How do you pronounce the breed name?

The best way to say it to honor the original Vietnamese dialect would be “foo-kwook”, like “food” without the ‘d’, and “kwook” rhyming with “book”. “Foo-kwook ridgeback”. Here’s a YouTube video with an example from a native speaker, though we won’t judge if you don’t pronounce it exactly the way it’s presented on the first try. 😉 We encourage people to do their best as a way to honor the language of the culture that made these dogs what they are today.

 

How biddable are they? Are they eager to please?

Phu Quoc Ridgebacks are an extremely trainable breed! They are incredibly smart and amazingly versatile. The only catch is that they don’t work for those who haven’t earned their respect. A PQR is eager to work with their person in an equal partnership. Harsh and unfair training methods will lead to more harm than good – a healthy, secure relationship is key to shaping a well-mannered and obedient companion. They like testing the boundaries in their lives, so be clear, consistent, and reasonable, or there is a chance you’ll be living with a master manipulator.

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Are PQRs prone to aggression?

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback standard states that they are “cautious and reserved with strangers, but friendly. Not aggressive.” In the initial meeting, a stranger will likely be met with a suspicious boof or total disinterest. However, when given appropriate time and space to warm up, a PQR will happily accept affection and treats from a friendly, respectful stranger. There should be no dog aggression. Some dogs may have a lower tolerance for pushy or obnoxious dogs, and some may be uninterested in engaging with their fellow canines altogether. However, as pack dogs, they tend to range from friendly to neutral. 

 

Are PQRs safe with cats and small animals?

Yes and no. They do have functional prey drive, as their purpose in Vietnam has always been to hunt and control pests. However, they easily pick up on which animals are off limits, and which ones are fair game. Many Phu Quoc Ridgebacks coexist peacefully in homes shared with cats and pocket pets. After all, a hunting/pest control dog is not useful if it goes after “off limits” animals.

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Are PQRs good with kids? 

Phu Quoc Ridgebacks tend to do well with polite, calm, respectful children. As is the case with any dog, children should be taught how to be respectful of a dog’s space. This is, however, dependent on each individual dog. Some PQRs adore children, while some prefer the little ones to keep their distance. It’s important to discuss expectations with your breeder/rescue to ensure you find the right match. 

 

Would a Phu Quoc Ridgeback be a good hiking companion? What is their recall like?

PQRs prefer to stay within a reasonable distance. They may trail ahead and explore, but they typically come back to check in and ensure their owner(s) are nearby. That being said, it is extremely important that you put in consistent work to build a solid, unconditional recall. We highly recommend keeping your PQR on a leash in public spaces and on a long line in unsecured areas to make sure they stay safe and avoid causing any issues with nearby wildlife, dogs, and strangers.

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Does this breed have a good “off-switch”?

The short answer is yes! PQRs love chilling with their people and they can do so for long periods, making them quite an ideal companion for weekend warriors, as well as for individuals who may experience “off” days. Like any other dog, they do require regular exercise, however, when taught how to settle early on (or consistently in the case of a mature dog), they are pretty forgiving and can enjoy lazy days. They are island dogs, after all!

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How do I keep my PQR well groomed? 

Just keep them clean! Their short, single layer, close laying coat is extremely low maintenance. A quick wipe down typically does the job. Most PQRs will even lick themselves clean, like a cat.  If you are compelled to brush them out to help with shedding (which is already pretty minimal), feel free to do so at your convenience. PQRs are seasonal shedders, so expect a coat change 1-2 times a year. Otherwise a bath every few weeks (or when dirty) is just fine.

 

I have a dog allergy. Would a PQR be a good fit? 

While you never know which breeds your allergies may or may not react well to, PQRs are not recommended to individuals with allergies. They do not have a hypo-allergenic coat and while their shedding is minimal, they do shed.

 

Are they easy to house train? 

As a rule, PQRs are quite clean. If you are consistent with crate training and establish a schedule, your PQR should be potty trained quickly. However, every dog is different, and marking may be an issue among intact males, though consistent training is effective when dealing with such behaviors. If you are having a hard time with potty training into adulthood, it may be worth seeking input from a vet to rule out medical or environmental issues.

 

Would a PQR be a good sports dog?

Yes! PQRs make great sports dogs as they love working with their people and are capable of impressive physical feats. With the right motivation and a good bond, they can do nearly anything you ask of them! Many PQRs have participated in agility, lure coursing, barn hunt, dock diving, trick dog, obedience, and rally. 

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What health issues are present in the breed?

We are still learning more about breed health as more dogs undergo health testing, but PQRs tend to be hardy and robust as a result of being a naturally occurring breed. The most known issue in the breed is Dermoid Sinus, which is a neural tube defect that can become infected and lead to death in severe cases. Luxating patellas have also been seen in the breed. This can be caused by straight stifles. The standard calls for moderately bent stifles, so breeders should be taking structure into consideration when breeding. 

 

For more information regarding health and recommended testing, visit our breeders page.

 

Can I get one to use as a service dog?

While “unicorns” (dogs that fall outside of the norm regarding temperament) exist in every breed, we can confidently say that PQRs are not suitable as service dogs, even when well-bred. This breed is an aloof hunting hound with high alert instincts, these traits are not suited for service work. We recommend working with service dog organizations and specialized trainers to aid those who are looking to obtain a service dog. The PQRA does not endorse the selling or otherwise rehoming of Phu Quoc Ridgebacks for the purpose of service work. 

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How much does a well-bred PQR cost?

Contrary to what some sources would have you believe, PQRs are not being sold for $10,000. If you want a well-bred PQR, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500-$3,500 USD.

 

How can I get more involved with the breed?

You are at a great starting point! If, after reading through the PQRA website, you decide you would like to become more involved, you can begin that journey by becoming a club member! From there, feel free to reach out via email (pqrassociation@gmail.com) if you want to learn more about opportunities to help with breed education, preservation, and recognition in North America.