Phu Quoc Ridgeback – as different as the name sounds, this dog breed is more special than others. Phu Quoc Ridgeback is a dog breed known for its superior intelligence. This dog breed is famous in Vietnam, so you might get to see it there every then and now.
But how are Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs different from other dog breeds? What unique breed is this breed? If you have got such questions, today’s your lucky day. Here in this blog, we are going to learn everything important about the Phu Quoc Ridgeback dog. So by the end, you’ll have a good knowledge of this breed. Let’s get down now!
| Characteristics | |
| 1 | Got black dotted tongue |
| 2 | Forehead wrinkles |
| 3 | Slightly bowed and straight ears |
| 4 | The chest is deep, not too wide |
| 5 | Big butt but slim belly |
| 6 | Straight legs webbed feet |
| 7 | Black coloured almond-shaped eyes |
Origin And Overview of Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog
Phu Quoc Ridgeback dog, as the name says, is a unique dog breed that originated in Vietnam. The breed got its unique name because of its origin in the Phu Quoc island of the country. Phu Quoc Ridgeback breed is known for its pigmented tongues, webbed feet, and characteristic “ridgeback.”
A ridgeback is when the fur grows on the back of the dog along its spine. These dogs have a regal demeanor and are famous for their sporting and hunting capabilities around the globe. Besides, they are also excellent at swimming, sprinting, and tree climbing.
Background Check
The Phu Quoc Ridgeback, Thai Ridgeback, and Rhodesian Ridgeback are the three ridgeback breeds currently in existence. It’s assumed that this breed was used as a guard and hunter dog by the local people of Vietnam.
Somewhere around the late 19th century, French colonials recorded this breed. Not long after, this breed was carried forward to France. According to experts, the two members of this breed, i.e., Chuoi and Xoai, were said to have become the winners of a dog show.
According to many methodologies and written records, this breed has survived many years of existence with human intervention. Even today, many Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs roam around the streets of Vietnam, feeding themselves.
There’s nothing wrong in saying that this dog breed has evolved through natural selection. It is also the reason why they tend to enjoy longevity and good health better than other breeds. Compared to earlier times, this breed has gotten into people’s words better than before. Even though they are a considerably popular dog breed, they are still fully recognized by many international bodies.
Other than Vietnam, there are so many countries where the existence of this breed is still taking place. Due to the fact that they are low in numbers, Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs are not OFFICIALLY allowed to participate in international competitions.
What Does a Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog Look Like?
The Phu Quoc Ridgeback dog has a unique appearance as it has ridged hair on its back. This pattern of hair is so definitive that it has also helped the breed get its name. The hair ridge grows in the other direction to the rest of the coat.
It looks like a particular section or line extended from the tail to the neck of the dog. There are some special characteristics of this hair pattern too. Their hairline will stand straight when a Phu Quoc Ridgeback dog gets excited or guarded. The ridge will become even more pronounced.
Coat and Color
Talking about the other part of their hair, the rest of the coat is straight and short. It’s the combination of fine and coarse hair, which varies from dog to dog. When it comes to the coat comes in various color variations.
The popular ones are dark reddish brown, jet back, and tiger stripes. Their color variations are also one of those factors that makes them such a unique dog breed. The Phu Quoc Ridgeback puppies have tapered tails. It’s thin at the tip and larger at the base, which curves away and up the body.
Tongue, Weight, And Life Expectancy
If you open the mouth of a Phu Quoc Ridgeback dog, you will see something distinctive inside. “But what’s that” you might ask. What’s distinctive about the inside of their mouth is their tongue’s color. It’s uniquely patterned with blue and back dots or spots from the back at the throat to the tip. The tongue looks attractive because of the fact that it’s unique.
Also, weight is an essential factor we cannot ignore when talking about the appearance of the Phu Quoc Ridgeback. The male Phu Quoc Ridgeback usually weighs around 14kg to 18kg. On the other hand, the female Phu Quoc Ridgeback weighs around 12kg to 16kg. Also, the average life expectancy of Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs is approximately 14-16 years.
Why is a Phu Quoc Ridgeback dog so Special?
Phu Quoc Ridgeback is one of those dogs that are mostly or only found in Phu Quoc island, Vietnam. Its differentiating element, which is also a characteristic of this breed, is its strange hair ridge that runs along their spines. When people from other countries settled in Vietnam, they domesticated these dogs.
From living in the forest and wild to becoming domestic dogs, civilization has brought considerable change in this breed’s hierarchy. Today, this breed is considered one of the rarest species of dogs. Phu Quoc ridgeback puppies have various outstanding features compared to other dog breeds worldwide. But that’s not the only thing that makes it special. Cost is also an integral factor.
