Philippine Askal
About the Philippine Askal
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Medium (25-50 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 15-20" |
| Weight | 22-44 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
45 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Moderate mental stimulation needed
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $50-$200 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $800/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Philippine Askals may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- First-Time Owners
- Active Owners
- Working Professionals
May Not Be Ideal For
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Philippine Askal
The story behind the Philippine Askal
The Philippine archipelago has supported free-ranging village and street dogs for a very long time, with populations shaped by the mixing of indigenous stock, dogs arriving through regional trade, and later imports during colonial periods. No single origin story applies. These dogs lived alongside households as scavengers, watchdogs and casual companions rather than being bred for a defined task, and selection was mostly natural: heat tolerance, disease resistance, and the wit to survive with little care. In recent decades Philippine welfare organisations and owners have promoted adoption of askals as capable family dogs, and the term has shifted from a dismissive label to one used with some pride. There is no internationally recognised breed standard, and the population remains a landrace rather than a registered breed, common throughout the country and increasingly kept as a deliberate choice rather than by default.
Originally bred for: Village watchdog, household companion, general-purpose free-ranging dog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Philippine Askal
A balanced complete diet appropriate to age and activity works well for this moderate, unexaggerated build. Because sizes vary widely, portion to the individual dog's body condition rather than to a breed average, and adjust for the reduced appetite many show in very hot weather.
Watch for: As a diverse landrace, no characteristic food sensitivity applies. Dogs moved from scavenged diets to commercial food sometimes need a slow transition to settle digestion. Persistent loose stools, itching or vomiting should be assessed by a vet before any restrictive diet is trialled.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Philippine Askal
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.