Thai Bangkaew Dog

The Thai Bangkaew Dog is an Asian dog breed. It is a medium-sized Spitz-type dog. more...

Appearance

The Thai Bangkaew Dog is compactly built and square in profile. It is well proportioned, with a smooth gait. The double coat consists of a short undercoat, with longer guard hairs growing through it forming the outer coat. The coat is thicker and longer around the neck, chest, and back forming a lion-like ruff, which is more noticeable on dogs than on bitches. The plumed tail is carried with moderate upward curve over the back. The TBD comes in white with shades of red, gray, brown, and black in a wide variety of patterns.

Temperament

Thai Bangkaew Dogs are alert and watchful, protective of home and family. Bangkaew are devoted to their masters but can be aloof with strangers. Agile and active, they are strong swimmers and voracious diggers. They are highly intelligent but can be stubborn and benefit from training. Positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed.

History

Bangkaew is a village located in the Bangrakam District, Phitsanulok Province in the central region of Thailand. In this district, near the Yom River, there is a monastery called Wat Bangkaew where it is believed that Thai Bangkaew Dogs originated.

Legend has it that the third abbot of Wat Bangkaew Temple, the respected Luang Puh Maak Metharee, was known for mercy and care given to all living things. An old Bangkaew villager named Tah Nim gave the abbot a large native bitch with long black fur. Because she was pregnant, her mating may have been to a jackal or dhole; the resulting litter produced longhaired puppies of black and dark brown coloration. Luang Puh Maak Metharee raised the resulting puppies, four females.

However it happened, it is believed that the abbot's dogs mated with herding dogs belonging to the Song people of the neighbouring village of Huay Chan. Local residents of the houseboats along the Yom River took these dogs as their pets.

Seasonal rain produced flooding, a natural barrier that excluded other dogs from contributing to the gene pool. The inbreedings that took place led to the creation of the purebred Thai Bangkaew Dogs. From then on the breed has been selectively bred and has become one of the most favored varieties of Thai dogs.

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