Worth more than £10,000
In October 2015, a 42-year-old woman named Catherine Lane of Britain suddenly became famous. But what made her famous was something she owned, a Phu Quoc ridgeback. She was called the first European individual to successfully breed and own the Phu Quoc ridgebacks. And at that time, this species of dog was considered rarest. So owning one of the rarest species of dogs in the world made him popular around the nation and internationally.
Later, Lane traveled to Vietnam from England, bringing two black Phu Quoc ridgeback dogs to their origin. After some time, the news went viral that those two dogs produced four puppies. What’s surprising is that each one of those puppies got sold for around £10,000.
This incident made Phu Quoc ridgeback dogs even more popular around the globe. The breed started to attract the interest of people on an international scale. It led to an increase in the price of this breed. Today, Phu Quoc ridgeback dogs are considered one of the most expensive.
Rareness And Genuineness
Phu Quoc Ridgeback is the native dog of Phu Quoc Island and is majorly seen in Vietnam only. After so many years of breeding this dog, the island has created a unique gene that is only found on that specific island. This makes the breed unique from any other breed around the world because its existence is limited to a few places. As of 2015, a total of only 800 Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs were registered around the globe. Now, what’s more surprising is that most of the dogs out of that number were from Phu Quoc island.
The origin of this breed still needs to be discovered. In other words, experts are still trying to figure out how, when and where they first existed. Besides, there are several theories and methodologies about their existence. According to some, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dogs came from Fresh Ridgeback, which was lost on Phu Quoc island. Also, it is noted that the Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dogs are generally compared with the Thailand Ridgeback. But unlike them, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback has been raised for hunting purposes.
High intelligence levels
Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog breed is known for its loyalty, obedience, and intelligence. Talking about intelligence, this breed is considered among the smartest ones around the world. But it’s just what people believe.
There isn’t any record of Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog in any list of smart dogs. The primary reason behind this is that they are rarest. There aren’t enough Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dogs worldwide to get a standard. This is also why these dogs are still not able to attend much of many international dog competitions.
The intelligence of Phu Quoc Ridgeback is reflected in the fact that – they know how to dig the burrows for themselves during birth time. Do you know any other dog breed that’s known to do such a thing? We bet there aren’t any other than this. Besides that, this breed is also super talented in bunting animals, swimming, and climbing onto trees. Thanks to their feet, which have membranes similar to ducks, they can easily perform such tasks.
Interesting Features of a Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog
Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs have got some interesting features, which also make them distinctive from other breeds. Some of them are as follows:
Extremely Good Predator
Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs track prey even if the prey has passed long before, so hunters have to check whether the dog is following the trail of old or new prey to call it back. If hunting is too aggressive, Phu Quoc dogs can get lost a few days later. Every time they detect prey, they corner the prey and bark to call the owner. They won’t let go of their prey until the owner calls it away because it may not be able to take down its prey.
Immunity Against Poisonous Snakes
Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs are capable of fighting poisonous snakes. According to some islanders, black ink dogs have tongues that resist snake venom (which, according to legend, has not been verified). Many Phu Quoc dogs have risked their lives to save their owners from venomous snake bites. These dogs are easy to get used to with people. When they meet any relatives or sisters, they all wag their tails in confusion. Strangers can often touch the dog without being bitten. This is the disadvantage of ridgebacks in keeping the house.
Extremely Healthy
In terms of performance, combat power, and pressure tolerance, the ridgeback will have no opponent. This breed has very good health thanks to its slim shape, which is very suitable for activity and movement. They can endure and move on all terrains and climates, even harsh ones. They can run kilometers and climb extremely fast without getting tired. Therefore, if you are looking for an athletic dog, Phu Quoc Ridgeback puppies are perfect.
Planning to Get a Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog? Read This First!
Do you plan to get a Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog? If yes, there are some things that you should know about it. Learning about the following information will help you decide if you should get one or not:
Ideal Living Habitat
Phu Quoc Ridgebacks have high wild instincts due to living off the island. Therefore, if you want them to breed, you must create a living environment close to nature. Ideally, you should design vacant lots so they can play and run. Dogs love to swim; if there are rivers, lakes, or ponds around your house, let them swim regularly. It is best not to have Phu Quoc dogs if you live in apartments or collective apartments.
Preferred Food
Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs are easy to keep. It can eat any type of food, including rice mixed with broth. However, because it is an island dog, it especially likes foods such as shrimp, crab, fish, etc. Therefore, remember to add seafood to the menu every day for your dog!
