appearance or wish to compete in dog shows, as Phu Quoc Dogs without a ridge are not accepted in the VKA standards. However, if you're more interested in the dog’s personality than its physical traits, you might consider a ridge-less Phu Quoc Dog, as they are much more affordable.
2. Webbing Between Toes:
Some people mistakenly believe that Phu Quoc Dogs have webbed feet, similar to duck feet, because of their swimming ability. This, however, is incorrect. The thin skin between the toes of Phu Quoc Dogs is found in many other breeds, including local Vietnamese dogs. In reality, Phu Quoc Dogs are excellent swimmers due to their streamlined bodies and short, tight fur that reduces water resistance. These traits have developed as adaptations to their island environment. The webbing is not part of the VKA breed standard for Phu Quoc Dogs, nor is it included in the standards of Count Henri de Bylandt's Les races de chiens. Since Phu Quoc Dogs have only recently regained attention, some unreliable sources or sellers may exaggerate their characteristics to increase their price. Furthermore, because Phu Quoc Dogs can sometimes resemble other local Vietnamese dogs, their distinctive features are often overstated. This has led many to forget that the true value of a Phu Quoc Dog lies not in its appearance, but in its instincts, intelligence, and loyalty.

Temperament:

The Phu Quoc Dog is an exceptionally intelligent, loyal, brave, and fearless breed. These dogs are very fond of their owners and children but are extremely cautious around strangers. With a strong territorial instinct, they are quick to detect any intruders. The Phu Quoc Dog is highly trainable, as they listen well to their owner’s commands. However, they are also clever and enjoy playing pranks, making them quite playful with their owners. Additionally, they possess a sharp memory, so it's unwise to provoke them, as they hold grudges.
Activity Level:

Being a hunting breed, the Phu Quoc Dog is highly athletic. They are expert swimmers and can catch fish in the sea for their meals. This breed is also skilled at climbing, able to scale fences up to 2.5 meters high and even walk on rooftops like cats. Their land hunting skills are equally remarkable, as they can run fast and change direction abruptly, making it difficult for elusive prey like rabbits or rats to escape. Moreover, Phu Quoc Dogs are capable of hunting larger game like deer and wild boar.
Sensitivity:

Historically, Phu Quoc Dogs were used as military dogs not only for their intelligence and courage but also because they are highly sensitive to their environment. According to historical records, these dogs can detect “safe” or “dangerous” areas. Before setting up camp, the military would send a Phu Quoc Dog to the location first. If the dog lay down and relaxed, it was deemed safe to establish the camp; if the dog showed signs of unease and refused to settle down, the area was considered unsafe. Additionally, Phu Quoc Dogs have the ability to sense their owner's health, and their actions have prevented the spread of many diseases by detecting them early.

Environment:

Since Phu Quoc Dogs originally come from island environments, it is essential to provide them with the most natural living conditions possible when kept on the mainland. They thrive in spacious areas, ideally with water ponds, bamboo groves, and grassy fields where they can roam freely. Simple obstacles like piles of bricks or logs can be arranged for training. If you have the time, take them on walks or engage in basic training. If you don’t have a large garden, ensure that you regularly take your Phu Quoc Dog out to explore natural areas. This breed is not suited to urban environments or being confined indoors.
Diet:

Phu Quoc Dogs are not particularly picky eaters, but it is best to avoid giving them processed human food. Instead, offer them natural foods. They enjoy small animals like mice, rabbits, certain insects, and vegetables. Ensure to include seafood like fish, crab, and shellfish in their diet to prevent digestive issues. Supplementing their diet with calcium and minerals is important. Overfeeding should be avoided as it can negatively impact their activity levels. If your dog starts eating dirt or plants from the garden, don't worry—they instinctively know which plants are beneficial or harmful and do this to balance their nutrients.
Common Health Issues:

Phu Quoc Dogs are prone to a genetic condition called “epidermoid cysts.” Although this condition is hereditary and incurable, surgery can remove the cysts if they cause health complications. While it is not typically fatal, dogs affected by this condition may not meet the beauty standards for competitions. Additionally, Phu Quoc Dogs may also suffer from common illnesses like gastrointestinal issues or pneumonia. Make sure to keep them fully vaccinated to ensure they maintain the best health possible.

