The Phu Quoc Ridgeback has long been regarded as one of the most unique symbols of the Pearl Island. As a member of Vietnam’s “Four National Dogs,” this breed is admired not only for its distinctive ridge of hair but also for its intelligence, loyalty, and mysterious history—stories wrapped in legend and passed down through generations. For many, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback is more than just a dog; it is a treasured gift of nature to the island.
A mythical beginning — from remote islands to European pirate ships
According to tales passed on by islanders over centuries, the ancestors of the Phu Quoc Ridgeback did not originate from mainland Vietnam. Instead, they came from remote islands deep in the Indian Ocean. Old stories say that European pirates once kept ridgeback dogs aboard their ships for guarding and hunting.
During one stormy expedition while raiding merchant vessels in the Gulf of Thailand, these pirates were forced to dock at Phu Quoc for shelter. After months confined at sea, many dogs were released onto the island. Instinct took over—they darted into the forests and never returned. Over time, the dogs adapted to the island’s rugged terrain, reproduced, and eventually formed the foundation of what we know today as the Phu Quoc Ridgeback.
Debates over origin — Thailand or Phu Quoc?
Some scholars from Thailand and the United States argue that the Phu Quoc Ridgeback is related to the Thai Ridgeback due to their shared dorsal ridge. However, Vietnamese researchers firmly reject this claim. They assert that the Phu Quoc Ridgeback is indigenous, shaped by the island’s unique ecosystem—dense forests, rocky streams, and the surrounding sea—all of which created an environment that no other ridgeback breed has fully adapted to.
The breed is even mentioned in the French Larousse Dictionary, a testament to its early recognition on the global stage.
Exceptional traits found nowhere else
Unlike any other dog breed in Vietnam, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback possesses extraordinary characteristics:
- A natural ridge of hair running along its spine — one of only three ridgeback breeds in the world.
- Webbed feet that allow it to swim like an otter.
- Exceptional climbing and hunting ability, tracking prey with wolf-like skills.
- A wild instinct to dig burrows to give birth.
- Remarkable intelligence and loyalty, often understanding its owner’s cues through gestures and eye contact.
Locals still recount stories of a pack of six Phu Quoc Ridgebacks that once worked together to kill a giant King Cobra—considered the “lord of the jungle” for its size and deadly venom.
The Phu Quoc Ridgeback in Vietnamese history — honored by Emperor Gia Long
This extraordinary breed even appears in official historical records. During the turbulent years when Nguyễn Ánh (later Emperor Gia Long) was fleeing enemy forces across southern Vietnam, four Phu Quoc dogs—two males and two females—stayed by his side. They guarded him, sensed danger before it struck, and even saved his life on multiple occasions.
After unifying the country, Emperor Gia Long bestowed upon them a rare royal title: “Cứu khổn phò nguy Tá quốc huân thần – Thần khuyển Đại tướng quân” – (Grand Protector and National Merit Hound – General of the Divine Canine Army)
Such recognition is virtually unheard of in Vietnam’s feudal history.
Preserving a national treasure — Phu Quoc Ridgeback Conservation & Racing Center
To protect this valuable genetic heritage, Phu Quoc established the Phu Quoc Ridgeback Conservation and Terrain Racing Center in Cay Thong Ngoai Hamlet, Cua Duong Commune. Beyond conservation, the center is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can watch these dogs race through dunes, climb slopes, leap over obstacles, and demonstrate their extraordinary agility.
Characteristics of the purebred Phu Quoc Ridgeback
According to the standards registered by the Vietnam Kennel Association in 2008, purebred Phu Quoc dogs have:
- A lean, muscular build; males weigh 15–20 kg.
- Four main coat colors: black, yellow, brindle (tiger-stripe), and the distinctive “four-eyed” spotted pattern.
- Thin, upright ears and a black or speckled tongue.
- Short, tight coat that dries quickly after swimming.
- A sickle-shaped tail that rarely droops.
With their webbed feet, strong muscles, and highly flexible spine, Phu Quoc Ridgebacks excel at swimming, digging, tracking, and navigating rugged forest terrain—earning them the title “King of Hunters on the Pearl Island.”
A cultural symbol and the pride of Phu Quoc
More than a dog breed, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback is a living emblem of the island’s identity. Wrapped in legends, celebrated in royal history, and beloved for its loyalty and intelligence, this ridgeback represents the spirit of Phu Quoc: wild, resilient, and full of mystery.
A trip to Phu Quoc isn’t truly complete without learning the story of this extraordinary dog—the legendary ridgeback that has become the pride of southern Vietnam’s island paradise.