Common Diseases
Just like any other dog breed, Phu Quoc Ridgeback is also prone to diseases. Before getting yourself this dog, it’s essential to be aware of such diseases. So here are some common diseases that Phu Quoc dogs often suffer from:
- Enteritis is a common disease in Phu Quoc dogs, caused by sudden changes in the living environment.
- Respiratory diseases are caused by Phu Quoc dogs living on the island; the climate is warm all year round. When raised in the North, dogs often develop a respiratory illness (pneumonia) in winter.
- Rabies is caused by the Rabies virus. The disease is hazardous, capable of infecting humans through scratches and bites.
How To Choose a Smart Phu Quoc Dog You Need to Know?
If you are reading this, you might have already decided to get a Phu Quoc Ridgeback. If that’s the case, we have got something important to tell you. Remember that Phu Quoc Ridgeback is the rarest dog on the planet.
But you know what’s not rare? The mixed breed looks just like them. If you want to get the original Phu Quoc Ridgeback, you need to play smart. Here’s how you can find yourself an original Phu Quoc Ridgeback dog in the easiest way:
Choose Phu Quoc Dog Through Gait
According to experienced people, an intelligent dog will have a flexible, elegant, and agile gait. When running, there will be a long and firm stride, which can stretch very far ahead. Since the general gait of Phu Quoc Ridgeback is trotting, their body structure will develop to meet this need.
Personality Traits of Purebred Dogs
Phu Quoc Ridgeback is a dog with a courageous, loyal character and no enmity towards people. They are extremely friendly and never attack people at will. However, they will attack those who intend to harm their master or when it is necessary to defend themselves.
Purebred Phu Quoc dogs are very intelligent, so they can be taught or trained. They are very obedient and know how to serve according to orders, so they are extremely suitable for guarding, herding cattle, hunting, and swimming.
This breed is a pure Vietnamese dog breed, so it is extremely easy to raise; they have great vitality and adaptability. Therefore, taking care of Phu Quoc Ridgeback does not require too much time and effort like other foreign dogs.
Choose Dogs Through Smart Traits
In addition, you can also choose a smart Phu Quoc dog by relying on the characteristics of the vortex range. It is recommended to choose dogs with the form of a vortex as follows:
- Arrow Vortex or Sword Vortex: has a pyramidal vortex that starts from the shoulder blades running all the way down to the tip of the buttocks.
- Map Vortex: starting with two circular vortices connected to each other, ending with a pyramidal vortex. The length of the vortex is stretched by other pairs of vortices that form a vortex array on the back like a carpet.
What’s The Ideal Phu Quoc Ridgeback Price?
The ideal Phu Quoc Ridgeback price fluctuates mainly between 3-6 million. The main factor determining the price of this breed is color. Here are some of the popular colors of Purebred Phu Quoc dogs and their respective approx cost:
- Black or White: Itis the most popular color so the price will be low, only about 3 million.
- Fire Yellow: This is a fairly common coat color but more beautiful, costing about 4-5 million.
- Brine Yellow: It is considered the most beautiful color, so it is very popular, this is also a relatively rare color, so it has a high price, about 5-6 million.
In addition to color, there are also several other factors that affect the Phu Quoc Ridgeback price. Like gender, parents, origin, and birth conditions. The best way to ensure you get an original Purebred Phu Quoc dog is by buying it from a reputable breeder.
FAQs
Phu Quoc Ridgebacks are one of the rarest dogs in the world. It also makes them one of the most expensive dogs. According to the current market price, they cost you somewhere around 3-6 Million.
The male Ridgebacks can get weigh from 18kg-24kg approximately. On the other hand, female breeds can weigh around 12kg-18 kg.
Phu Quoc Ridgeback is one of the top native dogs of Vietnam. Besides, they are also primarily found in this country only. There’s a particular reason behind that, which you can find in the above content.
Phu Quoc Ridgeback is no doubt one of the rarest breeds of dogs. In 2015, its population was recorded at around 900.
Yes, Phu Quoc Ridgebacks are definitely a great family dog. Years ago, they were used for hunting purposes. But today, they are as friendly as other dogs.
The average life expectancy of a Phu Quoc Ridgeback is approximately 14-15 years.
Yes, Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs need special care. Scroll above to learn the basic living requirements of this breed.
Just like any other dog breed, Phu Quoc Ridgeback is also prone to various diseases. Some of them are Enteritis, Pneumonia, etc.
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