Description

The Thai Ridgeback has a loose-skinned, muscular body. Its back is strong, firm, and covered with dense hair. Coat colors include: chestnut, black, blue, and silver. It has a ridge on its back, formed by hair growing in opposite directions which forms whorls and circles. The shoulders are strong and muscular. The head is carried high on the firm, strong, clean cut neck. The muzzle is wedge-shaped and powerful looking. The tongue should be blue or bluish gray. The ears are large, high set, triangular, pricked and inclined forward. The top of the skull is flat and slopes gently to the stop. The dark-brown eyes are almond-shaped with an alert expression. The nose is black and the tail is thicker at the base tapering to the tip. The ribs are well sprung with no hint of a barrel appearance. The hind legs are long and moderately lean and bend slightly to the stifles. The back of the neck has extra rolls of skin when the dog is alert. This is particularly noticeable in puppies.

Origin

The Thai Ridgeback can be found in eastern Thailand since the middle ages. Thai farmers value this breed as guard dogs. This very protective dog was known simply as "the cart-following dog."

Temperament

Until recently the Thai Ridgeback was relatively unknown outside of eastern Thailand and is very rare elsewhere. This breed is a good watch, guard and hunting dog, but also makes a nice companion. Tough and active with excellent jumping ability. It is a very active and alert dog but also a bit aloof towards strangers. May be difficult to train. The Thai Ridgeback needs an owner who understands the breed. A Thai who is poorly raised can be aggressive. They require a dominant owner.

Height

Height: Males 22-24 inches (56-60 cm.) Females 20-22 inches (51-56)

Weight

Weight: 51-75 pounds (23-34 kg.)

Known Health Problems

A very healthy breed.

Conditions for Living

Thai Ridgebacks will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They prefer warm climates and cannot withstand the cold.

Exercise Requirments

walk.

Life Expectancy

About 12-13 years.

Grooming

The Thai Ridgeback does not need a lot of grooming. An occasional combing and brushing to remove the dead hair will do.

Group

FCI'S CLASSIFICATION Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types) Section 8 (Primitive Type Hunting Dogs with a ridge on the back), Without working