Thai Ridgeback

Thai Ridgebacks have only been domesticated for approximately 350 years. Before that, they were free-range dogs, roaming southeastern Asia in packs and easily identifiable by their wedge-shaped heads, pointed muzzles, erect ears, pigmented tongues, and curved tails. The breed remains incredibly rare outside of Thailand but has been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) since 1997. The AKC assigns the Thai Ridgeback its Hound Group designation. Alternate names for this dog include Mah Thai Lang Ahn and Pariah Dog.

Thai Ridgebacks’ coats come in a variety of colors, including black, red, blue, fawn, and brindle. Not every Thai Ridgeback has the distinctive crest of hair running along its spine that gives the breed its name. Thai Ridgebacks are extremely intelligent and headstrong. For this reason, they’re not recommended for first-time dog owners.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Thai Ridgeback

Size and Weight

For medium-sized dogs, Thai Ridgebacks are extremely muscular and strong. Adult males are significantly larger than adult females. Males will grow to a height of 22 to 24 inches and a weight between 50 and 75 pounds, while females will grow to a height of 20 to 22 inches and a weight between 35 and 55 pounds. Thai Ridgeback puppies typically achieve their full growth by one year of age.

Common Health Issues

A healthy Thai Ridgeback can live to be 12 or 13 years old. Since they’re not very well known in the U.S., there’s not much inbreeding, which means that on the whole, Thai Ridgebacks are hearty, healthy canines that don’t suffer from a lot of congenital diseases.

One hereditary health condition that’s found in a few Thai Ridgebacks is Dermoid Sinus, an abnormal fistula that’s prone to infection. Thai Ridgebacks may develop hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, too, particularly if they’re overfed. Additionally, these dogs are more prone than most to developing dental disease, so maintaining good oral hygiene practices is essential.

Temperament

Thai Ridgebacks have very independent personalities. Their temperaments are headstrong; they like getting their own way, and without firm, consistent training, they are likely to display aggressive behavior toward everyone outside their human family. Though they are loyal to every member of their human family, they are one-person canines at heart, so they often develop a particularly close attachment to the human who trained them.

Another one of their distinctive character traits is their fondness for escaping and cruising the neighborhood on their own. Don’t make the mistake of assuming a wall will keep them in your backyard. Thai Ridgebacks are among the best jumpers in the canine world and can easily clear a five-foot fence without so much as a running start.

How To Take Care of Thai Ridgebacks

Thai Ridgebacks’ unique appearance and personalities present some challenges to owners. If you want to make sure your dog lives a happy, fulfilling life, you’ll need to pay special attention to your dog’s diet, grooming, and exercise needs, and you’ll have to take the time to train him or her properly.

The Best Dog Food

Adult dogs should be fed 2 to 4 cups of high-quality kibble per day. Opt for dry kibble dog food to maintain proper oral health. You can supplement your dog’s diet with certain human foods like cottage cheese, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Never let your dog beg at the table, however, because this can lead to obesity, and you’ll discover that it’s a very hard habit to break your dog of.

These dogs, one year or older, only require daily feeding once a day. A puppy who’s less than three months old should be fed four times a day. Puppies between three and six months should be fed three times a day, while puppies between the ages of six months and a year should be fed twice a day.

Maintenance And Grooming

These dogs don’t require extensive grooming. They don’t have an undercoat, which means they don’t have dander, so while they’re not completely hypoallergenic, many people with allergies to dog dander can tolerate them. Their short, straight coats only require brushing a couple of times a week to remove loose hair that would otherwise accumulate on your furniture and carpets. Use a rubber curry comb.

You won’t need to bathe your dog very often, either. These dogs have strong, fast-growing nails, however, which do need regular trimming to keep from splitting and tearing. Brush their teeth regularly to prevent the buildup of tartar, which can lead to gum infections and tooth loss.

Training

Due to their independent nature, these dogs can be very challenging to train. Even the most experienced dog handlers often find these canines difficult to work with. Consistent, repetitive training that combines firm correction with positive reinforcement in the form of treats produces the best results.

You’ll need to begin acclimating your puppy to other people and pets just as soon as it has received all vaccinations. These dogs are naturally mistrustful of strangers, but early socialization can help them grow more comfortable in unfamiliar situations.

Exercise

These are extremely athletic dogs who require a lot of exercise. Without adequate exercise, these dogs are liable to become destructive. Anticipate at least two brisk half-hour walks a day, although more exercise is preferable. These dogs are excellent swimmers, hikers, and runners. Due to their high prey drive and innate distrust of strangers, this breed does not perform well in group play situations with other dogs.

One of the reasons the dog was domesticated in its native Thailand was to pull small carts; therefore, it is exceptionally well-suited for drafting trials, as well as for other canine sports such as agility, rally, lure coursing, and obedience. These dogs also like indoor games like hide-and-seek.

Puppies

These dogs are still quite rare in the U.S., so it’s likely you’re going to have to search before you locate a reputable breeder. Plan on adopting your puppy as soon as it’s weaned because it’s essential to begin socializing puppies as soon as possible.

Thai Ridgebacks And Children

A properly socialized dog makes a wonderful pet for a family with older children, but puppies who haven’t been trained are likely to be too rough and tumble for families with younger children.

Dogs similar to the Thai Ridgeback

Cane Corsos, Australian Cattle Dogs, and Rottweilers all have traits in common with these dogs.

• Australian Cattle Dogs: One of the Thai Ridgeback’s most distinctive physical features is its upright, pointed ears. The Australian Cattle Dog also shares this trait. One reason for this may be that Australian Cattle Dogs are descendants of Australia’s very own pariah dog, the dingo. In the U.S., Australian Cattle Dogs are more commonly known as red or blue heelers.
• Cane Corsos: Like Thai Ridgebacks, Cane Corsos are highly intelligent and extremely independent. Neither breed is recommended for inexperienced dog owners. Like Thai Ridgebacks, Cane Corsos are highly protective of their human families and make excellent watchdogs.
• Rottweilers: Rottweilers were originally bred in Germany to assist farmers in driving cattle to market. However, in the 19th century, they also began pulling carts for butchers. Thai Ridgebacks were used to pull carts in their native Thailand.

Thai Ridgebacks vs Rhodesian Ridgebacks

While Thai Ridgebacks and Rhodesian Ridgebacks both have a dorsal crest of hair that follows their backbone down to their tail and rises when they get excited or agitated, they don’t otherwise look that much alike. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are physically larger and heavier, their ears flop, and their personalities are gentler and more affectionate.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks originate from the southern regions of Africa, which are approximately 6,000 miles distant from Thailand. Genetic studies have, however, demonstrated that the two breeds are distant cousins, descended from a common ancestor who lived approximately 1,000 years ago.