The Hmong Docked Tail Dog, an enchanting breed rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of Southeast Asia, particularly the hilly terrains of Vietnam and Laos, is distinguished by its unique docked tail. Known for their agility and intelligence, these dogs have historically served as invaluable companions to the Hmong people, adeptly assisting in hunting and guarding duties. Beyond their practical roles, Hmong Docked Tail Dogs captivate dog enthusiasts worldwide with their loyal demeanor and intriguing heritage. Dive into this fascinating breed’s background, uncover captivating facts, and explore the cultural significance that enhances their allure.
The Hmong docked tail dogs are a rare species of dogs that are primarily found in Asian regions including China and Vietnam. These dogs are known for their hunting instincts and for being loyal companions to their families.
If you are looking forward to owning a Hmong dog or knowing more about this primitive specie, there is a lot to consider before buying. You will learn everything you need to know about them in this article- from their eating habits to grooming tips, we have got you covered.
What Are Hmong Docked Tail Dogs?
Hmong, pronounced as ‘mong’, docked tail dogs are a medium-sized breed of dog with a really short tail that gives it a docked appearance, hence the name. The tail is either not present or is very short, approximately 1-2 inches.
The reason why you might not have heard about the name before is that they are one of the rarest breeds of dogs and the information available online is quite limited. They are naturally very healthy dogs with strong bodies, muscles and excellent stamina.
Hmong dogs are a native dog breed to northern Vietnam and listed as one of the four national dog breeds by Vietnam Kennel Association, VKA. Although they are hunters by nature, they have been largely domesticated by the Vietnamese people for livestock protection and as hunting companions.
The History of Hmong Docked Tail Dog Breed
Hmong docked tail is an ancient dog breed that gets its name from the ethnic group of Hmong people of Vietnam. The native dog is a symbol of pride and is kept as a guardian dog in the northwest region of Vietnam.
The breed is a cross between native dog and jungle wolf. It gets its wild hunting instincts and strong physical abilities from the wolf but is extremely loyal as any other dog is. Moreover, it is largely used as a preferred pet by the Hmong people of Vietnam.
Do Hmong Docked Tail Dogs Make Good Pets?
Hmong dogs have long been used as pets in the northwestern region of Vietnam. They are hunters by nature but respond very well to training. These dogs are known to be very intelligent, and pick up instructions with ease.
It is recommended to start training them very young and keep repeating to adults from time to time so that they don’t give in to their instincts. These dogs are also known to be very loyal and extremely possessive of their owners. You can expect them to even risk their own lives to protect the family of their owner.
They are also being used by the Vietnamese police as sniffers, to prevent crimes and to be used at borders. Although they are friendly with all family members, you need to keep them away from your cat pets as they are notorious for being cat haters.
You may need a wireless dog fence if you’re considering to pet a Hmong Dog.
Appearance of Hmong Docked Tail Dog Breed
The Hmong dogs are very strong, sturdy and muscular. Their most notable feature is their docked tail. The dog has a slightly wide and prominent back that helps the dog in maintaining a strong gait. Because of the wolf cross, they have a well toned body with an eminent chest, ribs and strong bones.
Hmong dogs have a distinctive squished appearance to their face with upright ears, due to which the pups resemble a cat face. This feature has contributed to the recent rise in fame of this ancient breed on social media.
Size of Hmong Docked Tail Dog
Hmong dogs are medium sized dogs but appear to be large because of their sturdy body structure. Male dogs are usually bigger in size than female dogs. Overall, they range from 35-55 pounds and have an approximate height from 18-22 inches.
Characteristics of Hmong Docked Tail Dog Breed
Intelligence and Trainability
This dog breed is unmistakably intelligent. Hmong dog owners describe it as one of the most smart and quick learning dogs. They have a strong memory that makes it very easy for the dog owners to train them.
In order to train them, you only have to teach the task a few times and the dog will master it. They are especially good with memorizing the paths. They can only go once with the owner on a 6-7 miles path and come back all by themselves.
They may also be able to do so because of strong association with memory and smell. Hence, they have been trained by Vietnamese police for sniffing and helping in crime control.
People might assume that because of being half wolf, these dogs might not be easy to train. Although they have wild nature, they respond really well to instructions with early socialization.
Apart from being great hunting companions and livestock protectors, they can be trained for day to day activities as well. You can train them to fetch, pick up and drop things and for indoor activities. They can be perfect pets for any family.
Colors
The Hmong dogs have dense and thick coat. Their coat is a bit rough and has oil coating on hair to protect it from the very cold weather of northern Vietnam.
Their colors can vary from white, black, gray to brown, yellow and brindle, which is a brownish coat with hints of other colors. In rare cases, the dog comes in a brownish red color which is considered quite valuable and expensive.
Loyalty
The Hmong dogs are very loyal to their owners. They have a natural instinct to protect their family and property and are very loyal.
As they are hunting dogs, they tend to bark a lot. For this reason, it is not recommended to be kept in houses with small children and other pets. Also, to maintain optimum temperament, it is advised that they are kept in houses with large yards or grounds to promote physical activity of these active dogs.
Rarity and Price
As mentioned earlier, Hmong dogs are a rare primitive species. Which means that not much has been altered from their true nature by dog breeders. There are only about 1000 Hmong dogs present in the world and about one thirds of these are pure breeds.
