The Thai ridgeback is a primitive breed that dates back to the Middle Ages. The dogs originated in Thailand, where farmers utilized them to guard their property, hunt game, escort carts and ward off cobras. The rare Thai ridgeback was first imported to the United States in 1994. In 1997, the American Kennel Club admitted the Thai ridgeback into its Foundation Stock Service program as a first step toward achieving full breed recognition in the future.
The Thai Ridgeback is a medium-sized muscular dog with strong legs but slightly more slender and longer hindlegs. It has a wedge-shaped head with a broad muzzle and erect triangular ears. The Thai’s coat is short and dense. It has loose skin around its neck. Like the Rhodesian Ridgeback, it has a ridge of hair on its spine that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. The Thai Ridgeback is easy to groom. Occasional brushing will do.
Personality
The Thai Ridgeback is an alert, intelligent and protective breed. Thais need plenty of exercise and may become stubborn and destructive if they don’t. This is not a dog for novice dog owners. Although Thais are loving and affectionate when socialized early and provided with consistent and assertive leadership, they are not necessarily willing to please or obedient. These are dominant dogs that will walk all over you if you let them.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10-12 Years |
| Nicknames: | Thai ridgeback dog, TRD, Mah Thai dog, Thai dog, Mah Thai lung arn dog |
Thai Ridgeback Build Information
The Thai ridgeback is a medium-sized dog with a muscular physique that stands at a height of 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 35 and 55 pounds. The short coat exhibits characteristic ridge patterns of hairs that grow against the direction of the rest of the coat. These patterns can vary in shape and are noticeable along the dog’s back. The coat may be black, blue, chestnut or silver. The large ears are pointed and stand erect, and the long tail is carried upward in a slight curve. The Thai Ridgeback is a medium-sized muscular dog with strong legs but slightly more slender and longer hindlegs. It has a wedge-shaped head with a broad muzzle and erect triangular ears. The Thai’s coat is short and dense. It has loose skin around its neck. Like the Rhodesian Ridgeback, it has a ridge of hair on its spine that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. The Thai Ridgeback is easy to groom. Occasional brushing will do.
| Size: | Large |
Behaviour and Personality
The Thai ridgeback is alert and active. The breed is willful and determined, making it difficult to train. Only an experienced dog handler who knows how to take the dominant role should consider owning a Thai ridgeback. Early obedience training and socialization are essential. Thai ridgebacks can be aloof with strangers. They get along with older children, but their high energy level and rambunctious nature are not ideal around toddlers and young children. Thai ridgebacks have a prey drive that can put cats, small pets and backyard wildlife in danger. Thai ridgebacks are intelligent and energetic, and they require extensive physical exercise and mentally stimulating activity on a daily basis to keep them out of trouble. The Thai Ridgeback is an alert, intelligent and protective breed. Thais need plenty of exercise and may become stubborn and destructive if they don’t. This is not a dog for novice dog owners. Although Thais are loving and affectionate when socialized early and provided with consistent and assertive leadership, they are not necessarily willing to please or obedient. These are dominant dogs that will walk all over you if you let them.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Moderate Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Thai ridgebacks require little grooming. Remove loosened hair and maintain the short coat’s glossy shine by going over the dog once a week with a grooming mitt. Every other day, brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease and help maintain good overall health.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Thai Ridgeback Common Health Conditions
Thai ridgebacks live average lifespans of 10 to 12 years. Two health conditions of note in the breed include hip dysplasia and a skin condition called dermoid sinus. Otherwise, the breed is essentially robust.
Thai Ridgeback Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote
Breed Talents and Facts
The Thai ridgeback is an energetic and willful dog that should only be considered for ownership by experienced dog handlers who can take the dominant alpha role and can provide consistent opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. The Thai ridgeback originated in Thailand. The Thai ridgeback is also called Thai ridgeback dog, a TRD, a mah Thai, a Thai dog and a mah Thai lung arn. The Thai ridgeback is an energetic and companionable family member in households without very young children and other pets. The Thai ridgeback stands 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 35 to 55 pounds. The Thai ridgeback has a high energy level. The Thai ridgeback requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Thai ridgeback is 10 to 12 years.
| Training: | Hard |
