BRIGHTON, England — The Phu Quoc Ridgeback is a breed of dog that originates from an island in Vietnam and go for an astounding $15,000 a dog. What is it exactly that makes these puppies so expensive?
A Very Rare Dog Breed
For starters, they are one of the world’s rarest breeds with only 800 dogs currently registered worldwide and have a longer lifespan than most other dogs, living up to 15 years. But even more impressive is the fact that these unique pooches are all born with webbed feet that allow them to climb trees, and swim faster than other breeds. They also have a distinctive spotted black tongue and a ridge of fur that runs along their spine, making it look like they have a mohawk.
Bred In England For The First Time
Now for the first time ever, the puppies have been bred in England by a woman named Catherine Lane, who became fascinated with the breed in 2013 when on a holiday in Vietnam. Lane said she was immediately taken aback by the dogs’ unique traits and history, so she bought two dogs, a male and female, and brought them back with her to England. The dogs, named Moon and Sirius, have now become the parents of a litter who are making headlines all over the world.
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Phu Quoc Ridgeback’s Are Pure Bred And Almost Extinct
The puppies are priced at $15,000 each but Lane admits she has received higher offers from other people because the dogs are so rare. The breed was close to extinction less than ten years ago and because they have never been crossbred, they are one of the purest breeds that one can buy. Take a look at this incredible breed in the gallery below.
READ MORE: LOOKING FOR A NEW DOG? HERE ARE THE 23 FRIENDLIEST BREEDS
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- The puppies have webbed feet and a distinctive ridge running down their backs.
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- Lane fell in love with the breed on a holiday in Vietnam.
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- The puppies are currently 7 weeks old.
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- The dog’s lifespan is on average 15 years.
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- The breed can climb trees, swim and run much faster than a lot of other breeds.
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- The breed is named after the island where they originate from in Vietnam.
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- The pups are currently available for sale for upwards of $15,000.
Via Daily Mail | Phu Quoc Ridgeback
Looks very similar to a black Lab. Very cute. Of course the black lab is less expensive and probably less inbred disease prone.
I have a little girl that I found in the pound. She is cream color (see English cream daschund) with a two inch mohowk down her back and upright rounded tip bat ears. She loves to wrestle and lick people. My vet thinks she’s a cross between a Chihuahua & Daschund and says her “feathers” just didn’t come in evenly. I think she’s a beauty. Her name is Georgia.
You can find one at your local shelter for only $50.00 with a very nice temperament.