Thai Bangkaew DogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Bangkaew is an old breed from the village of Bangkaew, in the Thanang-ngam area, Bang Rakam district, Phitsanulok province. Its ancestors are said to come from a cross between a local black-and-white bitch, owned by a Buddhist abbot, and a wild dog that is now extinct. From 1957, selection led to today's dogs.

The AKC says that, according to a local story, the first bitch mated with a jackal, and that the breed almost disappeared but was saved in 1983 by Dr Nisit Tangtrakarnpong through a conservation programme. The standard says it is regarded as a precious heritage of Phitsanulok province and is now bred throughout Thailand.

How the breed developed

• 1957 – Selection of the breed begins.
• 1983 – Dr Nisit Tangtrakarnpong's rescue programme.
• 21 June 2022 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• July 2023 – The AKC enters it in the Foundation Stock Service.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a square, well-proportioned dog, never low-set, with a fairly broad, deep chest. The coat forms a ruff around the neck and shoulders and a plumed tail, both more pronounced in males.

General appearance

The coat is double: a straight, harsh topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat, moderately long on the body and longer around the neck and shoulders. There is feathering on the back of the legs. The coat must not be so long that it hides the shape of the body.

The colour is white with well-defined patches, usually lemon, red, fawn, tan or grey, sometimes with black-tipped hairs, up to a tricolour look; white with black patches is also accepted. Symmetrical head markings covering the eyes and ears are preferred.

The standard describes it as alert, intelligent, loyal, watchful and obedient, easy to train but somewhat aloof with strangers. The AKC says it likes working with its owner but does best with gentleness and rewards.

The AKC recommends enthusiastic, engaging lessons without much repetition, or it loses interest. Training and socialisation should start early.

Tips for effective training

• Do not repeat too much. It loses interest.
• Use rewards. It responds to gentleness.
• Socialise it early. It is aloof with strangers.
• Keep it on the lead. It has a prey drive.

The AKC says it needs moderate exercise: regular walks, hikes and supervised off-lead time in a fenced area. Because of its prey drive and independent nature, it should be kept on the lead or in fenced spaces.

Tips for a balanced life

• Keep it on the lead.
• Do not use deshedding tools such as the Furminator.
• Socialise it a lot.

Coat and skin care

The AKC recommends weekly brushing with a rake comb and a slicker brush, a bath once a month or as needed, and nail trimming every two to four weeks. Deshedding tools such as the Furminator should not be used, as they damage the topcoat.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed seems very healthy and long-lived, and the main concern at present is early-onset eye disease. Watch for:

Other care

• Have its eyes checked by a vet.
• Wipe the ears when brushing.
• Trim the nails regularly.

Good-quality food suited to its age and activity is enough for a medium-sized dog.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• Split the food into two meals a day.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The abbot's dog. The first bitch belonged to a Buddhist abbot.
• A jackal in the family? One story says the father of the first generation was a jackal.
• Saved in 1983. Through a conservation programme.
• The province's treasure. It is the precious heritage of Phitsanulok province.
• Long-lived. The AKC gives 14–17 years.

Where does it come from?

From the village of Bangkaew, Phitsanulok province, Thailand.

Is it easy to train?

Yes, if the lessons are short and fun.

Is it friendly with strangers?

Not really; it is aloof.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 14–17 years.