Pet Wiki

Bắc Hà

Also called Bắc Hà dog, Bac Ha dog, Vietspitz

Rare breedShort profile

From Vietnam (Lào Cai province, especially Bắc Hà and Si Ma Cai districts)1

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male22 to 28 kg1
Weight, female18 to 24 kg1
Height, male52 to 58 cm1
Height, female50 to 56 cm1
Sizemedium

As reported by Wikipedia.

deeply loyal to its family
highly intelligent, quick learner
good watchdog and hunting partner
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

double coat

A thick double coat with a lion-like ruff over the neck and shoulders and a richly feathered tail. The head is broad with a flat forehead, triangular ears and almond eyes.1

Coloursyellow-browndark brownblackwhite1

Personality what they are like

Devoted and protective toward its people, and bright enough to pick up new commands quickly.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A mountain hunting and guard dog that needs daily exercise and activity.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The dense double coat and feathered tail need regular brushing.1

The story where it all began

The Hmong people of northern Vietnam keep this dog for hunting and guarding. It is thought to descend from heavy-coated mountain dogs of southern China that travelled with the Hmong when they migrated into Vietnam.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is counted among Vietnam's Four Great National Dogs.1

  2. 2

    A Hmong legend says the first red-coated Bắc Hà pups were fathered by a wild dhole that came down from the mountains.1

  3. 3

    In October 2020 a Bắc Hà dog named Sói won the Vietnamese Native Breeds Championship Dog Show.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Bắc Hà district in Lào Cai province, northern Vietnam, where it originates from the Hmong people.1

Name ideas for your new friend

MâyNúiSaoGióLửaBôngHổNgọcVàngBạcSấmHoa

A day in the life told by a Bắc Hà

I start my day with a quick patrol of the mountain path near our home. My human calls me, and I bound back, my tail feathered and waving. I eat my breakfast, then we go into the forest. I sniff every tree, my ears perked for any sound. A squirrel chatters, and I stop, watching it with bright eyes. My human laughs and says my name. In the afternoon, I guard the house, lying on the step, my eyes half-closed but alert. When the children come home, I play gently with them, my barks soft and happy. At night, I sleep by the door, loyal and calm.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Vietnam Kennel Association (VKA)
Recognised nationally; not recognised by the FCI.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Bắc Hà. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Bắc Hà, and at what times?

Adult Bắc Hà dogs do best with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feed at consistent times each day, as their stomachs empty within a few hours. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.2

What should a Bắc Hà eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always keep human treats off the menu and consult your vet for a balanced diet.3

How often should I bathe a Bắc Hà?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Bắc Hà gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo and rinse thoroughly.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Bắc Hà need brushing?

Your Bắc Hà's dense double coat and feathered tail need regular brushing, and Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This helps remove loose fur and keeps the coat healthy and tangle-free. A weekly session with a suitable brush will do nicely.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Bắc Hà's nails, and how often?

Furry Diary suggests trimming nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Trim a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you the safe technique.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Bắc Hà need?

As a mountain hunting and guard dog, your Bắc Hà needs daily exercise and activity. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. A good run or vigorous play session each day will meet their needs.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Bắc Hà's teeth and ears?

Brush your Bắc Hà's teeth every 2 days (daily is ideal) using dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears weekly, as floppy ears trap moisture, and gently dry them without pushing anything into the ear canal. Regular care prevents problems.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Bắc Hà live?

Lifespan varies among individual dogs, and no specific figure is given for the Bắc Hà. For a reliable estimate, ask your vet or a reputable breeder who knows the breed's history. Regular vet checkups help them live a long, healthy life.

Is a Bắc Hà good with children and other pets?

The Bắc Hà is described as devoted and protective toward its people, which can be wonderful with children when properly socialized. How they get on with other pets depends on their upbringing and individual temperament. Ask a good breeder about their specific line's behavior.1

Can a Bắc Hà be left alone?

This breed is very devoted to its family, so time alone may be challenging for them. How well they cope varies by individual and training. For guidance on leaving your Bắc Hà alone, consult your vet or a qualified trainer.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Bắc Hà dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (secondary source citing VKA and Vietnamese press)
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.