The Thai Bangkaew Dog is an ancient breed originating from Thailand, known for its loyalty and protective nature. They were originally bred to guard homes and families.
This breed is relatively small, with adults weighing between 20-40 pounds. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
Thai Bangkaew Dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, but can be independent and stubborn at times. They thrive on consistent training and socialization from an early age.
Their lifespan is around 12-15 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.
About the Breed
The Thai Bangkaew Dog is a relatively new breed, with the first one born over a century ago in the 1900s.
Its origins are a fascinating story, with the breed thought to have originated in Central Thailand roughly one hundred years ago.
A monk in the Wat Bangkaew temple was given a pregnant female dog by a local villager, and due to seasonal flooding, it was assumed that the litter was the result of a mating with an Asiatic Wild Dog or a Jackal.
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The DNA of the breed was recently tested, and it was found to be a mix of the domestic dog and the Golden Jackal!
The breed saw a decline in numbers over the decades but experienced a revival in the 1980s thanks to the efforts of a veterinarian named Dr. Nisit Tangtrakarnpong.
The Thai Bangkaew Dog is not registered with any official kennel club, and it's very rarely sighted outside of its native Thailand.
The breed's history is still not well-documented, but it's clear that it has a unique and intriguing past.
The FCI has provisionally recognized the Thai Bangkaew Dog under the category of 'Spitz and other breeds'.
Physical Characteristics
The Thai Bangkaew Dog is a relatively small breed, with females reaching a shoulder height of 41 to 50 cm and males reaching a shoulder height of 46 to 55 cm.
Their weight ranges from approximately 16 to 20.5 kg, with females being slightly lighter.
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The coat is of medium length, consisting of a dense undercoat and a straight, coarse outer coat.
The hair on the neck and shoulders is slightly longer, forming a kind of collar or mane, which is more pronounced in males than in females.
Their ears are relatively small, pointed, and erect.
Their eyes are almond-shaped and can be either black or dark brown.
The Thai Bangkaew Dog comes in many colors, but always has white with clearly defined patches of yellowish, pale, red, tan, gray, brown, or black.
Tricolored specimens are also permitted, and a slight white mold is accepted.
Symmetrical markings on the face are desirable but not mandatory.
Their tail is carried slightly curved over the back, with feathering on the legs and tail.
The overall fur color is white with patches of red, fawn, brown, grey, black, or lemon, with symmetrical markings preferred.
Temperament and Training
The Thai Bangkaew Dog is a dominant and protective breed that requires a lot of training and socialisation to become a well-rounded and mature family pet.
They are intelligent but stubborn, making them tricky to train, and undoubtedly require an experienced trainer who is used to dealing with such a head-strong breed.
Early training is necessary to control a dog's potentially harmful behaviors, like destructive or dominant ones, and a professional approach is a must.
A novice or inexperienced owner should probably not choose this dog, as they require a firm leader and consistent, confident training.
Positive reinforcement is the best technique to apply, praising and treating the dog when they do an excellent job, and keeping lessons brief, about 30 minutes, but avoid making them too repetitive.
The breed requires a calm, relaxed attitude from their owner while training, and consistency is key to avoiding bad behaviors.
Their natural independence does not lend itself to traditional training methods, so trainers will have to think outside the box, using varied, fun techniques.
The Thai Bangkaew Dog has a strong protective instinct and is naturally very watchful, territorial, and fiercely protective of the family, making them a great guarding dog.
They are wary of strangers and will bark if they don't know the person, but with proper socialization, they can learn to react properly in many different situations.
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To ensure that you end up with the best possible dog, early socialization is a must, and start socializing your Thai Bangkaew Dog as soon as you bring him home.
With proper socialization, you will ensure that your dog doesn't become shy or aggressive, and they will be a fantastic family companion.
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Grooming
The Thai Bangkaew Dog's grooming needs are quite specific, and it's essential to get it right to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Brushing is a must, ideally daily during shedding seasons, to prevent mat formation and remove dead hair. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils along the coat.
You'll need to brush their coat at least once a week to remove coarse dirt and dead hair, and more often during shedding seasons. Daily brushing is ideal for preventing mat formation.
Their ears need regular attention, with a check and clean once or twice a week to prevent ear infections. You can use a clean, damp cloth for this.
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Their teeth should be brushed weekly to remove tartar build-up and secure fresh breath and healthy gums. You can also give them special chews for this purpose.
Claws that are too long can be painful when walking, so trimming them regularly is a must. If you're not confident enough to do this yourself, consult a vet for help.
Here's a quick rundown of the essential grooming tools you'll need:
- Toothbrush
- Dog toothpaste
- Dog shampoo
- Claw clippers
- Tick tweezers
- Combs and currycombs for the dense undercoat
- A brush for the medium-length, straight top coat
Remember to check your dog's coat and skin regularly for any signs of skin problems or overproduction of oil, which can lead to a greasy appearance and skin problems.
Living with a Thai Bangkaew Dog
Thai Bangkaew Dogs are naturally very watchful, territorial, and fiercely protective of the family, making them excellent guardians.
They are dominant and will try to gain a more dominant position within the pack, which may lead them to view children as lower-ranked members.
With proper upbringing and socialization, Thai Bangkaew Dogs can make good friends for your children, but it's essential to teach your kids the right way to play with a dog.
