Thai Ridgeback Dog Breed Introduction
Thai Ridgeback is a medium-sized pariah-type of dog from Thailand where it is considered a primitive breed. Like the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Phu Quoc Ridgeback, this breed has a ridge on its back. A ridge refers to the hair that grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the fur. Although, some puppies are born ridgeless and/or plush-coated. A Thai Ridgeback may have any of the eight distinctive ridge patterns including saddleback, needle, leaf, feather, bowling pin, arrow, violin, and lute. All ridge patterns are acceptable but must be clearly symmetrical and defined.
The Thai Ridgebacks also have forehead wrinkles with enormous expression. This breed has distinctive black, blue, or spotted tongue. If well bred and socialized, Thai Ridgebacks make excellent family pets that are loyal and loving. Although, they still retain their natural guarding and herding instinct. Therefore, they are naturally protective of their family and home. For this reason, Thai Ridgebacks may be shy or aggressive if not properly socialized.
This breed is best kept by experienced and consistent dog owners with a thorough understanding of dog’s behavior. Originally, Thai Ridgebacks had no human contact, were geographically isolated, and fend for themselves. Therefore, this breed remains an independent thinker and has a high prey drive. Thai Ridgebacks may seek to roam if not properly contained since they possess an excellent jumping ability.
Thai Ridgeback History | Origin
The Thai Ridgebacks originated in Thailand. The breed was first documented roughly 360 years ago. Although, the breed fanciers believe the breed was in existence for much longer than that. Thai Ridgebacks were domesticated for hunting, escorting carts, and working as guard dogs. Over the years, the breed has been able to maintain its original physical appearance due to the poor transportation systems in the eastern part of Thailand. Therefore, having fewer chances of crossbreeding. Currently, Thai Ridgebacks are still rare outside their native country.
Thai Ridgeback Lifespan | Life Expectancy
The Lifespan of Thai Ridgeback Dogs is 12 to 13 years.
Thai Ridgeback Grooming
The Thai Ridgebacks have a straight, hard, and short coat that lacks an undercoat and sheds minimally once or twice a year. Therefore, a weekly brushing using a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt will help to keep the coat healthy and glossy. Although, frequent brushings will be needed during the shedding season to confine the loose hair in the brush.
A Thai Ridgeback needs an occasional bath unless when visibly dirty. This breed has fast-growing nails that need trimming every two weeks to prevent splitting, cracking, and overgrowth. Brush the teeth of Thai Ridgebacks at least twice a week to remove tartar buildup using a dog-formulated toothpaste and toothbrush. Clean the ears once a week using cotton balls soaked in an ear cleanser solution to get rid of dirt and excess wax.
Thai Ridgeback Shedding
The Thai Ridgebacks shed minimally once or twice a year. Although, the coat will shed all-year round even though the shed hair will be barely noticeable.
Thai Ridgeback Coat
A Thai Ridgeback has a straight, hard, and short coat with a ridge formed by hair growing in the opposite direction.
Thai Ridgeback Hypoallergenic
The Thai Ridgebacks have a single-layered coat hence people who suffer from dog allergies may find out that dog-dander allergies bothers them less as compared with other breeds. Although dander is not the only culprit that triggers allergies, mucus, urine, fur, and saliva contain a protein allergen that causes inflammation in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Thai Ridgeback Training
The Thai Ridgebacks are intelligent, energetic, protective, and independent thinkers that need an experienced pet parent. For this reason, they require a firm and gentle handle in training. The Thai Ridgebacks may be shy or aggressive to new stimuli especially when they are not properly bred and socialized. Therefore, this breed needs socialization training from the age of 3 weeks when the pup is with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after the pet has already settled in its new home.
Although, socialization may be a life-long training to ensure the pooch matures to have a well-rounded temperament. To socialize a Thai Ridgeback, expose it to a wide variety of people i.e. people who wear perfume, sunglasses, scarfs, etc., animals, surfaces, smell, sight, experiences, situations, and sounds such as baby crying sounds, door bells, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, washing machine, sirens, and whistles. Enrolling Thai Ridgebacks in a puppy class will also serve as a form of socialization. These classes create a controlled setting where canines interact with each other.
