Thai Ridgeback
12-13 yrs
35-55 lbs
20-22"
Thailand

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Thai Ridgeback

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Dog Breeds
Thai Ridgeback

35-55 lbs

20-22"

Thailand

Mah Thai Lang Ahn, Pariah Dogs

The Thai Ridgeback is an independent thinker and will look for ways to outsmart you. He does require a strong leader and constant training to ensure that he respects his family. He will favor one person but can learn to tolerate and respect other members of the family. The first time dog owner should not consider the Thai Ridgeback. Your Thai Ridgeback should always be walked on a leash to prevent him from chasing or attacking other animals. He does have a high prey drive and without proper training can become a vicious dog. It is usually easy to housetrain the Thai Ridgeback and once he is past puppyhood any destructive behavior should subside unless he is not given enough attention or exercise.

                
                Purpose
              
All-purpose dog, companion

                Date of Origin
              
1600s

                Ancestry
              
Mastiff

Thai Ridgeback Health

Average Size

Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 50-75 lbs

Height: 20-22 inches Weight: 35-55 lbs

Major Concerns

Hip Dysplasia
Dermoid Sinus

Minor Concerns

Elbow Dysplasia

Occasional Tests

OFA
X-Rays
Full Physical Examination

Thai Ridgeback Breed History

The first documentation for the Thai Ridgeback dates back more than 350 years. However, some researchers believe that he has been in existence much longer in Thailand and might be a descendant of the Hottentot dog which is now extinct. It is also believed that the Hottentot also was used to create the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The Thai Ridgeback was originally used as an all-purpose dog to guard his property, pull carts and hunt game. He was also used to hunt cobras. The Thai Ridgeback was mainly found on the eastern side of Thailand and also on the island of Dao Phu Quoc which is located near the Vietnam and Cambodia border. Because he has been isolated for so long, his distinctive, powerful look has not been altered much since he was first documented over 350 years ago. The first Thai Ridgebacks appeared in the United States in 1994 and were used as guard dogs. The United Kennel Club officially recognized the Thai Ridgeback in 1996 and allowed him to participate in all of their sanctioned events. The American Kennel Club began accepting Thai Ridgebacks into their Foundation Stock Service in 1997, which is the first step in becoming officially recognized by the AKC. He was able to compete in companion events beginning in 2008. He was also approved to compete in lure coursing in 2008. He was officially recognized by the AKC and became a member of the Hound Group. Thai Ridgebacks can now compete in all events including conformation.

Thai Ridgeback Breed Appearance

The Thai Ridgeback is a medium to large sized dog with a wedge shaped head, ears that stand up and a short, smooth coat. He has a deep, well-muscled chest and gives the impression of a powerfully built dog. Many people compare him to his cousin, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, but he stands slightly shorter at the shoulder and has a more muscled body. His skin is soft and tight fitting to his body.

He has short, smooth coat and a clearly defined ridge of hair that grows in the opposite direction from the rest of his coat. The ridge of hair on his back will extend down his spine from his withers to his pelvis bones. His ridge can grow in several different patterns and shapes but they must be symmetrical on each side of his backbone. The Thai Ridgeback must have this ridge of hair. He also must also be black, red, blue, isabella or brindle in color and must be a solid color. He can have a black mask if he is red. A small white patch is acceptable on his chest.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

Brindle

Blue

Red

Isabella

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Thai Ridgeback Breed Maintenance

The Thai Ridgeback has a short coat that is low maintenance. He will require weekly brushing to remove any dead hairs and dirt. A rubber curry brush or a hound mitt can be used to brush him. By brushing him weekly, the oils on his skin will be redistributed and his coat will have a shine to it. He does shed year round, but it is not heavy, fine hairs will float through the air and settle on furniture and clothing. He generally only needs a bath once or twice a year or on an as needed basis when he is dirty. Bathing him too often can cause him to have skin irritation. Trim his nails as needed which is usually every two to three weeks. His ears should be cleaned weekly to prevent infection. A dental routine should also be set up for him including weekly teeth brushing using a canine safe toothpaste.

Brushes for Thai Ridgeback

Comb

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Thai Ridgeback Temperament

The Thai Ridgeback is an independent thinker who has a mind of his own. He really likes to get his own way and is stubborn enough to keep trying until he finally wears you down. He needs a solid leader who will not give into him. The Thai Ridgeback is not the ideal dog for the first time dog owner. He requires continual training to ensure he does not try to usurp your authority. He is not recommended for families with toddlers. He can do well with older children as long as he is raised from puppyhood with them. He is an excellent hunter and a very skilled escape artist. He should never be left alone in the backyard for long, he will find a way to get out and go hunting. Because he has such a high prey drive, he should be closely monitored with small pets and other dogs that he is not familiar with. The Thai Ridgeback should be socialized early so he does not become dog or people aggressive.

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Thai Ridgeback

Similarly Sized Breeds to Thai Ridgeback

Written by Kathleen Egger

Published: 10/19/2017, edited: 08/18/2021

More articles by Kathleen Egger

Thai Ridgeback Owner Experiences

sherlock

7 Years

2 People

Apartment

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Walking

We adopted her from as a rescue dog but she obviously had come from a family as they removed the original chip but she did come from Thailand. She's very very protective and there's no rhyme or reason to which dogs she loves versus those she'd like to chew up. She seems to dislike pugs and dogs with smushed noses and shepherds but her fav is a husky, corgy mix. She is very stubborn and will just sit or lay down when walking if she doesnt want to go where I want to go, so I pick her up. I do love her a lot though and for all her quirks she's my best bud and I'm so glad I found her.

5 years, 9 months ago

Rhaegar

18 Months

3 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

He's amazing I love him so much. Definitely not a breed for a novice pet owner. They require a lot of constant training.

5 years, 7 months ago

Poon

4 Months

5 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Fetch

Tug-of-war

Walk

quirky and funny. a bit independent thinker but very lovely family dog. not suitable for elders

4 years, 7 months ago

meesook

7 Months

4 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Fetch

stubborn, always tryna test your limits, but overall is very needy and loves cuddles n hugs

3 years, 4 months ago

Book me a walkiee?

Pweeeze!

Sketch of smiling australian shepherd