Hmong bobtail dog
Also called Chó H'Mông cộc đuôi, Hmong Stumpy Tail Dog, Aub Tsab Tws, Hmong dog
From The northern mountains of Vietnam, where it lives with the Hmong people; its forebears are thought to have come from southern China.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, hard double coat
An agile, athletic medium dog with a short, harsh double coat without feathering and a naturally short tail that can measure only a few centimetres.1
Personality what they are like
Smart, loyal and affectionate with its own people, while staying reserved with strangers and watchful over its territory.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A highly capable hunting, herding and guarding dog that is at its best with plenty of activity and a job to do.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, harsh coat is low maintenance.1
Home where they are happiest
Adapted to mountain life and copes well with changing temperatures.1
Company who they like around
Closely bonded with its family; its guarding nature means early socialisation with visitors is helpful.1
The story where it all began
According to Hmong tradition the dog's roots lie in China, and it is believed to have travelled with Hmong families who moved south into the mountains of northern Vietnam during the 18th and 19th centuries. There it served as a hunter, herder and guard for mountain villages.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Vietnam Kennel Association (VKA)
- Recognised with a national breed standard; not recognised by the FCI (per Wikipedia).1
- Hmong Bobtail Club of America
- Breed club founded in 2023 to promote the breed in the United States.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Hmong bobtail dog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Hmong bobtail dog, and at what times?
Feed your Hmong bobtail dog at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help their digestion, and free feeding is not recommended for puppies. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.2
What should a Hmong bobtail dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always avoid alcohol, caffeine, and raw meat or eggs.3
How often should I bathe a Hmong bobtail dog?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. At a minimum, bathe at least once every three months. Use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.4 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Hmong bobtail dog need brushing?
Brush your Hmong bobtail dog weekly to keep their short, harsh coat in good condition. This helps remove loose hair and dirt. Their coat is low maintenance, so weekly brushing is plenty.14 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Hmong bobtail dog's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If you are unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.4 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Hmong bobtail dog need?
This breed needs plenty of daily activity and a job to do, as they are highly capable hunting and herding dogs. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play. They thrive with at least an hour of exercise each day.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Hmong bobtail dog's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, daily if possible. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.4 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Hmong bobtail dog live?
The Hmong bobtail dog has a long lifespan of 15 to 20 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can be a wonderful companion for many years.1
Is a Hmong bobtail dog good with children and other pets?
They are smart, loyal, and affectionate with their own family, but reserved with strangers and watchful over their territory. Early socialisation with children and other pets is helpful. Their guarding nature means they may need careful introductions.1
Can a Hmong bobtail dog be left alone?
They bond closely with their family and may not do well left alone for long periods. Their guarding nature means they can become anxious or bored without company. If you must leave them, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand.1
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.
- Hmong bobtail dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- 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.