The Official Breed Standard of the Vietnamese Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog

I. Breed Origin & History

Origin:
Phu Quoc Island, Kiên Giang Province, Vietnam

Historical Milestones:

Year Milestone
1892 First documented presence in Europe: "Xoai" & "Chuoi" exhibited in France
1894 Featured at the Universal Dog Show in Antwerp, Belgium
1897 Standardized in Dogs of All Nations by Count Henry de Bylandt
2009 Official standard published by the Vietnam Kennel Association (VKA)

Key Fact:
The breed's genetic purity has been preserved due to the geographical isolation of Phu Quoc Island.

II. Classification & Purpose

Group: 5 (Spitz and Primitive Types)
Section: 7 (Primitive Hunting Dogs with Ridge)
Function: Scent and sight hunting; companionship

III. Physical Characteristics

1. General Appearance

Build: Square-proportioned, lean, and muscular—reminiscent of a greyhound but sturdier.
Distinctive Trait: A dorsal ridge formed by hair growing in the opposite direction along the spine.

2. Size

Males: Height: 50–55 cm; Weight: 18–20 kg
Females: Height: 48–52 cm; Weight: 12–18 kg
Tolerance: A deviation of ±2 cm in height is acceptable.

3. Proportions

Body Length: Equal to height at withers.
Muzzle to Skull Ratio: Muzzle length is half the width of the skull (1:2 ratio).

IV. Detailed Breed Standard

Head & Skull

Skull: Flat when viewed from above; slight arch in profile.
Eyes: Almond-shaped; dark brown preferred.
Ears: Shell-shaped, erect, and set to the sides.
Tongue: Presence of black spots; a fully black tongue is preferred.

Body Structure

Neck: Long, muscular, without dewlap.
Chest: Deep but not barrel-shaped.
Tail: Medium-length, sickle-shaped; should not curl over the back.

Coat & Color

Coat Type: Short (less than 2 cm), dense, single-layered.
Ridge: Must cover at least two-thirds of the back; symmetrical crowns are permitted.
Accepted Colors:
- Black
- Fawn (ranging from pale yellow to deep red)
- Brindle
- Black & Tan
- Countershading and/or black mask is accepted on fawn and brindle.

V. Temperament & Movement

Behavior

Positive Traits:
- Loyal to family
- Athletic and agile
- Proficient hunter and climber
- Friendly towards humans
Faults:
- Excessive shyness
- Aggressive behavior

Gait and Movement

Movement: Effortless with parallel leg motion; forelegs and hind legs move in straight lines aligned with the body.
Stride: Long and powerful, conveying agility and endurance.