Introducing the Thai Ridgeback Dog Breed
Thai Ridgeback is a medium-sized pariah type dog originating from Thailand where it is considered a primitive breed. Like the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Phu Quoc Ridgeback, this breed has a ridge on its back. A crest refers to the hairs that grow in the opposite direction to the rest of the fur. However, some puppies are born crestless and/or fluffy. A Thai Ridgeback can have one of eight distinctive crest patterns including saddleback, needle, leaf, feather, keel, arrow, fiddle, and lute. All ridge patterns are acceptable but must be clearly symmetrical and defined.
Thai Ridgebacks also have forehead wrinkles with a huge expression. This breed has a distinctive black, blue, or spotted tongue. If raised and socialized well, Thai Ridgebacks make excellent, loyal and affectionate pets. However, they still retain their natural guarding and herding instincts. Therefore, they are naturally protective of their family and home. For this reason, Thai Ridgebacks can 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 behavior. Originally, the Thai Ridgebacks had no human contact, were geographically isolated, and fended for themselves. Therefore, this breed remains an independent thinker and has a high prey drive. Thai Ridgebacks can seek to move if not properly restrained as they have excellent jumping ability.
Thai Ridgeback History | Origin
Thai Ridgebacks originate from Thailand. The breed was first documented around 360 years ago. However, breed enthusiasts believe the breed has been around for much longer than that. Thai Ridgebacks were domesticated to hunt, escort carts, and work as guard dogs. Over the years, the breed was able to retain its original physical appearance due to poor transportation systems in the eastern part of Thailand. Hence, having less chances of crossbreeding. Currently, Thai Ridgebacks are still rare outside of their home country.
Thai Ridgeback Lifespan | Life expectancy
The lifespan of Thai Ridgeback dogs is 12 to 13 years old.
Thai Ridgeback Grooming
Thai Ridgebacks have a straight, harsh, short coat that has no undercoat and sheds a minimum of once or twice a year. Therefore, weekly brushing using a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt will help keep the coat healthy and shiny. However, frequent brushing will be necessary during shedding season to confine loose hairs within the brush.
A Thai Ridgeback needs an occasional bath unless he is visibly dirty. This breed has fast growing nails that need to be trimmed every two weeks to prevent splitting, splitting and overgrowth. Brush Thai Ridgebacks’ teeth at least twice a week to remove tartar buildup using a toothpaste and toothbrush formulated for dogs. Clean the ears once a week using cotton balls soaked in an ear cleaning solution to remove dirt and excess wax.
Thai Ridgeback Shedding
The Thai Ridgebacks lose at least once or twice a year. However, the coat will shed all year round, although the shed hair will be barely noticeable.
Thai Ridgeback Coat
A Thai Ridgeback has a straight, harsh, short coat with a ridge formed by hair growing in the opposite direction.
Hypoallergenic Thai Ridgeback
Thai Ridgebacks have a single coat coat, so people with dog allergies may find that dog dander allergies bother them less than other breeds. While dander isn’t the only culprit that triggers allergies, mucus, urine, fur, and saliva contain a protein allergen that causes inflammation in people with dog allergies.
Thai Ridgeback Training
Thai Ridgebacks are intelligent, energetic, protective and independent thinkers who need an experienced parent. For this reason, they require a firm and gentle grip when training. Thai Ridgebacks can be shy or aggressive to new stimuli, especially when not properly raised and socialized. Therefore, this breed needs socialization training from the age of 3 weeks when the puppy is with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after the animal has already settled into his new home.
However, socialization can be lifelong training to ensure the dog matures to have a well-rounded temperament. To socialize a Thai Ridgeback, expose him to a wide variety of people i.e. people wearing perfume, sunglasses, scarves, etc., animals, surfaces, smell, sight, experiences, situations and sounds such as baby crying sounds, doorbells, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, 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 dogs interact with each other.
