Thai Bangkaew

35-50 lbs
17-19"
Thailand

Stubborn but intelligent, the Thai Bangkaew is not a breed for new dog owners as they may feel overwhelmed with this challenging dog. The first Thai Bangkaew can be traced back to over 100 years ago when the breed was originally crossed with the native Thai domestic dog and the Asiatic wild jackal, which is now extinct. Documentation is scarce for this breed but it is commonly believed that the Thai Bangkaew can be traced back to the village of Bangkaew which is located near the Bang Rakam District in central Thailand. It is also commonly believed that the breed was first bred at a monastery called the Wat Bangkaew. Its appearance is similar to the Spitz family with a double-coat and a plume tail. While suspicious of strangers, the Thai Bangkaew is a devoted companion to its family and will protect them against intruders. It is an intelligent breed with a determined hunting ability. Maintenance of its coat is fairly simple. Regular brushing is recommended and daily exercise is needed. 

purpose Purpose
watchdog, home protection
history Date of Origin
1900s
ancestry Ancestry
thai domestic dog, asiatic wild jackal

Thai Bangkaew Health

Sketch of Thai Bangkaew
Average Size
Male Thai Bangkaew size stats
Height: 19-21 inches Weight: 45-60 lbs
Female Thai Bangkaew size stats
Height: 17-19 inches Weight: 35-50 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Usually A Very Healthy Breed
Minor Concerns
  • Otitis Externa
  • Eye Disease
Occasional Tests
  • Eyes
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Ear Examination

Thai Bangkaew Breed History

The Thai Bangkaew was developed in the country of Thailand in the 1900s. The Thai Bangkaew originated in the village of Bangkaew, located in the Bang Rakam District in the Phitsanulok Province. In the Bang Rakam District, there was a monastery named Wat Bangkaew. It is commonly believed that the Thai Bangkaew was bred from the domestic Thai dog and the Asiatic jackal dog but evolved into part of the Spitz family.  Further details reveal that it is thought the Thai Bangkaew originated at the Wat Bangkaew monastery with the third abbot Luang Puh Maak Metharee. Metharee took in a pregnant female dog that had been previously mated with a jackal and ended up with a litter of four puppies. It is believed that the puppies later mated with the herding dogs that were kept by the Song inhabitants who lived in the village of Huay Chan. The original purpose of this canine was to guard and protect homes as the dog was known to bark to alert owners of potential dangers. In 1957, selective breeding began to take place and this started the development of what is known as the Thai Bangkaew today. A DNA study of the Thai Bangkaew was able to confirm that the breed originated from the domestic Thai dog and the Asiatic jackal dog. There is not much known about the Thai Bangkaew and there remains little documentation about the breed. It is not currently recognized by the AKC. There are no current media representations of the breed. 

Thai Bangkaew Breed Appearance

The Thai Bangkaew’s coat consists of a medium-length harsh outer coat with a soft and dense undercoat which is considered to be water-repellent, and is relatively easy to maintain. There is a ruff surrounding the neck and shoulder area, resembling a mane. The tail is plume-shaped and carried over the back. The gait of this athletic dog is described as smooth and elegant. The coat of the Thai Bangkaew comes in a variety of colors consisting of white, gray and white, red and white, black and white, white and tan, and brown and white. This interesting breed has a square, well-proportioned body with a wide, deep chest.  Both the neck and chest are strong and muscular. It is a well-built breed with a head that is square, with two pointed ears carried high up on its head remaining alert as necessary. The eyes are brown in color and are of average-size. The teeth contain a scissors bite. 


Appearance of Thai Bangkaew
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Thai Bangkaew eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Thai Bangkaew nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
pied Thai Bangkaew coat
Pied
white Thai Bangkaew coat
White
cream Thai Bangkaew coat
Cream
black Thai Bangkaew coat
Black
gray Thai Bangkaew coat
Gray
brown Thai Bangkaew coat
Brown
red Thai Bangkaew coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Thai Bangkaew straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Thai Bangkaew Breed Maintenance

The Thai Bangkaew has a medium-length double-coat that requires regular maintenance. Daily brushing is recommended to avoid mats from developing in the coat. Frequent bathing is not necessary but if you would like to maintain some cleanliness, it is recommended to bathe your dog every 6 to 8 weeks. Overbathing can result in the overproduction of oil, causing a greasy appearance to the coat. This breed is not considered to be hypoallergenic and may shed regularly; they are not known to have a strong odor. The Thai Bangkaew is an active and energetic breed that requires an outlet to keep him mentally and physically stimulated. A home with a large yard, where this agile pup can run around and be stimulated with intense play, is best. The breed can live in either urban or rural settings but it may fare best in rural settings due to the availability of a larger environment for the expending of energy. The Thai Bangkaew can live in a variety of climates due to its double-coat which will protect it from extreme temperatures. There is no specific diet for the Thai Bangkaew.