Phu Quoc Dogs are highly valued abroad due to their rarity, making them quite expensive. Prices range from 17 to 340 million VND per dog. However, in Vietnam, the cost of Phu Quoc Dogs is much more affordable, with puppies around 2 months old priced between 3 to 5 million VND, as follows:

• Black/White Dogs: 1.5 million VND
• Fire Yellow Dogs: - 4 million VND
• Brindle Dogs: 4 - 5 million VND
• Dogs without a ridge: 1 - 1.5 million VND

These are base prices, and prices can be higher depending on the breeder. Phu Quoc Dogs with VKA certification cost 2-4 times more than those without certification, and trained or competition-winning dogs can cost tens of millions of VND. The increasing popularity of Phu Quoc Dogs is positive for the breed’s revival. However, this surge has led to many untrustworthy breeders selling mixed or non-purebred Phu Quoc Dogs at low prices. To avoid being misled, it’s advisable to research breeders carefully or seek advice from experienced individuals when purchasing a dog. Below is a list of reputable Phu Quoc dog breeders:1. Hop Nguyen Kennel:

• Address: District 12, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone: 093 202 5775
• Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/VespaNguyen/videos
• Price Range: From 3 million VND

The owner, Mr. Nguyen Huu Hop, is a dedicated member of the Southern Phu Quoc Dog Club. The kennel offers a wide price range, so you’re likely to find a dog that fits your budget. Mr. Hop does not sell online, so you can visit the kennel in District 12 to choose a dog in person. 2. Hung Quan Kennel:

• Address: 53/525 Nguyen Van Nghi, Ward 7, Go Vap, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone: 0908 891 558
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chophuquoc.hungquankennel.vn/
• Price Range: From 6 million VND

3. Hung Son Kennel:

• Address: 1991 Le Van Luong, Nha Be, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone: 0904 877 603
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tranhong.son.963
• Price Range: From 4 million VND

4. Phu Gia Kennel:

• Address: An Duong Vuong, Tay Ho, Hanoi
• Phone: 0912 612 808
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phugiakennel/
• Price Range: From million VND

5. TS. Milan Kennel:

• Address: 9/379 Luong The Vinh, Me Tri, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi
• Phone: 01688 707 808
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chophuquoctaihanoi/
• Price Range: From 4 million VND

6. Hoang Tien Kennel:

• Address: Tổ 33, KP4, Thạnh Xuân 52, Phu Thạnh, Hoc Mon, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone: 098 371 31 59
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chogiongphuquoc/
• Website: http://chophuquocvn.com/
• Price Range: From 2.5 million VND

7. Hoang Ha Kennel:

• Address: 114B, TX Street, Thạnh Xuân, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone: 090 203 1178
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hoanghaquykhuyen1
• Price Range: From 1.5 million VND

Phu Quoc Dogs are an extremely rare breed, classified as a primitive breed. Primitive breeds are those that have existed and evolved for centuries in a specific geographic region, with genetic structures significantly different from modern dog breeds and are ancestors of many familiar dog breeds today. Currently, only a few breeds are recognized as primitive, such as Tibetan Mastiff, Basenji, Afghan Hound, Akita, Chinese Shar Pei, Alaskan Malamute, American Eskimo...Phu Quoc Dogs originated from Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. Historical records show that Phu Quoc Dogs have existed for over 400 years, originally bred for guarding and assisting in hunting. Additionally, these dogs were used by the Tay Son dynasty (1778 - 1802) and the Nguyen dynasty (1804 - 1883, pre-French colonization) as military dogs. Phu Quoc Dogs were also one of the 316 dog breeds first documented by Count Henri de Bylandt, a Dutch nobleman, in his book “Les races de chiens” (translated: “Dog Breeds”), published in 1897. This book continues to be a valuable reference for dog breed standards, characteristics, and behaviors. In this book, Count Bylandt described Phu Quoc Dogs as an extremely rare breed with remarkable traits like intelligence and agility, surpassing many other hunting breeds. In 1984, two Phu Quoc Dogs, named Chuoi and Xoai, were brought to Europe by the French and selected for a dog exhibition in Belgium. There, they won first place and were valued at 25,000 Belgian francs, a substantial sum at the time. In 1902, Phu Quoc Dogs were listed by the magazine “Animal Life and Word of Nature” as one of the 300 most valuable dog breeds in the world. They were also studied and identified as the ancestors of the Australian Dingo by zoologist Emile Oustalet. Although Phu Quoc Dogs were highly regarded in Europe, in Vietnam, due to factors like war and economic struggles, they were once considered just ordinary dogs, often used in local banquets or sold at very low prices. It wasn’t until the past two decades that Phu Quoc Dogs began to regain recognition as a prestigious breed, with their reputation being rebuilt by passionate enthusiasts. In 2011, two Phu Quoc Dogs named Dom and Ven were taken to France by the VKA (Vietnam Kennel Association) to participate in the FCI World Dog Show 2011, a global dog competition organized by the FCI (Fédération Cynalogique Internationale). At the competition, Dom won the CAC (National Champion of France) title, and Ven won the CACS (World Champion title). This marked a significant milestone in the journey to restore the reputation of this beloved Vietnamese breed.

