Thai Bangkaew Dog

Also called Bangkaew

Alert, smart and devoted to its family.

Size	Medium
Weight	16 to 20 kg (35 to 44 lb)males 18 to 20 kg, females 16 to 18 kg1
Height	41 to 56 cm (16 to 22 in)males 46 to 56 cm, females 41 to 50 cm2 1
Coat	Double coat
Origin	Thailand, from Bang Kaew village in Bang Rakam District, Phitsanulok Province.2 1
Group	FCI group 5

Recognised breedShort profile

loyal and watchful

easy to train

intelligent

Personality what they are like

Alert, smart and devoted to its family. It learns readily and can be a little reserved with strangers, which makes it a good watchdog.2

Coat and looks how to spot one

double coat

A medium spitz-type dog with a coarse, straight outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat. The coat is moderately long on the body and forms a ruff around the neck and shoulders, staying short on the head and front legs.2

Colourswhite with lemon patcheswhite with red patcheswhite with fawn patcheswhite with tan patcheswhite with grey patcheswhite with black patches2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Thai Bangkaew 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

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The double coat with its ruff benefits from regular brushing, especially when shedding.2

The story where it all began

The breed began in Bang Kaew village, where a Buddhist abbot's black-and-white female dog was crossed with a now-extinct wild dog. From 1957 local people bred the dogs selectively, and the Bangkaew is now bred throughout Thailand.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is named after its home village of Bang Kaew in Phitsanulok Province.1
2
Its story starts with a temple dog belonging to a Buddhist abbot.2
3
The FCI accepted it provisionally in 2011 and gave it full recognition in 2022.3
4
Planned breeding of the Bangkaew began in 1957, and it is now bred all over Thailand.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from Bangkaew village, in the Thanang-ngam area of the Bang-rakam district, Phitsanulok province, Thailand, where the breed originated.2

Name ideas for your new friend

MekongSiamChaiLotusPanyaNokBuaSukiTawanKhaoDokmaiSila

A day in the life told by a Thai Bangkaew Dog

I wake with the sunrise and pad softly to the door. My family stirs, and I greet them with a wag. We walk through the village, I stay close, alert. A stranger passes; I watch but keep quiet. Back home, I play fetch in the yard, then nap in the shade. After lunch, I help guard the garden, chasing a butterfly. In the evening, we sit together, I rest my head on a lap, happy. The night is calm, and I listen to the crickets. A good day.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 358, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 5 Asian Spitz and related breeds; provisionally accepted 14 April 2011, definitively accepted 21 June 2022.3

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 Thai Bangkaew Dog, and at what times?

Feed adult Thai Bangkaew Dogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stick to set times each day, as their stomachs empty in a few hours and hunger signals begin after 8 to 10 hours. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4

What should a Thai Bangkaew Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, macadamia nuts, xylitol, and raw dough. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a safe diet plan.5

How often should I bathe a Thai Bangkaew Dog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get very dirty or have skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their double coat.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Thai Bangkaew Dog need brushing?

Brush your Thai Bangkaew Dog weekly to keep their double coat healthy, and more often during shedding seasons. Regular brushing helps remove loose fur and prevents mats, especially around the ruff.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Thai Bangkaew Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Thai Bangkaew Dog need?

This alert and smart breed needs daily walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity each day, but adjust based on your dog's energy and age. Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Thai Bangkaew Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer ear gently. Daily brushing is ideal for teeth.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Thai Bangkaew Dog live?

The lifespan can vary, but many medium-sized dogs live around 10 to 14 years. For specific information, ask your vet or a good breeder, as individual health and care play a big role.

Is a Thai Bangkaew Dog good with children and other pets?

They are devoted to their family and can be good with children if raised together, but they may be reserved with strangers. Early socialization helps them get along with other pets. Always supervise interactions.2

Can a Thai Bangkaew Dog be left alone?

This breed is alert and bonds closely with its family, so they may not enjoy long periods alone. Provide toys and a routine, but if left too much, they could become anxious. Ask a good breeder for tips on your specific dog.2

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.