Keep the training sessions for a period of 5 minutes distributed throughout the day to prevent distraction and boredom. Use treats, toys, verbal praise, petting, and playtime as a means of encouraging positive behaviors. Avoid use of harsh correction methods such as yelling, punching, shoving, kicking, and use of choke or prong collars. Start teaching basic command words like come, sit, stay, lie down, leave it, etc. one at a time from the age of 8 weeks. Effectively housebreak Thai Ridgebacks by creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training.
Thai Ridgeback Temperament | Personality | Characteristics
- Intelligent.
- Independent.
- Energetic.
- Wary of strangers.
- Agile.
- Loyal.
- Loving.
- Protective.
- High prey-drive.
- Active.
- Courageous.
- Athletic.
Thai Ridgeback Exercise
The Thai Ridgeback is an athletic and energetic dog that requires daily exercise either indoor or outdoor exercises. Recommended indoor exercises include teaching them new tricks, hide and seek, and chasing a ball rolled along the floor. Some of the outdoor exercise activities for Thai Ridgebacks include flying discs, playtime in a fenced-in yard, going for walks several times a day, swimming, retrieving balls, and hiking. During the inclement weather, short walks in the hallway will give your pet some exercises especially for apartment dwellers.
Thai Ridgeback Barking
The Thai Ridgeback has a guarding instinct. Therefore, when executing this role, the breed will tend to bark a lot.
Thai Ridgeback Height
Female Thai Ridgebacks have a height of 20 to 22 inches ( approx. 51 to 56 cm ) while male Thai Ridgebacks have a height of 22 to 24 inches ( approx. 56 to 61 cm ).
Thai Ridgeback Weight
Male Thai Ridgebacks have a weight of 51 to 74 pounds ( approx. 23 to 34 kg ) while female Thai Ridgebacks have a weight of 35 to 55 pounds ( approx. 16 to 25 kg ).
Thai Ridgeback Size
The Thai Ridgeback is a medium-sized pariah type of dog with a height of 20 to 24 inches ( approx. 51 to 61 cm ) and a weight of 35 to 74 pounds ( approx. 16 to 24 kg ).
Thai Ridgeback Aggressive
If poorly bred and socialized, Thai Ridgebacks may be aggressive or shy.
Thai Ridgeback Bite Force | Bite Force Psi
The Thai Ridgeback has a bite force of between 200 to 400 Psi.
Thai Ridgeback Health Issues
The Thai Ridgebacks are healthy and robust dogs. Although, they may suffer from certain health issues including hip dysplasia and Dermoid Sinus Cyst.
Other dog breeds include:
Thai Ridgeback Food
The Thai Ridgebacks may do well with a home-made, raw-diet, and a commercial dry or wet food. The amount of food that this breed feeds on depends on its age, metabolism, activity level, body build, and size. Food fed to the dogs should be appropriate to its age i.e. puppy, adults, or senior. Some dogs may be prone to overfeeding. Therefore, parents should watch the calorie consumption and weight level. Ensure your Ridgeback has access to clean water at all times.
Thai Ridgeback Black | Blue | Red | Colors
The Thai Ridgebacks may have different coat colors of solid blue, black, red, or fawn. Red-coated Thai Ridgebacks may occasionally have black masks.
Thai Ridgeback Price | Cost
The price of Thai Ridgebacks varies greatly considering it is quite a rare breed out of its native Thailand. The average price of a Thai Ridgeback puppy 1s $1700 to $2000 with no breeding rights. However, parents who are looking for top breed lines should expect to pay at least $5,000.
Are Thai Ridgebacks Aggressive
Yes, if they are poorly bred and socialized due to their natural guarding instinct.
How Much Are Thai Ridgebacks
The average price of Thai Ridgebacks is $1700 to $2000 with no breeding rights.
Are Thai Ridgebacks Good Family Dogs
If properly socialized and bred, Thai Ridgebacks are loving and loyal pets good for experienced dog owners who are well-acquainted with dog behavior.
Are Thai Ridgebacks Good Guard Dogs
Yes. Thai Ridgebacks are naturally protective dogs that make excellent guard dogs.
Thai Ridgebacks Quick Facts
- The ridge of Thai Ridgebacks is determined by two groups of epistatic genes. The first group determines the existence of the ridge while the other group determines its size.
- Originally used for keeping Cobras at bay, Thai Ridgebacks can and will kill a cobra.
- In Northern Thailand, some Thai Ridgebacks have dew claws on their back feet.