The Thai Bangkaew Dog is a medium size, spitz type family companion dog that originated in Thailand. The dog is said to have been developed by Luan Puh Maak Metharee, the respected third abbot of the Wat Bangkaew Temple. Bangkaew which means Crystal Village is situated in the Bangrakan District of the Phitsanulok Province in the central region of Thailand. Though not exactly known, its ancestors are believed to be a native black haired Thai bitch and now extinct Asiatic wild dogs, Dholes or Jackal which crossed together to give birth to this breed over 100 years ago. It is not only an excellent companion dog but can also be used as hunter of snakes and other vermin.
This compactly built dog stands between 17-21 inches and weighs around 35-46 lbs. It has squarely built, well balanced body which comes with proportioned and dry head, wedge-shaped strong skull and medium length muzzle that tapers towards black nose. Medium size, almond shaped eyes are black or dark brown in colour. High set, small and triangular ears are erect. Strong and muscular neck blends smoothly into shoulders.
The strong body of this breed comes with straight back, strong and broad loin and deep, wide chest. The belly is slightly tucked-up. This dog has a double coat where topcoat is straight and coarse and undercoat is soft and dense. The coat comes in white with shades of red, gray, brown, and black in a wide variety of patterns.
This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI.