Pet Wiki

Phu Quoc Ridgeback

Also called Phu Quoc dog, Chó Phú Quốc

A versatile, alert dog that hunts alone or in a group and keeps a watchful eye on its home.

SizeMedium
Weight12 to 20 kg (26 to 44 lb)males 15 to 20 kg, females 12 to 18 kg1
Height48 to 55 cm (19 to 22 in)males 50 to 55 cm, females 48 to 52 cm1
CoatShort with dorsal ridge
OriginVietnam (Phú Quốc island, Kiên Giang Province)1
Rare breedShort profile
fast runner
strong swimmer
alert guardian
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

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

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Phu Quoc Ridgeback. 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

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. 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. 2

    It often has a blue-tinged tongue and webbed feet, which help it swim.1

  3. 3

    Genetic studies place it closest to Korea's Pungsan dog rather than the Thai Ridgeback.1

  4. 4

    It was chosen as the mascot for the 2018 Nguyen Hue Flower Street festival.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after Phú Quốc Island in Kiên Giang Province, southern Vietnam, where it originated as a landrace dog.1

Name ideas for your new friend

SaigonRidgeMekongPhoTigerBambooIslandCoconutRumbleSandyNuiZippy

A day in the life told by a Phu Quoc Ridgeback

This morning I raced along the beach, my paws splashing in the warm waves. I sniffed every crab hole and chased a skittering ghost crab. Back home, I curled on the cool tiles and watched the chickens peck in the yard. After a nap, I trotted to the garden and barked at a gecko on the wall. Later, I followed my human to the market, weaving between baskets of fish and fruit. Now we're home again, I'm sprawled on the mat, tail thumping, ready for a good night's sleep.

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

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

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

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. 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

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. 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

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. 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 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?

Pet Wiki'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 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki's plan. A weekly brush removes loose hair and keeps the coat shiny. Use a soft bristle brush or grooming mitt.14 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki'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 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Thai RidgebackRhodesian Ridgeback

Where this comes from

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

  1. Wikipedia: Phu Quoc Ridgeback en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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