The native dogs of Phu Quoc Island excel at digging holes Photo courtesy of Tien Phong Newspaper

The endangered dog, native to the resort island of Phu Quoc in southern Vietnam, is one of only three dog breeds, along with the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Thai Ridgeback, that have a ridge of hair that runs along their back in the opposite direction to the rest of their coat. City-dwelling dog lovers may prove the breed’s salvation, in spite of the cost and the difficulties in keeping the dogs away from their native island. The dogs are vulnerable to potentially fatal digestive problems when raised in unfamiliar conditions.

 

 

Some breeders have succeeded in keeping the dogs in the city after vaccinated them and monitoring their health closely, Saigon Times reported. Phu Quoc Ridgeback puppies bred on their native island sell for VND3 million to VND5 million (US$170 - $280) each, while two to three-month-old dogs on the mainland cost between VND5 million and VND10 million ($280-$560).Those with unusual traits can sell for VND20 million to VND30 million ($1,120 - $1,685) each. Among HCMC’s most well-known Phu Quoc Ridgeback owner is businessman who lives in the city’s Binh Chanh District, Sai Gon Tiep Thi (Sai GonMarketing) newspaper reported.

 

 

He recently visited Phu Quoc Island and spent VND120 million ($6,740) to bring more Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs back to his dog farm. The farm currently has 30 Phu Quoc dogs of all colors and markings. His proudest canine acquisition is a black ridgeback which he bought for $3,000.The businessman said he planned to make the Phu Quoc Ridgeback known worldwide by entering his dogs in international dog shows. 

The signature trait of the Phu Quoc Ridgeback is the ridge of hair running along its spine Photo courtesy of Tien Phong Newspaper

The origin of the breed is a controversial topic among scientists. Some believe all ridgeback breeds originate from the same basic stock common to both Asia and Africa. Phu Quoc Ridgeback dog have thinner bodies than their African and Thai cousins. In the past, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback could be found in four main coat colors or patterns, including spotted, black, yellow and striped. But now the colors have become more varied. Local breeders have created mixed-breed dogs with heavier bodies by mating Phu Quoc Ridgebacks with German Shepherds and Thai Ridgebacks. But mixed-breed dogs have lost some of the original traits on the Phu Quoc Ridgeback.

 

 

A mature purebred Phu Quoc Ridgeback weighs about 20 to 25 kilogram and has a small head, a relatively long snout and thin and long ears. They dogs are also said to have fierce “tiger eyes.”The dog’s signature trait is the ridge of hair running along its spine. The fur along the ridge is tougher and longer and often stands on end whenever the dog is excited or running after their prey. Their slim and long bodies, straight legs and webbed feet, make the dogs extremely agile and good at swimming, running and leaping.The highly-intelligent creatures are excellent hunters and loyal companions.

 

 

Their trusting and friendly nature makes them unsuitable guard dogs. Records of the breed date back to 1880, when Count Henry van Bylandt, the first chairman of the Dog Breeding Association in the Netherlands, made some notes about the dog. French La Nature newspaper also featured three pages about the breed in its November 21 edition in 1891.

 

 

Source: http://dulich.chudu24.com/tin-tuc-moi/19741/lifeline-for-phu-quoc-island8217s-native-dog.html