With a passion for dogs and an eye for business, Truong Minh Ngoc, a personal trainer (PT) from Tien Giang, has built a successful side business breeding Thai Ridgeback dogs - a rare and intelligent breed known for its distinctive dorsal ridge. His kennel now generates between 300–400 million VND ($12,000–$16,000) per year.

From construction engineer to personal trainer and dog breeder

Ngoc, 33, was born in My Trung Commune, Cai Be District, Tien Giang Province, as the eldest of four children. After graduating from Western Construction University, he worked in road and bridge construction in Dong Thap. During this time, he also developed a passion for fitness and bodybuilding.

Feeling unfulfilled in his engineering career, he decided to quit and move to Ho Chi Minh City, where he became a personal trainer at a gym and pursued business ventures.

Ngoc had always loved animals, especially dogs, but he was particularly drawn to the Thai Ridgeback due to its unique fur ridge, intelligence, and loyalty.

Starting a business with Thai Ridgebacks

Initially, he kept Thai Ridgebacks as a hobby, but after realizing their high market value, he saw an opportunity to turn his passion into a business.

In 2022, Ngoc convinced his family to switch from pig farming to dog breeding, as their pig business had suffered continuous losses, worsened by disease outbreaks.

"At first, my mother was skeptical. She worried there wouldn’t be buyers and that even if we sold them, they’d only fetch 200,000–300,000 VND ($8–$12) per dog," Ngoc recalls.

Determined to prove her wrong, he invested over 40 million VND ($1,600) to purchase a pair of purebred Thai Ridgebacks from Thailand and started breeding them.

Building a successful kennel

The warm climate of the Mekong Delta proved ideal for raising Thai Ridgebacks. Unlike some high-maintenance breeds, these dogs are hardy and easy to care for.

Ngoc converted old pig pens into dog kennels, ensuring proper ventilation and waste management to maintain a clean environment.

His first breeding pair thrived, producing a healthy litter within a year - all of which sold immediately. Seeing the potential for growth, he expanded his breeding operation. Today, he owns 11 dogs (9 females and 2 males).

Raising and selling Thai Ridgebacks

 
Thai Ridgeback puppies are sold at two months old, after receiving two rounds of vaccinations.

Each puppy sells for 6–10 million VND ($240–$400).

The dogs are in high demand, especially among farmers and gamefowl breeders, who use them to guard their livestock.

Ngoc still works as a PT in Ho Chi Minh City, while his parents care for the dogs in Tien Giang.

"Every weekend, I visit my hometown to care for the dogs, administer vaccinations, and create short videos to promote them on social media," he shares.

The appeal of Thai Ridgebacks

Thai Ridgebacks are among the three rarest ridgeback breeds in the world, alongside Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Ridgeback and the Rhodesian Ridgeback from Africa.

Compared to Phu Quoc dogs, Thai Ridgebacks are: Larger in size. Available in distinctive colors such as fiery red and deep rust. Equally intelligent, loyal, and agile.

These dogs are athletic and muscular, so they require a spacious environment with plenty of exercise. Their diet must be carefully managed, with clean, well-prepared food to prevent digestive issues.

A profitable side business

With his careful breeding approach, Ngoc limits the number of litters each year, focusing on quality over quantity.

"Each female gives birth twice a year, with litters of 4–11 puppies," he explains. "I prioritize quality, ensuring all puppies are vaccinated and monitored before handing them over to customers."

His kennel now generates an annual income of 300–400 million VND ($12,000–$16,000), making it a lucrative addition to his fitness career.

Hoai Thanh