Keep workouts for a 5 minute period spread throughout the day to avoid distraction and boredom. Use treats, toys, verbal praise, petting, and playtime to encourage positive behavior. Avoid using harsh methods of correction such as yelling, punching, shoving, kicking, and using choke or prong collars. Start teaching basic command words like come, sit, stay, lie down, leave, etc. one at a time from 8 weeks of age. Effectively homebreak Thai Ridgebacks by creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training.
Thai Ridgeback Temperament | Personality | Features
- Clever.
- Independent.
- Energetic.
- Beware of strangers.
- Agile.
- Loyal.
- Magnet.
- Protective.
- Great hunt for prey.
- Asset.
- Brave.
- Athletic.
Thai Ridgeback Exercise
The Thai Ridgeback is an athletic and energetic dog that requires daily indoor or outdoor exercise. Recommended indoor exercises include teaching new tricks, hide-and-seek, and chasing a rolled ball on the floor. Some of the outdoor exercise activities for Thai Ridgebacks include frisbees, play time in a fenced yard, walks several times a day, swimming, ball retrieval, and hiking. During inclement weather, short walks in the hallway will give your pet some exercise, especially for apartment dwellers.
Barking Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback has a guarding instinct. Therefore, when performing this role, the breed will tend to bark a lot.
Height of the Thai Ridgeback
Female Thai Ridgebacks have a height of 20 to 22 inches (approximately 51 to 56 cm) while male Thai Ridgebacks have a height of 22 to 24 inches (about 56 to 61 cm).
Thai Ridgeback Weight
Male Thai Ridgebacks Weigh 51 to 74 pounds (about 23 to 34 kg) while Thai Ridgeback females weigh about 35 to 55 pounds (about 16 to 25 kg).
Thai Ridgeback size
The Thai Ridgeback is a medium sized pariah type dog with a height of 20 to 24 inches (about 51 to 61 cm) and a weight of 35 to 74 pounds (about 16 to 24 kg).
Aggressive Thai Ridgeback
If they are poorly raised and socialized, Thai Ridgebacks can be aggressive or shy.
Thai Ridgeback Bite Strength | Bite Force Psi
The Thai Ridgeback has a bite force between 200 to 400psi.
Thai Ridgeback Health Problems
Thai Ridgebacks are healthy, hardy dogs. However, they can suffer from certain health conditions including hip dysplasia and dermoid sinus cyst.
Other dog breeds include:
American bully.
Treeing Walker Coonhound.
Puli dog.
japanese spitz.
Ridgeback Thai food
Thai Ridgebacks can do well on a homemade raw diet and a commercial dry or wet food. The amount of food this breed eats depends on its age, metabolism, activity level, build, and size. Food given to dogs should be appropriate for their age, i.e. puppy, adult or senior. Some dogs can be prone to overfeeding. Therefore, parents should monitor calorie consumption and weight level. Make sure your Ridgeback has access to clean water at all times.
Thai Ridgeback Black | Blue | Red | Colors
Thai Ridgebacks can have different coat colors: solid blue, black, red or fawn. Red coated Thai Ridgebacks can sometimes have black masks.
Thai Ridgeback Price | Cost
The price of Thai Ridgebacks varies greatly given that they are a fairly rare breed outside of their native Thailand. The Average Price of a Thai Ridgeback Puppy 1s $1700 to $2000 without copyright. However, parents looking for top-breed lines should expect to pay at least $5,000.
Are Thai Ridgebacks Aggressive
Yes, if they are poorly raised and socialized due to their natural guarding instincts.
How Much Do Thai Ridgebacks Cost
The average price of Thai Ridgebacks is $1700 to $2000 without copyright.
Are Thai Ridgebacks Good Family Dogs
If properly socialized and raised, Thai Ridgebacks make loving and loyal pets, good for experienced dog owners familiar with dog behavior.
Are Thai Ridgebacks Good Watchdogs
Yes. Thai Ridgebacks are naturally protective dogs that make excellent watchdogs.
Quick Facts About Thai Ridgebacks
- The crest 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 to keep cobras at bay, Thai Ridgebacks can and will kill a cobra.
- In northern Thailand, some Thai Ridgebacks have dew claws on their hind legs.