These canines are usually pretty gentle and affectionate once they get used to somebody, but they won't tolerate bad behavior from lower-ranked members.
Thai Bangkaew Dogs are best suited as solo pets in the household due to their dominant nature and potential conflict with other dogs.
They may be vocal and loud whenever someone approaches the property or gets close to it, but they aren't prone to excessive barking.
To ensure a harmonious household, it's crucial to socialize Thai Bangkaew pups from an early age and teach your children how to interact with them properly.
With the right care and attention, Thai Bangkaew Dogs can be wonderful companions for families, but it's essential to be aware of their strong sense of hierarchy and pack-oriented behavior.
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Owning and Breeding
If you decide to bring a Thai Bangkaew Dog into your family, it's essential to find a responsible breeder to ensure you get a healthy puppy. Responsible breeders will prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs.
You may need to search for breeders in Thailand, as the Thai Bangkaew Dog is relatively rare outside of its native land. This is because the breed is highly valued in Thailand for its guarding and hunting abilities.
To get the best start in life, it's worth investing in a puppy from an official dog breeder, even if it means spending more money upfront. This will give you peace of mind knowing your puppy will be healthy and have a good temperament.
Dog Breeders
If you're looking to bring a Thai Bangkaew Dog into your family, finding a responsible breeder is crucial. To ensure you end up with a healthy puppy, search only for responsible breeders.
Buying a dog from an official breeder will cost more upfront, but it's worth it for the dog's health and temperament.
Owning a Dog
Owning a dog requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to the Thai Bangkaew breed. They are relatively rare outside of Thailand, so you'll likely need to work with Thailand breeders to get one.
Buying a dog from an official breeder will cost more upfront, but it's worth it for the health and temperament guarantees. Responsible breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs.
Thai Bangkaew dogs are naturally watchful, territorial, and fiercely protective of their family, making them great guardians for your property. They're not excessive barkers, but they will vocalize when someone approaches the property or gets too close.
Socialization from an early age is crucial for Thai Bangkaew pups, especially with young children. They can be dominant and pack-oriented, so it's essential to teach your kids how to interact with them gently.
With proper care and attention, Thai Bangkaew dogs can make fantastic family companions, showering you and your loved ones with affection and loyalty.
Compatibility and Suitability
The Thai Bangkaew is not the best match for households with multiple dogs, especially if they're of the same sex. They can be quite territorial.
Their strong hunting instincts also make them a threat to smaller pets like cats, hamsters, chickens, and rabbits. They view these pets as prey, which can be a problem if you have other animals in the house.
Early socialization and obedience training are crucial to help your Thai Bangkaew get along with other pets.
Not Suitable for City Living
A Thai Bangkaew's energetic nature and lack of street smarts make them a poor fit for city living.
With hundreds of potential hazards in urban areas, it's best to keep your Thai Bangkaew in a more rural setting.
Their need for regular exercise and mental stimulation can be challenging to meet in a small city yard.
In fact, a house with a large and well-fenced yard in a suburban or rural area is ideal for a Thai Bangkaew.
A nearby forest or river is even better, allowing them to run off-leash without worrying about getting into trouble.
Their clean nature and low odor make them a great indoor pet, but only if they receive proper training and exercise.
Pet Compatibility
Pet compatibility is crucial when considering a Thai Bangkaew dog. They don't get along particularly well with other dogs, especially those who approach their territory or are of the same sex.
Early socialization is essential to help them interact with other pets. You'll need to start obedience training as soon as possible to manage their behavior.
Their strong hunting instincts mean they'll pursue and catch smaller pets or domestic animals if they see them. This includes cats, hamsters, chickens, rabbits, and other small animals that might be tempting to them.
It's best to keep them separate from other pets to avoid conflicts and ensure everyone's safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Thai Bangkaew Dog?
The Thai Bangkaew Dog originated from a cross between a local black & white female dog and a now-extinct wild dog, resulting in a unique breed. Selective breeding since 1957 has refined the breed into the loyal and intelligent companion it is today.
What is the most common dog in Thailand?
The most common dogs in Thailand are the Thai Ridgeback and the Thai Bangkaew Dog. The Thai Ridgeback is a recognized breed by major kennel clubs, including the FCI and UKC.
What is the breed standard of the Thai Bangkaew Dog?
The Thai Bangkaew Dog is a sturdy, square-built breed with a double coat, characterized by a distinctive ruff around the neck and a pluming tail. Its well-proportioned build and chest shape make it a visually striking breed.
What is the breed standard of the Thai Bangkaew dog?
The Thai Bangkaew dog is a sturdy, square-built breed with a double coat and distinctive ruff around the neck. Its well-proportioned build and deep chest make it a visually appealing breed.
Sources
- toon_bangkaew (instagram.com)
- kunsuk_bangkeaw (instagram.com)
- Thai Bangkaew Dog (character, nutrition, care, tips) (hundeo.com)
- Thai Bangkaew Dog | Breed Info, Guide & Care (worlddogfinder.com)
- Thai Bangkaew Dog Breed Standard – KATH (kathailand.org)
- Thai Bangkaew Dog: Breed Info, Pictures & Care Guide (dogster.com)
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