Philippine forest dog
The Philippine forest dog is a rare, indigenous breed from the Philippines. The Philippine forest dog comes from Philippines, and has a short, may be smooth or coarse coat. Individual Philippine forest dogs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Philippines
- Coat
- Short, may be smooth or coarse
- Colour
- Brindle, black and merle (presence of white markings could be present and should not exceed 2/3 of the total body parts)
About the Philippine forest dog
The Philippine forest dog is a rare, indigenous breed from the Philippines. It is a medium-sized dog with a short, smooth coat and a distinctive howl.
Overview
The Philippine Forest Dog (locally known as asong gubat ) is an indigenous and primitive dog breed originating from the Philippines. The Philippine Canine Club, Inc. (PCCI), in collaboration with the Philippine Forest Dog Legacy Club, Inc. (PFDLC), is documenting and establishing the breed''s purity with the aim of achieving recognition from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The Philippine Forest Dog was introduced internationally as the first official native dog breed of the Philippines during the Philippine Circuit Show 2023.
History
The Philippine Forest Dog may have existed for approximately 30,000 years. Early settlers are believed to have brought the ancestors of this breed to the Philippines as companions and hunting dogs. The breed has lived alongside indigenous Aetas since before the Spanish colonization of the Philippines . Archaeological findings indicate that this breed predates its modern discovery, with dog remains estimated to be 600–900 years old unearthed in 1967 at an ancient gravesite in Namayan, Santa Ana, Manila .
Appearance
The Philippine Forest Dog is a small- to medium-sized breed historically used by Filipinos for hunting wild animals, catching vermin, and farm work. These traits and its distinctive morphology have been preserved through selective breeding. The Philippine Forest Dog standard describes a vigorous, agile, and athletic dog capable of performing as a functional working dog in forest environments. As a primitive breed, PFDs are adapted to survive the challenging climate and terrain of their native land. The breed standard and interpretation followed by the Philippine Canine Club, Inc. (PCCI), were written by Rev. Fr. Dante Daylusan, a Philippine Forest Dog researcher and breeder. The standard was developed over 30 years of continuous study and research based on the guidelines of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). To ensure adherence to this standard, the Philippine Forest Dog Legacy Club, Inc. (PFDLC) established and recognized six official integrity breeders dedicated to maintaining the breed''s morphology, temperament, and correct coloration. Prospective owners are encouraged to acquire dogs only from these endorsed breeders to avoid mixed or brindle-colored dogs not conforming to the standard.
Temperament
As a primitive breed, the Philippine Forest Dog tends to be reserved with strangers but loyal and dependable with its human family, including children. Although domesticated, it retains a strong survival instinct and can endure independently in forested areas. This breed may display a strong protective temperament and is often chosen as a guard dog despite its size.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Philippine forest dog?
The Philippine Forest Dog is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build, typically weighing between 20-40 kg and standing between 30-45 cm tall. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in various colors, including fawn, black, and brindle. Their ears are erect, and their tail is usually docked. They are a primitive breed with a strong prey drive and high energy level.
Is the Philippine forest dog a good family dog?
As a primitive breed, the Philippine Forest Dog can be wary of strangers and may require time to warm up to new family members. However, with proper socialization, they can make loyal and loving companions. They are generally good with children if raised together, but may not be suitable for very young children due to their high energy level.
What health problems do Philippine forest dogs have?
As a relatively new breed, there is limited information on specific health issues affecting the Philippine Forest Dog. However, like many primitive breeds, they may be prone to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.
How much does a Philippine forest dog puppy cost?
The cost of a Philippine Forest Dog puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a puppy can cost anywhere from PHP 10,000 to PHP 50,000 (approximately USD 200 to USD 1,000). However, prices may be higher for puppies from reputable breeders or those with specific bloodlines.
Where do Philippine forest dogs come from?
The Philippine forest dog comes from Philippines. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Philippine forest dog, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.