About The PQRA
Established in 2017, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback Association is an international organization created in an effort to protect, preserve, and promote the Phu Quoc Ridgeback breed as it continues to integrate into North America. As we work towards breed recognition in the West, we strive to consistently uphold high standards of health, temperament, and structure for the benefit of the breed and the passionate individuals with whom they share their lives.
Board of Directors
President
Kira Hoang
Having had dogs her whole life, Kira was introduced to almost every breed type. While they were great dogs, she didn't quite feel the special connection to them as she does with this breed. The breed was introduced to her by her husband in 2015. There was an instant fascination with the dogs. The pair began making plans to bring some Phu Quoc Ridgebacks to America. She studied and researched the breed for years, and aims to share her knowledge about and passion for the breed with others. After the tragic passing of her husband in 2018, Kira decided to dedicate herself to protecting the breed in his honor. She worked to write the breed proposals sent into the major kennel clubs, rewrite the breed standards and continues to promote and educate the public about the breed.
Vice President
Dan Khanh Tran
A first generation Vietnamese-American, Dan Khanh is an avid dog lover with a strong love for the Phu Quoc Ridgeback. Having first met the breed on a trip back to her homeland of Vietnam, she immediately fell in love. Years later, she got her first Phu Quoc Ridgeback, a ridgeless dog named Kairos who introduced her into the world of dog training. She has done extensive research about the breed and its history and loves seeking information. She hopes to help push the breed towards recognition in order to share her love for the breed with others.
Treasurer
Prof. Alex Gilewski
Aside from teaching chemistry at Glendale Community College in Glendale, California, Professor Alex Gilewski spends time with his dogs participating and competing in agility and lure coursing. He has raised primitive hunting breeds such as the Finnish Spitz and Akita Inu. He discovered the Phu Quoc Ridgebacks when researching rare breeds when. Having interacted with Rhodesian Ridgebacks at dog shows, he was immediately intrigued by the PQR’s smaller stature and more agile, active build. He learned of the scarcity of the breed and is passionate about helping to establish the breed in the US.
Secretary
Emma Osmond
Emma has had a life long passion for dogs. Between participating in conformation showing, fostering, dog sitting and independent research, she has fully earned the “Dog Nerd” title. In 2021, through a series of fateful events, she was introduced to the PQR through her dog, Tuesday. Despite having some behavioural challenges, Tuesday managed to ignite Emma’s adoration of this breed and her commitment to aid in the ethical preservation of Phu Quoc Ridgebacks. As she also is the only board member residing in Canada, she plays double duty as club secretary & Canadian representative of the PQRA
Social Media Manager
Kamiko Kourtev
Advisory Council
The members of the PQRA Advisory Council have graciously accepted our invitation to help us make sure we are doing the best for the breed. They lend decades of experience to us and we thank them for their service as advisors.
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Hung Pham
One of three original writers of the VKA standards for the Phu Quoc Ridgeback, he holds many decades of experience with the breed.
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Minh Khang Nguyen
A Vietnamese Kennel Association Judge for the Phu Quoc Ridgeback breed since 2014, he had been involved with the breed many years prior.
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Ruediger Zabler (Phu Quoc Ridgeback Kennel, Vietnam)
An ex-pat from Germany living in Saigon. With over 40 years of breeding experience and half a decade breeding Phu Quoc dogs, Ruediger is very active with the VKA and is a widely respected figure within the dog world.
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Lan Cao
A dog handler and dog trainer with the Vietnamese Kennel Association, she owns one of the few pet hotels in Saigon and is active in many dogs shows across Vietnam.