Currently, there are only three dog breeds in the world with a ridge along their backs: Phu Quoc Ridgeback, Thai Ridgeback, and Rhodesian Ridgeback. Among these three breeds, Phu Quoc Ridgebacks and Thai Ridgebacks share similar appearances and inhabit regions relatively close to each other, leading to ongoing debates about their origin. The Thai argue that the Phu Quoc dog is actually a branch of the Thai Ridgeback, which migrated to Phu Quoc Island with Thai merchant ships or was brought by King Gia Long (1762 - 1820) from Thailand during his visit in 1784. However, many researchers of the Phu Quoc dog have opposed this theory for several reasons:

1. The Thai Ridgeback is believed to have existed for around 300-350 years, while the Phu Quoc dog has been present for over 400 years.
2. The Phu Quoc dog was used by the Tay Son military as a war dog in the 1770s, and King Gia Long himself owned four Phu Quoc dogs as personal guards, making it improbable that he brought Thai Ridgebacks back to Vietnam.
3. No historical records indicate maritime trade between Vietnam and Thailand 400 years ago (around the time the Phu Quoc dog emerged), and during that period, the Thais lacked the technology to build ships capable of crossing the nearly 500 km of sea to reach Phu Quoc Island.

This issue remains debated, but with numerous convincing historical evidences, it can be concluded that Phu Quoc dogs are a native Vietnamese breed and are not a branch of the Thai Ridgeback. Some even suggest that the Phu Quoc dog might be the ancestor of the modern Thai Ridgeback. However, a sad reality is that the Thai Ridgeback was officially recognized as an independent breed by the Fédération Cynalogique Internationale (FCI) in 1993, while Phu Quoc dogs still remain unrecognized, despite the Vietnam Kennel Association (VKA) submitting registration documents since 2008.Distinguishing Phu Quoc Dogs from Thai Ridgebacks: Many new Phu Quoc dog owners often mistake them for Thai Ridgebacks. Although the two breeds share similar appearances, careful observation can easily tell them apart: Thai Ridgebacks are larger, with a more intimidating face, a square muzzle, while Phu Quoc dogs have a pointed nose, and the Thai Ridgeback's body is bulkier and more muscular, while the Phu Quoc dog is more slender and agile.

Phu Quoc Dogs have been documented in Vietnam for over 400 years as a hunting breed, and they have also been used by various dynasties as war dogs. During the Tay Son dynasty (1778 - 1802), Phu Quoc dogs were used as military dogs but were later replaced by Tibetan Mastiffs. However, Tibetan Mastiffs, being cold-weather dogs accustomed to living in open plains and high mountains, were poorly suited to Vietnam’s hot, humid climate and dense tropical forests. This change might have contributed to the Tay Son’s defeat against the Nguyen forces during the Tay Son-Nguyen War (1787 - 1802). The Nguyen military also used Phu Quoc dogs as war dogs, and King Gia Long (Nguyen Anh, the first king of the Nguyen dynasty who defeated the Tay Son in 1802) had four Phu Quoc dogs, two males and two females, as personal guards. These four dogs were always by King Gia Long’s side, and on two occasions, they saved him from being captured by the Tay Son forces. After ascending to the throne, King Gia Long honored these loyal dogs with the title: “Cứu khổn phò nguy Tá quốc huân thần Thần khuyển đại tướng quân”, and when they died, he had them buried with ceremonies and erected a memorial to honor their contributions.