Furry Diary

Bắc Hà

Also called Bắc Hà dog, Bac Ha dog, Vietspitz

Rare breedShort profile

From Vietnam (Lào Cai province, especially Bắc Hà and Si Ma Cai districts)1

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male22 to 28 kg1
Weight, female18 to 24 kg1
Height, male52 to 58 cm1
Height, female50 to 56 cm1
Sizemedium

As reported by Wikipedia.

deeply loyal to its family
highly intelligent, quick learner
good watchdog and hunting partner
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

double coat

A thick double coat with a lion-like ruff over the neck and shoulders and a richly feathered tail. The head is broad with a flat forehead, triangular ears and almond eyes.1

Coloursyellow-browndark brownblackwhite1

Personality what they are like

Devoted and protective toward its people, and bright enough to pick up new commands quickly.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A mountain hunting and guard dog that needs daily exercise and activity.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The dense double coat and feathered tail need regular brushing.1

The story where it all began

The Hmong people of northern Vietnam keep this dog for hunting and guarding. It is thought to descend from heavy-coated mountain dogs of southern China that travelled with the Hmong when they migrated into Vietnam.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is counted among Vietnam's Four Great National Dogs.1

  2. 2

    A Hmong legend says the first red-coated Bắc Hà pups were fathered by a wild dhole that came down from the mountains.1

  3. 3

    In October 2020 a Bắc Hà dog named Sói won the Vietnamese Native Breeds Championship Dog Show.1

Recognised by the official bits

Vietnam Kennel Association (VKA)
Recognised nationally; not recognised by the FCI.1

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Bắc Hà. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Bắc Hà, and at what times?

Adult Bắc Hà dogs do best with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feed at consistent times each day, as their stomachs empty within a few hours. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.2

What should a Bắc Hà eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always keep human treats off the menu and consult your vet for a balanced diet.3

How often should I bathe a Bắc Hà?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Bắc Hà gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo and rinse thoroughly.4 Furry Diary plan

How often does a Bắc Hà need brushing?

Your Bắc Hà's dense double coat and feathered tail need regular brushing, and Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This helps remove loose fur and keeps the coat healthy and tangle-free. A weekly session with a suitable brush will do nicely.1 Furry Diary plan

How do I trim a Bắc Hà's nails, and how often?

Furry Diary suggests trimming nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Trim a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you the safe technique.4 Furry Diary plan

How much exercise does a Bắc Hà need?

As a mountain hunting and guard dog, your Bắc Hà needs daily exercise and activity. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. A good run or vigorous play session each day will meet their needs.1 Furry Diary plan

How do I look after a Bắc Hà's teeth and ears?

Brush your Bắc Hà's teeth every 2 days (daily is ideal) using dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears weekly, as floppy ears trap moisture, and gently dry them without pushing anything into the ear canal. Regular care prevents problems.4 Furry Diary plan

How long does a Bắc Hà live?

Lifespan varies among individual dogs, and no specific figure is given for the Bắc Hà. For a reliable estimate, ask your vet or a reputable breeder who knows the breed's history. Regular vet checkups help them live a long, healthy life.

Is a Bắc Hà good with children and other pets?

The Bắc Hà is described as devoted and protective toward its people, which can be wonderful with children when properly socialized. How they get on with other pets depends on their upbringing and individual temperament. Ask a good breeder about their specific line's behavior.1

Can a Bắc Hà be left alone?

This breed is very devoted to its family, so time alone may be challenging for them. How well they cope varies by individual and training. For guidance on leaving your Bắc Hà alone, consult your vet or a qualified trainer.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.

  1. Bắc Hà dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (secondary source citing VKA and Vietnamese press)
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.