Showing:
The Thai Bangkaew Dog is not currently an AKC breed. It will be a number of years before the breed is established enough in the United States to gain AKC recognition. Currently accepted by the IABCA, TBDCA and NCA for their registry and shows.

Importing:
There is much disinformation about importing dogs on the web right now. It is a huge help to have someone knowledgeable about shipping. We are happy to lend assistance and can get you in contact with wonderful people in Thailand that can assist you.

If you are importing a dog from Thailand to the US they DO NOT need to be microchipped, in fact it is a waste of your money to have them microchipped in Thailand. Thailand (and the rest of Asia and Europe) uses the Universal chip that has a 15 digit code. No microchip readers in the US can read a Universal chip all US chips are 9 digit. We now know this by experience, Ricky and So-phi had to be chipped again after they got here because they were implanted with Universal chips before they were shipped.

When importing a dog you follow the rules and guidelines set up by the country you are shipping the dog into. The UDSA website lists all the current rules and regulations to bring a dogs into the US. Importing goes much smoother if you are well armed with the correct information.

Rarity:
The Thai Bangkaew Dog is numerous in Thailand but very rare throughout the rest of the world. It is a very new breed in the US and numbers are very limited at this time. Prospective new owners must be aware of the great responsibility of owning a rare breed with a limited gene pool.

Purpose:
In Thailand the Bangkaew is used for a number of tasks. It's main purpose is as a family watchdog. They are adapt at dispatching indigenous snakes. Bangkaew are also trained to assist fisherman, work in the military (even jumping out of planes with paratroopers) and aid forest rangers guarding endangered woodlands. They are often seen in show rings.

Health Concerns:
No genetic testing has been done in Thailand on the breed. All of our Thai Bangkaew will be x-rayed for Hip Dysplasia and Patellas and information submitted to OFA. All our dogs will also be checked yearly by a certified canine ophthalmologist and results submitted to CERF or TBOR. When we know what genetic issues this breed has and what tests should be done on breeding stock they will be listed here.

***Update***2/8/05
The first 3 Thai Bangkaew Dogs are x-rayed and submitted to OFA, once the results come back they will be listed here and on the TBDCA website. Patellas were also checked and all 3 are Normal, OFA numbers will be listed.
Cur-min:
Hips Excellent: TBD-1E26F-PI
Patellas Normal: TBD-PA1/26F/P-PI
Num-loph:
Hips Excellent: TBD-2E25M-PI
Patellas Normal: TBD-PA2/25M/P-PI
Ricky:
Hips Good: TBD-3G29M-PI
Patellas Normal: TBD-PA3/29M/P-PI

We are committed to the health of this breed and all genetic information will be available on this site and the parent club website: www.TBDCA.org

Temperament:
The Bangkaew is an alert watchdog, they are devoted to their family but can be reserved with strangers. They do have a stubborn streak and are quite adept at digging. They are not the dog for everyone.

They are much like other Oriental Spitz type breeds, Shiba Inu, Akita, etc. They have long memories and can hold grudges.

Beware of anyone telling you that they are an awesome wonderful breed and everyone should have one and they will have no issues with anyone or anything. We want the best for these dogs, they are not a good breed for someone that has never owned a dog before, they don't have a temperament like a Sporting breed, they are delightful in the right environment, but if you are expecting a Golden Retriever then both of you are going to be miserable.

INT/NAT BA CH Mo Chit Na Kyrie demonstrating Bangkaew digging skills.......
Click on thumbnails for larger view

Hmm, this looks like a good spot for a hole	Just get started here....	Ok, now the dirt's starting to fly....	Little deeper....	Little wider.....
It's getting there.....	Little bit more on this side.....	I can almost fit.......	Oh Chatter......	I've got something to show you......
Ummm, Mom, what are you doing up there? I wasn't doin nothin, must have been that baad Chatter puppy that dug this hole!

More FAQ to come.........