Origin
Some authors believe all ridgeback breeds originate from the same basic pariah stock common to both Asia and Africa. Note that Phu Quoc dogs usually have longer coats, deeper chests and more sword-like tails. Phu Quoc dogs also differ from the Thai ridgeback by the fact that they are heavy barkers, while Thai dogs are much quieter. Although the Rhodesian ridgeback and Thai ridgeback, with their much heavier bodies show some dissimilarities (in morphology and habits) with the Phu Quoc dog, the theory of a common origin is considered as plausible. Indeed, much sea traffic passed Phu Quoc in historical times and Phu Quoc dogs may have been transported from Thailand to Southern Africa.
Vuong Trung Son Co, a company operating a farm in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang has started a breeding program to protect the breed, starting with 44 Phu Quoc dogs collected on Phu Quoc Island.
Vuong Trung Son Co. has kept profiles for all Phu Quoc dogs at the farm and prevents cross-breeding to avoid hybrids.
A dog training center also works to preserve and protect Phu Quoc dogs. Mr. Pham Diem Binh, the owner of the center, said his center sold 50 Phu Quoc purebred dogs, including 10 to France, at the end of 2004. The center is now home to some 500 Phu Quoc dogs.
Other key features of the breed include: a black tail-tip and a triangular root to the tail, dark nails and nose, and dark speckles on the tongue. The dog's tapering belly, straight legs and webbed toes allow it to swim and run exceedingly well.
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Appearance
A dog with a typical pariah dog appearance and a small head, relatively long snout, and thin ears.
The most typical trait is the ridge running along the spine of the dog. Hair along the ridge is tougher and longer and often stands on end whenever the dog is excited or go on the hunt.