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Brushes for Thai Bangkaew
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Thai Bangkaew requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Thai Bangkaew Temperament

The Thai Bangkaew is described as an energetic, active, determined, watchful, and intelligent companion dog. This breed requires an experienced owner to be able to curb its stubborn temperament which may require much patience. The Thai Bangkaew requires an owner who can handle a challenging breed and will persevere with a firm but kind hand. The Thai Bangkaew is wary of strangers and will bark if unfamiliar with the person. Remaining on alert at all times, the Thai Bangkaew will look to protect its family from harm. Early training is required in order to be able to curb behavior that may be unfavorable such as the tendency to be destructive and dominant. There are many favorable characteristics as well including loyalty, tenacity, and playfulness, so do not overlook this breed as a potential companion if you are willing to put in the time and energy to keep him happy and busy. The Thai Bangkaew can do well with families but it may be best to have older or patient children in order to avoid cases of aggression. The Thai Bangkaew can be suspicious of other dogs and often finds it difficult to get along well with them. This breed should be socialized at an early stage in order to be able to socialize with dogs and other animals alike. 

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
12 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
90 minutes
activity minutes

Thai Bangkaew Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.75 - $2.25
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$52.50 - $67.50
food bag monthly cost

Thai Bangkaew Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Thai Bangkaew at six months
Male Thai Bangkaew size stats at six months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 30.0 lbs
Female Thai Bangkaew size stats at six months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 20.0 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Thai Bangkaew at 12 months
Male Thai Bangkaew size stats at 12 months
Height: 18.5 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
Female Thai Bangkaew size stats at 12 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 35.0 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Thai Bangkaew at 18 months
Male Thai Bangkaew size stats at 18 months
Height: 20.0 inches Weight: 52.5 lbs
Female Thai Bangkaew size stats at 18 months
Height: 18.0 inches Weight: 42.5 lbs

