History:
The Phu Quoc Ridgeback is an ancient primitive breed that originated from Phu Quoc Island in south Vietnam (specifically, in Kien Giang province, which the Phu Quoc Island is a part of). They helped humans hunt on land as well as catch fish, and at one point in history, served as war dogs under emperor Gia Long's and helped him in battles as well as preventing scouts and spies to enter the Vietnamese army base. For more information about their modern history and western recognition, see the history section laid out by the Vietnamese Phu Quoc Ridgeback Club of America - VPQRCA: https://www.vpqrca.org/breed-info

​Appearance:
Phu Quoc Ridgebacks are the smallest native Vietnamese dogs, and they have a lean build with long legs, a narrow head, large leaf-shaped ear, webbed feet, and a thin whip-like tail that is carried in a sickle curl when the dog is alert, They also often have rear dews (both with and without bones) as well as blueish black spots on their tongues. The ridge on their back is often narrow, but there are variations in ridge shape and there are Phu Quocs with leaf-shaped or violin shaped ridges as well. The fur on the ridge grows backwards and up towards the head. Some Phu Quoc Ridgebacks also have long coats (for the breed) and a much more pronounced, mane-like ridge.

Size:
Height (males): 50-60 cm (19.7-21.7 in) 
Height (females): 48-52 cm (18.9-20.5 in)
Weight (males): 18-20 kg (39.7-44.1 lbs)
Weight (females): 12-18 kg (26.5-39.7 lbs)

Temperament: 
Highly driven and motivated to work with their people, and are good jack-of-all-trades hunting and sport dogs. They make good watchdogs, and are alert to their surroundings, and typically reserved around strangers, but still moderately friendly to both people and other dogs. However, they are also highly prey driven towards small animals (but safe with cats they are raised with) and highly agile climbers and swimmers, making them good escape artists.