Vietnam's most beautiful native dog to compete in US

Nguyen Trong Khiem from the northern city of Hai Phong, the owner of Vang, said that after winning the first prize at the Vietnam Challenge Dog Show 2024 organized by the Vietnam Kennel Association on April 6, Vang is being prepared to participate in an international dog show in the U.S.

This would mark the first time a H'mong bobtail dog breed has participated in the competition.

Previously, Vietnam had two Phu Quoc Ridgebacks compete in U.S.

Vang was born in the northern mountainous Ha Giang Province in 2021.

At 10 months old, he was discovered by a dog enthusiast in Hanoi, who later introduced him to Khiem. As Khiem expressed his wish to buy Vang, the former owner agreed.

Vang, the H’mong bobtail dog, appears on the Cafe Sang (Morning Coffee) show of the national television channel VTV3 after crowning champion at the Vietnam Challenge Dog Show 2024, April 9, 2024.

When meeting Vang for the very first time, Khiem immediately recognized him as fitting the standard for a show dog thanks to his sturdy frame and a lively demeanor.

Khiem said to have their dog compete at a dog show, the owner must be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the dog and find ways to overcome the dog's weaknesses through training and education.

If a dog has a bad running posture, an unstable frame, or weak stamina, it needs to practice running and correct its posture.

If a dog easily loses focus, it should be frequently accompanied one-on-one, using food rewards to grab its attention.

"Vang almost has no weaknesses," said Khiem.

Though he had to move to a new environment and live with a new owner at a relatively mature age for dogs, Vang is friendly and quickly became familiar with the new home. He learned how to walk, stand, run, and cooperate with the leash holder quickly, accurately, and rhythmically, Khiem said.

Native dogs like Vang are easy to feed as they are accustomed to ordinary food from a young age. His daily diet includes chicken and rice combined with dry dog food. Three weeks before the show, Vang's diet is supplemented with beef, minerals, and calcium, and his portion would double the usual amount. At the same time, his fur is trimmed, and nails cut to enhance his mobility.

Vang performs during a dog show contest in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province in February 2024. Photo courtesy of Vang's owner.

In 2022, after several minor competitions, Vang won the Most Beautiful Native Dog award at the Best in Show contest in Hanoi.

"That day was hot and sunny, many dogs and even their handlers were lethargic, but Vang showed no signs of fatigue. He always looks fresh and alert. That is Vang's natural advantage," said Khiem.

To date, Vang has won 26 Best in Show awards and countless auxiliary prizes.

"Vang is like a gifted talent. All he needs is to feel mentally comfortable to shine and perform brilliantly," said Hoang Moc Cuong, head of the Vietnam Challenge Dog Show 2024 organizing committee.

Cuong explained that Vang surpasses his competitors with his stable spirit, and always being cheerful and friendly in any situation. The foreign judges of the competition highly value this trait, he said.