Thai Bangkaew Owner Experiences

Tonson
5 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tonson lives in Thailand and he is trained to friendly towards other people. Tonson listens to command such as when a stranger approaches we can tell him not to bark or attack.he is very lovely and love to explore but when it’s breeding season he can be a little aggressive such as when being startled while sleeping or when in shock of a loud noice but frankly he is a lovely dog and a good companion
2 years, 1 month ago
Leo
14 Months
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Despite socialising with children from 6 weeks, he has twice bitten and drawn blood from children. Also an elderly lady. Very stubborn when it comes to training. Loves to swim! Have had him de-sexed which has calmed him down a bit. But can’t trust him with strangers. We keep him contained or muzzled when we have people onto the property. I love him to bits.
5 years, 10 months ago
Jumbo
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
This dog breed are intelligent and have a lot of energy and in Thailand it known as a very defensive dog cause no one is allow to enter their territory except their owner but that doesn't mean they are aggressive if you take them out side for a walk they are so friendly and even tried to avoid a fight with other dog and most importantly don't leave your dog away too long cause they want your attention well it about three time which I'm too busy to play with two of them so they ripped off an entire plant from everyone pot and when I saw it they just give me a puppy eye and tried to say sorry to me and another thing before let another people to come in your be sure that make bangkeaw familiar to that person or they not gonna let them enter your house
5 years, 9 months ago
It has no name.
3 Years
1 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Swim
Play
Run
I ended up looking after this Bangkaew when his original owner was thrown in jail. Because of the abandonment he started acting out and becoming a annoyance in the neighbourhood. My local Vet asked for help so I volunteered because of my past dog training experience. Never have encountered this breed before our first contact was quite unpleasant, he was chained under a house in terrible circumstances. Regardless of the warnings of the local Thais I took on the challenge of rehabilitating this "Mad Breed Dog". It's been about 4 weeks and I have taken him in, he is the most devoted and loyal companion I have a dog to developed after such a short time. In about 4 days he chose me as his master and we've been inseparable since. He doesn't growl nor shows aggressive intentions, but he has 'preemptly' snip at people (particularly Burmese men) in their thighs or knees (nothing serious) as a warning when they are too close to me. I understand this is his watchdog nature, but I don't really need the protection. As I said it has been about a month now and I refuse to name him because of my fear of commitment specially in a country I might have to leave soon, yet he perfectly recognizes my voice and immediately answers to my whistle. I came across this page in the search of advanced training techniques to try to get him to stop being so distrustful of people. I have him on a leash and alternate to muzzle when necessary, he is the sweetest dog yet if this behaviour continues I fear they might just choose to put him down. thanks, -Max
4 years ago
Beast B.
2 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Go to Beach
Play with dolls and toys
Train with snacks
make funny video clips
Run in the field
cuddle
Beast's parents were brought from a farm in Pitsanulok, origin of Bangkaew breed. This boy has always been treating as a family member and raising along with an elder poodle. He's energetic when he wants to play. Super friendly to elderly and kids, but not so friendly with strangers unless we explain to him who they are. He also knows how to behave with different family members. Quite intelligent and reasonable.
3 years, 4 months ago
Saint
3 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking and playing
Saint is so aggressive. We have been socialising him since puppy but once he turned a year old, he kept biting strangers. We have to keep him in chain whenever there's a visitor.
3 years, 4 months ago
Odin
6 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
playing in the yard
Tug-of-war
Running
wrestling
He is so sweet. He definitely loves our family and is very affectionate. He can be to aggressive when playing with the kids but that is just because they are young (3&6).
3 years, 3 months ago
Sherlock
10 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Gardening!!!
Our second Bangkaew - the first died of kidney failure despite extensive vet treatment. Sherlock is a different matter. We got him from the Pitsanlulok breeding kennels. He has a long pedigree and we met both his parents and grandparents at the kennels. He is registered with The Thai Bangkaew Kennel Club with certificaation and tattoo number. Sherlock is very energetic and he and our other dog often run at great speed around the house and garden snapping at each other [but not biting]. We have nearly one and a half rai for them to run in. He is very, very affectionate but also very protective. He is very aggressive with strangers but when I or my wife are there he can be controlled. Normally when strangers visit we put him into his cage. He has a tendency to kill everything that moves and cats, snakes, lizards, rats or anything else - even birds - get killed but neither of the dogs ever eats them. They just kill and leave. A great companion and at night we feel safe sleeping as he is on constant patrol around the property. We cannot, however, let him loose off the property. There is too much chance he would attack anyone who came near the property.
3 years ago
Fon
3 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hugging
grooming
football
swimming
We got Fon as a pup along with his sister Dam while we were constructing our house. Since we had contractors coming and going a lot both dogs got used to people so never became great guard dogs how ever they would let you know if some one was prowling around at night. They both were terribly destructive and could not be trusted to be out of the cage un watched. They chewed everything, pot plants, then the pot, live water pipes, electrical outlet covers, motorbike footrests, even my boat trailer jack handle, even the concrete walls. Dam got run over so we ended up with Fon alone. Fon matured very well and lost his chewing habits as soon as Dam was gone, he has turned out be be a lovely buddy, very good with kids, they sneak up on him and scare him, he never shows any anger towards them. We wash him regularly and have started allowing him inside which he loves. Training wise, either too dumb or too lazy not sure which. Needs a firm hand and perseverance, quite stubborn and needs to be reminded who boss often. Grooming can be a pain as he gets biddy bids in his fur which causes dags. Health wise very good, no problems at all. Eats most things, absolutely loves pepperoni. Temperament, known to nip the odd person, tends to dislike certain people especially black people. But a very lovely fellow. Overall a great buddy, follow you around everywhere and brings you gifts, not particularly energetic. We love him.
3 years ago
Kayla
4 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Kayla is definitely challenging but when controlled she responds well. She is very distrustful of strangers but seems to switch suddenly from distrust to trust when she accepts someone. She then becomes extremely excited to see that person on future occasions. She will aggressively defend her food and we have learned to respect that. As her alpha owner I can do whatever I want -- remove her food dish in the face of growls and snarls -- but am one of the only people who can. She growls frequently and but this can be a threat or it can be playful and sometimes even seems to be the equivalent of a cat purring. She is definitely a challenging dog but the loyalty, playfulness and affection she shows is more than compensation. Having owned a variety of dogs, from labradors to huskies and some 'mutts' I can say Kayla is certainly the most complicated dog I have ever owned.
2 years, 8 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

I have a pet dog. Someone told me that my dog is a Thailand Bangkaew Dog breed. I just want to confirm. I have photos, but I'll attach it when you reply to this in my email. Thank you.

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Behavior
Question

Two bitches from same litter. They want to kill each other, now that they’re adults. Quite literally. We work with it by keeping them apart and they each have their own dog mate. So we have two pairs of dogs. They’re all de-sexed. We’ve learned to live with it and they all have good healthy happy lives. But wow it would be lovely to have all four getting along.

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

I am looking for a good watch dog as well as a good loving pet very protective of its home for east by south east thailand. Ubon Ratchathani Thailand

Answer
Many breeds fit this bill including Mastiffs, Rottweilers, Akitas etc. Go for a dog that was traditionally employed in this role. Contact local breeders and rescue centres to see what your options are.
2 years, 3 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
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