Phú Quốc Ridgeback
Description
The Phú Quốc Ridgeback hails from Vietnam’s Phú Quốc island, a rare breed with a distinctive ridge of hair running backward along its spine. Medium-sized and muscular, these dogs weigh between 25 and 45 pounds. Their short, hard, dense coat comes in black, fawn shades from pale yellow to deep red, or brindle, often marked with black masks, tan points, or countershading. They’re natural hunters with sharp senses and a strong prey drive. These dogs move with agility and grace. They’re independent but bond deeply with family. Strangers might get a wary glance or a loud bark. Training takes patience and consistency. They’re not couch potatoes—daily exercise keeps their minds and bodies sharp. Phú Quốc Ridgebacks swim well and can even climb trees, showing off their unique athleticism.
Grooming
Phú Quốc Ridgebacks have a short, hard, dense coat that sheds very little. Dead hair tends to cling, so weekly carding helps keep the coat fresh and healthy. Use a light slicker brush gently to avoid damaging the texture. Every 8 to 12 weeks, handstripping is recommended to maintain the coat’s natural feel and vibrant colors, especially for brindle and fawn shades that show their patterns best when the coat is in top shape. - Card coat weekly to remove loose hair - Use slicker brush lightly and carefully - Handstrip every 8–12 weeks to preserve texture - Check ears and nails regularly - Wipe down black masks and tan points to keep them clean Pro tip: Handstripping not only keeps the coat looking sharp but also helps reduce the buildup of dead hair that brushing alone can’t remove.
Learn the Hard routine:
→ Complete Hard Grooming Guide
Walking
Phú Quốc Ridgebacks need about 85 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions. This breed thrives on consistent, purposeful exercise that challenges their agility and sharp mind. Morning walks can be brisk, focusing on leash training and scent work. Evening sessions should include some off-leash time in a secure area to let them explore and burn off energy. Example routine: - Morning: 40 minutes brisk walk with obedience drills - Evening: 45 minutes off-leash play and scent games Keep walks varied to hold their interest. They’re quick learners but can get bored easily. Use different routes and introduce new smells or small obstacles to keep their minds engaged.
Boarding
When boarding a Phú Quốc Ridgeback, provide a crate sized between 36 and 42 inches to allow comfortable movement. These dogs are active and curious, so staff should plan for two active play sessions daily combined with scent or brain games to keep them mentally stimulated. Avoid small-animal toys; their strong prey drive can lead to frustration or damage. Secure fencing is a must—these dogs can be escape artists and climbers. Introduce staff slowly and predictably to build trust. A consistent routine helps reduce stress. Staff should note their vocal nature and be prepared for some barking, especially around new dogs or strangers. With proper care, these dogs settle well and enjoy interaction and enrichment.