Pet Wiki

Philippine forest dog

Also called Asong gubat, Aso ng gubat

Devoted and dependable with its own people and naturally watchful, it keeps its distance from strangers and is often kept as a guard dog.

SizeSmall
CoatShort, smooth or coarse
OriginPhilippines1
Rare breedShort profile
loyal to its family
natural watchdog
hardy and resourceful
1

Personality what they are like

Devoted and dependable with its own people and naturally watchful, it keeps its distance from strangers and is often kept as a guard dog.1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth or coarse

A small to medium, hardy native dog with a short coat that can be sleek or slightly rough.1

Coloursbrindleblackmerlelimited white markings1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • 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 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Traditionally a working dog used for hunting, pest control and farm tasks, so it suits an active life with room to move.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs only simple, occasional brushing.1

Home where they are happiest

Well adapted to the tropical climate and terrain of the Philippines.1

Company who they like around

Forms strong family bonds; early socialising helps it accept visitors.1

The story where it all began

Dogs are thought to have come to the islands with early settlers as hunting companions, and this type lived alongside the Aeta people long before Spanish rule. A written breed standard was prepared by Rev. Fr. Dante Daylusan after decades of study, and the breed was introduced to the dog show world in 2023.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Dog remains around 600 to 900 years old were uncovered in 1967 at Namayan, Santa Ana, Manila.1

  2. 2

    Its breed standard is the result of about 30 years of research by Rev. Fr. Dante Daylusan.1

  3. 3

    It was introduced as the first official native dog breed of the Philippines at the 2023 Philippine Circuit Show.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is locally known as 'asong gubat' (Tagalog for 'forest dog') or 'aso ng gubat,' reflecting its native forest habitat in the Philippines.2

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

ApoyBatoBituinDagatGubatHariLigawMabaitSikatSungayTalaUlan

A day in the life told by a Philippine forest dog

I woke up early, ready for my morning patrol around the yard. I checked every corner, barked at a stray leaf, and then followed my human to the rice field. I helped chase away some birds, feeling important. After a short rest in the shade, I played with the kids, then guarded the house while they napped. At sunset, I ate my dinner and settled by the door, ever watchful.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Philippine Canine Club, Inc. (PCCI)
Presented as the first official native Philippine dog breed at the 2023 Philippine Circuit Show; PCCI and the Philippine Forest Dog Legacy Club are documenting the breed with a view to FCI recognition1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

  • 30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
  • 2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
  • Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

  1. Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
  3. Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
  4. Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
  5. Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
  6. Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

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 Philippine forest dog, and at what times?

General dog guidance suggests feeding adult dogs at least two meals a day, while puppies do well with three to four smaller meals. Their stomachs empty within a few hours, so regular meal times are kinder than leaving food out all day. Follow the food label for portions and ask your vet for a schedule that suits your dog.4

What should a Philippine forest dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced dog food made for an active dog is a good base, and portion sizes should come from the food label and your vet. Dangerous foods for dogs include chocolate, coffee and caffeine, alcohol, yeast dough, avocado, citrus, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic and chives, dairy, macadamia nuts, coconut, raw meat or eggs, bones, xylitol and salt. If you are unsure about a treat, check with your vet first.45

How often should I bathe a Philippine forest dog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan is a bath about every 56 days, which is a gentle two-month routine. General guidance also recommends at least once every three months, with more frequent baths if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or has skin problems. Ask your vet what suits your dog best.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Philippine forest dog need brushing?

Pet Wiki's starting plan is brushing about once a week. That matches general guidance for short, smooth coats, and this breed's coat only needs simple, occasional brushing. A weekly brush keeps it tidy and reduces loose hair.61 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Philippine forest dog's nails, and how often?

Pet Wiki's starting plan is to trim nails every 21 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Trim a little at a time and stop before the quick, as general grooming guidance says. If you are unsure, your vet can show you the right technique.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Philippine forest dog need?

The Philippine forest dog is a traditional working dog, so it suits an active life with room to move. Pet Wiki's starting plan is daily walks and play, which fits its energy level well. Adjust the length and intensity to your dog's age and health, with your vet's input.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Philippine forest dog's teeth and ears?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily tooth brushing, while general guidance says two to three times a week, using pet toothpaste rather than human toothpaste. For ears, the plan is a weekly check, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture, so dry them gently and never push anything into the ear canal. Your vet can advise on the best dental and ear routine for your dog.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Philippine forest dog live?

Specific lifespan figures are not included in the information I have. Pet Wiki's plan notes that senior years usually start around age 10, which gives a rough idea of their life stage timing. Ask your vet about your individual dog's expected lifespan. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Philippine forest dog good with children and other pets?

The breed is devoted and dependable with its own people and forms strong family bonds, so a well-socialised dog can fit into family life. Early socialising helps it accept visitors, and natural watchfulness means it may stay reserved with strangers. How it gets on with children and other pets varies by individual, so ask a good breeder or vet for guidance.1

Can a Philippine forest dog be left alone?

This depends on the individual dog and is not covered by the breed information, so ask a good breeder or vet for specific advice. As a devoted, family-oriented breed, it may prefer company and appreciate gradual practice being alone. Make sure it has a comfortable space and enough exercise before you leave it.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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia: Philippine Forest Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
  2. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  3. rappler.com rappler.com
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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