They are highly valuable and can cost up to 3000 Dollars for a pure breed just as any other uncommon dog breed. For a hybrid, you can expect the price to be a bit lower.
Health Issues of Hmong Docked Tail Dog
Hmong dogs are considered a very healthy breed of dogs. They are naturally strong and resistant to diseases. However, there are only a couple of health issues that a Hmong dog can have.
Catching Cold
These dogs do not respond very well to temperature changes. Even though they are a Northern Vietnam native dog breed, they can catch cold very easily if their hair stays wet for a long time.
If you are transferring them to a warm climate, make sure you increase their water intake to keep them cool.
Tick-Borne Diseases
Hmong dog breeds love being outside. They accompany their owners as hunting companions in mountainous areas and rocky terrains. On their outdoor trips, they might catch ticks and mites that can have a harmful impact on their health.
Some common diseases caused by ticks include Lyme disease, canine bartonellosis and various dog fevers. To keep your Hmong dog healthy, you will have to keep a close eye and comb its thick coat regularly.
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Hmong dog breeds have a sensitive gut especially at a young age. If you are keeping them as pets, you have to give them cooked meat to avoid any GIT issue.
Food Requirements of Hmong Docked Tail Dog Breed
The Hmong dog breeds have different diet requirements based on their size, age and gender. Their puppies require more keen attention to be fed on a high quality, highly nutritious diet only. Pups also require cooked meat as they are prone to GIT diseases.
Male dogs need more food as compared to females as males have higher body mass and more energy. They need frequent meals that meet their nutritional requirements. These dogs are natural hunters and prey on smaller animals. Once they are adults, they can digest a variety of meals including vegetables and carbohydrates.
If your dog seems to not gain weight even after following a healthy diet, make sure you check for worms. It is always safe to deworm your dog from time to time, just as a precautionary measure.
Exercise Requirements Of The Hmong Docked Tail Dog
Hmong docked tail dogs love to hunt. They are known to have a wild nature and have a love for hunting their prey. They need regular exercise and outdoor activity on a daily basis to keep them calm and happy.
If they are not given enough movement and adventure for the day, they tend to get agile and frustrated. They need approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour of vigorous physical activity. It can be a walk through the woods, mountain climbing or lots of playing in an open yard.
For these reasons, they are recommended to be kept in country homes only so that they can have a lot of space for themselves.
Grooming Requirements
Like all other dog breeds, it is very important to take proper care of your Hmong dog. They have long hair and thick coats that require constant attention.
As they live in colder regions, people do not bathe them as often. But, as a dog owner, you should always look for signs of when your dog needs attention. A stinky or dirty coat is always a sign that a bath is needed. You can either do this at home or take them to professional dog grooming salons.
After each bath, make sure you dry your dog’s coat with either a towel or blow dryer to avoid catching cold. Also, use a comb to detangle their hair as they are thick and coarse and hard to manage if they get tangled.
Always check for ticks and mites if your dog has been out playing with other pets. You can avoid them by combing after each walk.
Apart from taking care of the coat, you should also brush their teeth once in a while, clean their ears and trim their nails for better hygiene.
How Long Does a Hmong Docked Tail Dog Live For?
The Hmong dog species are naturally healthy dogs that have high strength and endurance. They can easily live from 15-20 years. They can survive most of the climates and are active hunters that know how to protect themselves in the wild.
They are also known to be very immune to diseases. They do not have any health concerns and are pretty easy to take care of.
If you are careful with your Hmong dog, feed it properly and take care of its physical requirements, you can expect a long life span for these tough dogs. Also, taking your pet to a vet is always recommended for a better quality of life.
Things to Consider When You Raise a Hmong Dog
There is a lot to learn about these incredible species. One thing you should always keep in mind is their history. These dogs were bred to be hunting companions and as working dogs, to look after livestock and ensure safety as a watchdog.
They are highly intelligent and stay very close to their natural instincts. They require lots of space to run around and exercise. Although they are very playful with all family members, they should not be expected to be at their best behavior in small apartment houses.
They are also known to hate cats so much that they can kill one if they see it around them. Always do your research about its compatibility with other dog breeds if you own multiple pets.
When you raise a Hmong dog, you have to pay keen attention to its diet and daily food requirement to match the energy level. You will need to change the feeding patterns and habits as the dog grows.
To keep these hunters at their best domestic behavior, they need to be trained frequently. It is better to start very young and keep following with positive reinforcements through out. They are extremely loyal, intelligent and adaptable if taken good care of.
Conclusion
The Hmong dog species with docked tails are one of the rarest breeds of dogs in the world. Their high endurance, strength and intelligence make them highly adaptable. They are the most loyal hunting companions and serve as great pets if trained properly. They are growing in popularity and need attention for the survival of their species.
Although there is only a little information on the web, we hope our extensive guide on Hmong docked tail dogs helped you in finding what you were looking for. Post navigation
The Hmong Docked Tail Dog, a breed indigenous to Southeast Asia, particularly Laos, captivates dog enthusiasts with its distinctive appearance and cultural significance. Known for their docked tails and sturdy build, these dogs are prized for their loyalty and intelligence. Historically used by the Hmong people for hunting and protection, these versatile canines have maintained their roles as cherished companions. Their adaptability to different environments and gentle nature make them suitable for families. Understanding and preserving this breed is essential, as it offers unique insights into the cultural heritage and biodiversity of the Hmong communities.