Top 8 Tips for Raising and Caring for Pet Dogs in Vietnam

Identification Features: This breed is small in size, standing about 13-23 cm tall and weighing 3-5 kg. They have a fluffy coat that adds to their charm. Their heads are relatively large compared to the rest of their body, and their faces are divided into two distinct parts by a noticeable fold. They have large, round, protruding eyes, a short nose, an underbite, and short, large ears covered in fluffy fur. The typical coat colors of the Beijing-Japanese mix include white, cream, brownish yellow, or a mix of these shades.

Care and Training: This breed has a hearty appetite and is quite easy to feed, whether with homemade meals or packaged food. They are also quite lazy and love to be pampered. However, excessive pampering can make them demanding and selfish. It’s important to set boundaries from the start, balancing affection with discipline.

'Poodle' means curly, referring to the breed's signature curly coat. This dog is also known as the 'duck hunting dog' or the 'cotton ball dog' due to its fluffy, cotton-like fur. The 'duck hunting' name hints at its ancestral roots in hunting, even though the breed is far from aggressive.

Identification Features: Today, there are three types of Poodles, each with different sizes:

• Toy Poodle: 24-26 cm tall, weighing 3-6 kg.
• Standard Poodle: 45-60 cm tall, weighing 30-32 kg.
• Mini Poodle: 28-38 cm tall, weighing 6-8 kg.

All types have long, curly fur in colors like gray, gold, or black. They have small, round heads, equally round eyes, and small oval-shaped feet, with a relatively short muzzle.

Care and Training: Poodles are highly intelligent, making them easy to train for various tasks. They love outdoor activities and are very playful, making them great companions for fun and exercise. However, they enjoy chewing, so it’s important to teach them proper habits from an early age. Their curly coats require meticulous grooming, including regular baths, brushing, and trimming. Poodles should have a balanced diet, divided into several small meals a day. Avoid fatty foods, sugary treats, or artificial additives.

Identification Features: This breed stands at an average height of 21-28 cm and weighs between 16-27 kg. Huskies come in a variety of coat colors, including black and white, red-brown and white, or entirely white. The white coloring usually appears on the muzzle, tail, and legs. Their eyes are also varied, ranging from blue to brown. Huskies have a strong, muscular build, with sturdy legs, and a thick, bushy tail.

Care and Training: Despite their energetic and sometimes mischievous nature, Huskies are generally obedient. If you're keeping one as a guard dog, it’s essential to train them to be alert. They require plenty of outdoor exercise and love attention, so be sure to spend quality time with them to prevent them from becoming grumpy or feeling neglected. Huskies thrive in cool environments, so during hot weather, you may need to trim their fur. Their diet should be well-balanced, especially with protein sources like beef, lean meats, and chicken.

Identification Features: The Golden Retriever is ranked as the second most intelligent dog breed in the world. Known for its beauty, this breed comes in two distinct coat colors: dark golden and light golden. They have a slightly flat forehead, a strong jaw, and a tapered muzzle. Their nose is typically black—if it’s another color, the dog is not a true Golden Retriever. With their keen sense of smell, Golden Retrievers are often used in search and rescue operations or law enforcement work.

Care and Training: Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent, hardworking, and quick learners, making training relatively easy. They are very affectionate and loyal to their owners, responding well to commands. This breed loves playing with children and enjoys activities like fetching balls. Since they are relatively small, it's important to feed them in multiple smaller meals throughout the day to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.

Identification Features: At first glance, the Chihuahua may resemble the Fox Terrier, but they are unrelated. Fully grown, Chihuahuas stand around 15-23 cm tall and weigh under 3 kg. They have a round head with a short, slightly divided muzzle, and a soft spot on their skull, which is a vulnerable area. Their large, round eyes protrude, and their ears are large and stand upright. Their tail is long and flexible, often curling upwards. Their coat can be either short or long, with colors ranging from gold, black, gray, to mixed shades.

Care and Training: Chihuahuas are very affectionate and enjoy being petted, making them excellent companion pets. Despite their small size, they are brave and will bark loudly to protect their owners. However, they can be possessive, often jealous when their owners pay attention to other animals, and tend to follow their owners everywhere. Chihuahuas are prone to respiratory issues, so it's important to avoid exposing them to cold environments for extended periods. With their large eyes, they are also susceptible to eye conditions. This breed is quite picky about food but doesn’t need to eat much. Their diet should consist of lean meats and offal like pork liver, but avoid fatty foods that could lead to obesity.

Physical Features and Identification: An adult Pitbull typically stands between 45-55 cm tall and weighs 18-20 kg. They have a broad, round head with pronounced muscle ridges. Their jaws are uniquely powerful, thick, and firm, which sets them apart from other breeds. Pitbulls have small, alert ears and short, coarse coats, which can come in colors like yellow, gray-brown, or red. Their piercing, amber eyes further add to their intimidating appearance.

Care and Training: Known for their aggressive temperament, Pitbulls are fiercely protective of their territory and will challenge anyone they perceive as a threat. With their strong jaws, they can inflict serious damage on smaller dogs if not properly managed. Pitbulls can sometimes be stubborn and unresponsive to commands, so training requires patience and consistency. They can be an excellent choice for guarding homes or property, but they need proper socialization and exercise. Regular running or walking routines are essential, and you may want to introduce controlled interactions with other dogs or pets to sharpen their protective instincts. Ensure their diet is rich in protein to keep their muscles strong, with foods like beef or chicken.

The Fox Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds in Vietnam due to its adaptability and friendly nature when kept as an indoor pet. These dogs are typically small and agile, making them easy to care for. There are several types of Fox Terriers to choose from, including the Deer Fox, Toy Fox, and the Rat Fox.

Identification Features for Each Type:

• Deer Fox:
• Toy Fox:
• Rat Fox:

Care and Training: Fox Terriers are generally easy to care for, but it's essential to vaccinate them as soon as you bring them home and keep up with regular deworming. Their coats are short, so regular baths are sufficient, but the Toy Fox has a thicker coat, requiring more frequent grooming. Their diet doesn’t need to be large but should include all necessary nutrients. Occasionally, give them a bone to help strengthen their jaws. Training can involve fetching objects, playing ball, and encouraging daily walks to ensure they stay active and happy.

Identification Features: French Bulldogs typically stand under 30 cm tall and weigh between 8-13 kg. They are easily recognizable by their round head, with loose skin that falls from the forehead down the neck. Their large, expressive eyes, flat muzzle, and upturned nose are distinctive. They have erect, large ears and coats in various colors, including black, cream, and brindle.

Care and Raising: French Bulldogs are gentle and easygoing dogs that respond well to their owners’ commands. They enjoy playing, especially with children, and tend to be clean animals that prefer indoor living. However, they are not overly lazy and enjoy outdoor activities when the weather is suitable. Be sure to take them for walks, but avoid exposing them to extreme heat or cold, as they are prone to respiratory issues. Their diet doesn’t require anything fancy but should be balanced, with multiple small meals throughout the day. Because they are less active, they are at risk of obesity, which can shorten their lifespan, so it’s important to monitor their food intake and avoid foods that are too fatty or salty.