Hmong bobtail dog

Also called Chó H'Mông cộc đuôi, Hmong Stumpy Tail Dog, Aub Tsab Tws, Hmong dog

Smart, loyal and affectionate with its own people, while staying reserved with strangers and watchful over its territory.

Size	Medium
Weight	16 to 26 kg (35 to 57 lb)males 18 to 26 kg, females 16 to 24 kg1
Height	46 to 54 cm (18 to 21 in)males 48 to 54 cm, females 46 to 52 cm1
Lifespan	15 to 20 years1
Coat	Short, hard double coat
Origin	The northern mountains of Vietnam, where it lives with the Hmong people; its forebears are thought to have come from southern China.1

Recognised breedShort profile

very intelligent

loyal to its family

sure-footed in rugged terrain

Personality what they are like

Smart, loyal and affectionate with its own people, while staying reserved with strangers and watchful over its territory.1

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

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Hmong bobtail dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

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

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

1
The breed is born with a natural bobtail, with tail length varying from about 3 to 15 cm.1
2
It is counted among Vietnam's 'Four Great National Dogs'.1
3
Hmong bobtails have been used by Vietnamese border police and the military.1
4
It is prized for finding its way through steep mountain country.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Hmong people, an indigenous ethnic group in northern Vietnam, and its naturally short (bobbed) tail.1

Name ideas for your new friend

MiaLinhTuanBaoNuiSapaRidgeStumpyMistyHmongTigerLucky

A day in the life told by a Hmong bobtail dog

I wake up before the sun, stretch my short legs, and check the perimeter of our mountain home. The chickens cluck a morning hello, and I make sure they're all safe. Then I follow my human to the fields, herding the goats with a proud flick of my tail. I chase a butterfly just for fun, then sit by the stream, watching the water dance. At noon, I nap in the shade, one ear alert for any strange sound. In the afternoon, we play a game of hide-and-seek among the corn stalks. When the sun dips low, I curl at my human's feet, content and loyal, ready to guard our dreams.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

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?

Pet Wiki'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 Pet Wiki 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.1 4 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play. They thrive with at least an hour of exercise each day.1 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.