History of Thai Bangkaew Dog Breed
Research suggests that this breed originated in the village of Bangkaew, located near the Bang Rakam District in the central region of Thailand. It is said that the Thai Bangkaew dog was first bred at a monestary called Wat Bangkaew. According to popular legend, the third abbot of the Wat Bangkaew Temple named Luang Puh Maak Metharee was well-known for the mercy and care he showed to all living things, and a villager named Tah Nim gave him a large female dog native to the land. The dog had apparently mated with a jackal or dhole, and the litter that resulted had long black and dark brown hair. It is said that Metharee raised the four female puppies. Later, it is believed that the abbot's dogs were mated with herding dogs that were kept by the Song people who lived in the nearby village of Huay Chan.
Sources say that in 1957, selective breeding took place, and these are the ancestors of the dog known as the Thai Bangkaew of today.
Size and Appearance of Thai Bangkaew Dog Breed
The Thai Bangkaew breed is a square-built, well-proportioned dog with a wide, deep chest. This dog has a double-coat that consists of the short undercoat and a longer outer coat with guard hairs. The fur is longer and forms a ruff around the neck and shoulders. The coat can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including white with red, brown, black, and grey. The tail is plumed and carried up over the back. The gait is best described as smooth.
Thai Bangkaew Temperament
This breed is considered to be a watchful and alert dog that is quite protective of its family and home. While often devoted to the family, this breed can be suspicious of strangers. Active and agile, the Thai Bangkaew loves to dig and swim. It is an intelligent but stubborn breed that needs to be trained at an early age using positive reinforcement methods.
Thai Bangkaew Recommended Maintenance
Regular brushing and combing of the double-coat is really all that is necessary to keep it in good condition. An active breed, it is important to provide the Thai Bangkaew with daily exercise in order to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior.
Thai Bangkaew Health
Life span: 10 - 14 years.
Major concerns: None.
Minor concerns: eye disease
Occasionally seen: None.
Suggested tests: eyes
