Phu Quoc Ridgeback
Also called Phu Quoc dog, Chó Phú Quốc
From Vietnam (Phú Quốc island, Kiên Giang Province)1
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
short with dorsal ridge
A lean, muscular medium-sized hound with a fairly large head and a strip of hair along the back that grows the opposite way to the rest of the coat.1
Personality what they are like
A versatile, alert dog that hunts alone or in a group and keeps a watchful eye on its home.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Bred to run fast, swim and follow trails, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and activity.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat is low maintenance and needs only occasional brushing.1
Home where they are happiest
Suits an active home with space to run; it comes from a warm island climate.1
Company who they like around
Can work alone or with other dogs and bonds with its household as a watchful companion.1
The story where it all began
This landrace developed on Phú Quốc island as a hunting and guard dog and was noted by French colonists in the 1800s. Numbers fell sharply in the early 1900s as outside dogs arrived, and Vietnamese breeders have since worked to restore it.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is one of only three dog breeds in the world that carry a ridge of backward-growing hair along the spine.1
- 2
It often has a blue-tinged tongue and webbed feet, which help it swim.1
- 3
Genetic studies place it closest to Korea's Pungsan dog rather than the Thai Ridgeback.1
- 4
It was chosen as the mascot for the 2018 Nguyen Hue Flower Street festival.1
Recognised by the official bits
- Vietnam Kennel Association (VKA)
- National breed standard1
- FCI
- Not recognised; allowed to appear at the 2011 World Dog Show without competing for the top award1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Phu Quoc Ridgeback. 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 Phu Quoc Ridgeback, and at what times?
Feed your adult Phu Quoc Ridgeback at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps their digestion, but exact times can fit your routine. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes.2
What should a Phu Quoc Ridgeback 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, xylitol, onion, garlic, and macadamia nuts, these are especially risky for dogs. Never give alcohol, yeast dough, or bones, and always check with your vet before introducing new foods.3
How often should I bathe a Phu Quoc Ridgeback?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy. Use a gentle dog shampoo and rinse thoroughly.4 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Phu Quoc Ridgeback need brushing?
Their short coat is low maintenance and needs only occasional brushing, weekly is ideal according to Furry Diary's plan. A weekly brush removes loose hair and keeps the coat shiny. Use a soft bristle brush or grooming mitt.14 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Phu Quoc Ridgeback'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 inside). If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you the safe technique.4 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Phu Quoc Ridgeback need?
This breed has high energy and needs plenty of daily exercise, they were bred to run fast, swim, and follow trails. Furry Diary's plan recommends daily walks and play, and they thrive in an active home with space to run. Aim for at least an hour of vigorous activity each day.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Phu Quoc Ridgeback's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily if possible, or at least 2, 3 times a week using a dog-safe toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check their ears weekly for moisture or dirt, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture, and gently dry them without pushing anything into the ear canal.4 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Phu Quoc Ridgeback live?
Lifespan varies by individual health and care, so it's best to ask your vet or a reputable breeder for typical ranges. With good nutrition and regular vet checkups, they can enjoy a long, happy life.
Is a Phu Quoc Ridgeback good with children and other pets?
They bond closely with their household and can work alongside other dogs, but temperament with children varies. Always supervise interactions and introduce them slowly. For specific advice about your family, consult a good breeder who knows the lineage.1
Can a Phu Quoc Ridgeback be left alone?
They can work alone and are independent, but they thrive on companionship and may become anxious if left for long periods. How well they handle being alone depends on the individual dog and training. Ask a breeder for tips on gradual alone time.
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.
- Wikipedia: Phu Quoc Ridgeback 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.