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Have you ever seen a Hmong dog before?
This unique dog breed is sometimes referred to as the catdog hybrid due to its physical appearance.
Spoiler, the Hmong dog is not a catdog hybrid, but the appearance and traits will make you believe otherwise.
In this article, I will be discussing everything you need to know about the Hmong dog breed (with pictures).
I will give a brief background of their history, how they came to be, their physical appearance, character traits, and some commonly asked questions about them.
If you are thinking about adding a Hmong dog to your family, then this post is for you!
Table of Contents
What Is A Hmong dog?
The Hmong dog is an ancient dog breed that belonged to the Hmong people of China and Southeast Asia.
These dogs were particularly popular in the mountain province of Lao Cai and Ha Giang In northern Vietnam. They are also referred to as Mee-ut, Lao-Liap dogs, or the Hmong docked tail dog.
The Hmong people have used these dogs for centuries as hunting companions and watchdogs and are even used today to help Vietnamese police with their acute sense of smell.
Hmong dogs are considered a primitive dog breed because they have remained unchanged for centuries.
This makes them an ancient breed that’s extremely rare.
Where Does The Hmong Dog Come From?
These dogs are raised by the Hmong people who live in the mountain province of Lao Cai and Ha Giang In northern Vietnam.
The Hmong dogs originated in the mountainous jungle.
What Breeds Make A Hmong Dog?
Although you might think the Hmong is a corgi mix (like many do) or even a dogcat hybrid, a purebred Hmong is not.
The truth is the Hmong dog is believed to be a mix of a native dog of Lao Cai and Ha Giang with a jungle wolf.
Hmong Dog Appearance & Traits
Images via Gấu Mèo Bắc Mỹ
The Hmong dog is a short-legged dog with a squishy face and docked tail – about 1 to 2 inches long.
The adorable Hmong dog has strong bones, tremendous stamina, and they’re particularly great as hunting companions.
Here is a quick table of some information on the Hmong dog’s appearance and personality traits:
| Traits | Hmong Dog Breed |
|---|---|
| Coat Color & Texture | Thick, double coat that is coarse to the touch. Common colors are black, tan, brindle, brown & white. |
| Shedding & Grooming | Moderate Shedder that require regular brushing and occasional bathing. |
| Weight | 35-55 pounds |
| Height | 18-22 inches. |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years. |
| Health | Relatively healthy dog breed with few health concerns. |
| Temperament | Loyal, loving, and protective breed. They are also incredibly social and love to be around people and other animals. |
| Trainability | Fairly easy to train. |
| Intelligence | Brilliant dogs with great memory. |
| Activity Level & Exercise Needs | High level of activity that will require an hour of exercise daily. |
Size (Weight & Height)
The Hmong dog fits into the medium-sized dog category weighing between 35-55 pounds with a height of 18-22 inches.
Male dogs are usually bigger than female dogs.
So naturally, the males will fall on the higher end of the range and females on the lower end.
Coat Colors & Texture
The Hmong dog has a thick, double coat that is coarse to the touch.
The most common colors are black, tan, brindle, brown & white.
There are also albino Hmong dogs, but they are very rare.
Eye Color
Hmong dogs have almond-shaped eyes that can be any color, including brown, black, yellow, or even blue.
However, the most common eye color is black.
Shedding & Grooming
The Hmong dog is an average shedder, which means they will lose hair but not as much as breeds like huskies.
They have a short, dense coat that needs brushing once or twice weekly.
They should also be bathed every so often to avoid hygiene problems.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of the Hmong docked tail dog is 10-15 years.
However, when properly cared for, these dogs can live up to 20 years old.
Health Concerns
The Hmong dog is a relatively healthy breed of dog.
They tend to adjust well to different environments. This adaptability seems to make them resistant to many health issues.
This is partly why their life span is relatively long compared to other dog breeds.
However, like all dogs, they are susceptible to specific health conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems.
Hmong dogs need regular check-ups and vaccinations to help prevent these health concerns.
Trainability
The Hmong dog is an intelligent breed that is quick to learn new commands.
They are also very obedient, which makes them a breeze to train.
This breed does best with a firm and consistent trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods such as treats and praise.
Hmong dogs respond well to clicker, obedience, and agility training.
Intelligence
These dogs are highly intelligent, which means they require a lot of mental stimulation.
If they become bored, they may start to display destructive behaviors such as chewing on furniture or digging holes in the yard.
To prevent this, it’s important to give them plenty of stimulating toys and puzzles to keep their minds occupied.
Temperament
The Hmong dog is a very loyal and protective breed.
They are also incredibly social creatures that love to be around people.
This breed does best in a home with another dog as they love companionship.
In addition, Hmong dogs make great family pets as they are good with children and other animals.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
The Hmong are active dogs that need a moderate amount of exercise.
A daily walk or playtime in the backyard will suffice.
They prefer space to run around since they can be particularly high-energy if they do not get enough exercise.
Remember, these dogs come from a historying living in mountainous lands, searching woods and jungles, and hunting.
1 hour of daily activity should suffice for this breed.
What Is A Hmong Dog Like As A Pet?
The Hmong dog is an affectionate, loyal, and loving companion.
They are quick to learn tricks and commands.
Hmong dogs are known to be very protective of their family and make excellent guard dogs.
Despite their small size, they will bark at strangers and intruders if trained to do so.
Hmong dogs are also known for being good with children.
They are gentle and have a lot of patience, making them ideal playmates for kids.
As with any dog, early socialization at an early age is vital for a dog’s development.
How Much Is A Hmong Dog?
Hmong dogs are extremely rare, and you’ll likely only find them in Asian countries.
The price of these dogs is said to be close to $1000 depending on the breeder and where you buy them!
Other dog breeds that aren’t rare can sometimes go for $2000-3000 in today’s dog buying market, so keep that in mind.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Is A CatDog Real?
No, the catdog is not a real hybrid.
The term “catdog” is used to describe the Hmong dog breed because of their physical appearance.
These dogs are not actually a part cat and part dog.
What’s The Most Rare Dog Breed?
There are many rare dog breeds in the world.
The Hmong docked tail dog is one of them.
Other dogs that are rare include the Carolina Dog, New Guinea Singing Dog, Thai Ridgeback, and Xoloitzcuintli.
What Breed Is CatDog?
The Hmong dog is the breed that is most commonly referred to as “catdog.”
This is because of their physical appearance.
The Hmong dog looks like a mix between a cat and a dog, hence the nickname.
Other posts you might find interesting:
Keeshond Dog: Frequently Asked Questions and Fun Facts