Philippine forest dog to be petitioned as country's official breed

The Philippine forest dog is set to be petitioned as the country's national breed.

According to Lei Alviz's "24 Oras" report on Thursday, documents have now been prepared as evidence. They will be submitted to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Also known as "asong gubat" or "witch dog," the Philippine forest dog can jump high heights and has long and sharp nails. It also has pointed ears and dark and striped skin.

"'Yung kanyang kuko, nagshe-shed every year. 'Di ginagawa ng mga aso 'yon. Tawag diyan witch dog kasi napaka husay daw niyang mang-akyat," said Fred Salud, Philippine Canine Club, Inc.'s corporate secretary.

("Its nails shed every year. Dogs don't usually do that. It's called witch dog because it's said to be very good at climbing.")

"Ginagamit siya ng mga katutubo kasama sa pag-hunt. Nagha-hunt sila ng mga bayawak. Ang husay niyang mang-akyat sa puno. Ang kulay, na-recognize rin yellow, parang sa tigre kaya 'yung isang pangalan din niya, tiger dog."

("It's used by indigenous people to hunt. They hunt iguanas. It's good at climbing trees. It's color is yellow like the tiger that's why it's other name is tiger dog.")

The Philippine forest dog will officially be introduced at the Philippine Circuit, one of the prestigious dog shows in Asia, on Saturday.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA Integrated News