Myths and Legends

Folklore and Legends of the Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback, one of the rarest and most unique dog breeds in the world, has long been surrounded by myths and folklore in Vietnam. Here are some of the most well-known legends and stories about these extraordinary dogs.

1. The Guardian Spirits of Phu Quoc

According to local legend, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs are the guardians of Phu Quoc Island, believed to be blessed by the island’s spirits. It is said that long ago, a powerful sea spirit gifted these dogs with webbed feet so they could swim through the island’s rivers and hunt in the ocean. Their unique ridge of hair running along their back was believed to be a mark of divine protection.

Villagers say that whenever strangers approached the island with bad intentions, the dogs would sense their evil energy and chase them away. Some even believe that the Phu Quoc dogs can see spirits and ghosts, making them exceptional guardians of homes and temples.

2. The Emperor’s Loyal Protector

One of the most famous stories about the Phu Quoc Ridgeback involves Emperor Gia Long (the first emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty). As a young prince, he fled to Phu Quoc Island while being pursued by the Tây Sơn rebels. According to legend, a pack of Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs found him and protected him from wild animals and enemy scouts.

One particular dog, described as having a golden coat and piercing amber eyes, is said to have fought off an entire group of soldiers to give the prince time to escape. When Gia Long later became emperor, he honored the breed and declared that Phu Quoc dogs should never be harmed, as they had once saved his life.

3. The Dog That Could Walk on Water

Another famous story tells of a mystical Phu Quoc Ridgeback that was said to be able to run across the surface of the water. Fishermen on the island spoke of a black Phu Quoc dog that would chase fish through the waves without sinking. Some believed it was a spirit animal, while others thought it had been blessed by an ancient sea god.

To this day, islanders claim that Phu Quoc dogs have an uncanny ability to swim long distances and navigate rough waters—a skill that sets them apart from other dogs.

4. The Dog That Chose Its Owner

An old story tells of a Phu Quoc Ridgeback that would only serve a worthy master. A wealthy nobleman on the island once tried to purchase the most beautiful and strongest dog from a local breeder. However, when he took the dog home, it refused to eat or obey him.

Frustrated, the nobleman returned the dog to the breeder, who then gifted it to a poor fisherman who had always been kind to stray dogs. The dog immediately bonded with the fisherman, helping him hunt, fish, and protect his family. The villagers said that Phu Quoc dogs do not serve wealth—they serve only those with good hearts.

5. The Star-Crossed Lovers and the Ridgeback’s Curse

A tragic love story tells of a young fisherman and a beautiful noblewoman from Phu Quoc who fell deeply in love. However, because of their different social statuses, they were forbidden from being together. Desperate, they ran away into the deep forests of the island, where they were protected by a pack of Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs.

Unfortunately, soldiers were sent to capture them. When the lovers were found, the dogs fought bravely, but they were outnumbered. As the lovers were taken away, the leader of the pack let out a heart-wrenching howl, and it is said that from that day forward, Phu Quoc Ridgebacks have always been fiercely loyal and protective of their loved ones.

Some locals believe that if a Phu Quoc dog howls in a certain way at night, it means that a forbidden love is happening somewhere on the island.

These stories reflect the deep respect and admiration that the people of Vietnam, especially on Phu Quoc Island, have for the Phu Quoc Ridgeback. Whether as guardians of spirits, protectors of emperors, or symbols of loyalty and courage, these dogs are woven into the rich cultural history of Vietnam.