Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback is a unique and ancient breed, originating from the Eastern region of Thailand. Renowned for its athleticism, agility and strength, this breed spent most of it’s history -which dates back centuries –  in isolation. Initially used for hunting and guarding in remote Thai villages, the Thai Ridgeback remained relatively unknown outside its homeland until recent years.

Characterized by a distinctive ridge of hair along its back, the Thai Ridgeback is a charming yet reserved dog. Despite their rarity outside Thailand they are gaining recognition and appreciation for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature.

Recognized recently by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as part of their foundation stock service, and listed with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), in Group 5 Section 5 for spitz and primitive type hunting dogs

History & Origins Of The Thai Ridgeback

Thai Ridgebacks are believed to have existed in Thailand for centuries. The historic records back this up, with documents referencing the breed stretching back over 360 years. Their lineage likely includes local dogs from the eastern part of the country, selectively bred for their hunting and guarding abilities. But it is also expected to have a yet unidentified common ancestor with the other ridgebacks – the Rhodesian Ridgeback from Africa and the Phu Quoc Ridgeback from Vietnam.

The plot thickens though as these breeds all developed in different  parts of the world, for the most part in isolation. It is this isolated breeding through natural selection that helped maintain its distinctive characteristics, such as the ridge of hair running along its back and particularly strong health.

Initially they served as versatile farm dogs, used for their hunting and guarding skills. Merchants and farmers would use these dogs as travelling companions, guarding their carts from foes and watching over their families. Until recently, the breed remained relatively obscure outside its native region. One of the reasons why it has been able to retain it’s original type. In recent decades though, enthusiasts have started to introduce the Thai Ridgeback to the international dog community. While they are still rare to find outside of their native eastern Thailand, the breed has been recognized by some of the major international kennel clubs, with more likely to follow suit as the breed becomes more populous abroad.

Quick Facts About The Thai Ridgeback

• Agile and Athletic – Thai Ridgebacks are known for their agility and strength. They are natural athletes and do best in environments where they get plenty of physical activity.

• Loyal and Protective – This breed is deeply loyal to its family and makes an excellent guard dog. Their fiercely protective nature ensures they are always alert and on guard to potential threats.

• Independent and Intelligent – Thai Ridgebacks possess a strong-willed, independent streak. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, but only with an experienced trainer as they can be notoriously stubborn and strong willed.

• Distinctive Appearance – One of the most notable features of the Thai Ridgeback is the ridge of hair along their back, which grows in the opposite direction to the rest of their coat.

• Reserved with Strangers – Thai Ridgebacks can be wary of strangers, making early socialization important. They are often aloof with people they don’t know but are affectionate with their family.

Characteristics Of The Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback is known by only a few names and nicknames. The most common is simply ‘Thai Ridgeback,’ or ‘Thai Ridgeback Dog’ which is how they are described in the FCI breed standard. You might also hear them referred to as ‘Mah Thai Lung Arn,’ which is simply their name in Thai. Another nickname is ‘TRD,’ an acronym used by enthusiasts and commonly seen around the internet. Though rare outside of Thailand, the breed is gaining recognition worldwide.

Thai Ridgeback Puppies

Thai Ridgeback puppies are typically born in litters of four to six, though larger litters are not uncommon. After spending the first critical weeks with their mother and littermates, they are usually ready for new homes at around eight to ten weeks of age, depending on their development and health checks.

When purchasing a Thai Ridgeback from a reputable breeder, potential owners can expect to pay between $1,500 to $3,000 in the USA, depending on factors like lineage and breeder reputation. For a good pedigree suitable for show, you can expect to pay double that price or more. In the UK, prices can vary significantly due to the breed’s rarity, often starting around £1,500 and a similar price should be expected in Europe. In either case you can expect to be put on a waiting list after declaring interest with a breeder, as only a few of these pups are available every year.

Appearance

The Thai Ridgeback is a medium to large, primitive type of dog with a strong, muscular build. They are described as being naturally athletic and active, with a tough body to suit. They typically stand between 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 35 to 75 pounds across the sexes, and males are generally larger than females. One of their most distinctive features is the ridge of hair along their back, which grows in the opposite direction to the rest of their coat. The ridge can take the form of around 8 different types of pattern, and in some cases pups are born without the ridge.

Their head is typically wedge-shaped and flat between the ears. Almond-shaped eyes are usually dark brown, but sometimes amber in blue colored dogs. The ears are large and stand erect, giving them a keen, alert expression. The tail is typically carried high and can be either straight or slightly curved.

The breed’s overall appearance is one of strength and agility, combined with a sleek, streamlined body that enhances their speed and endurance. Natural athletes indeed.

Coat

The Thai Ridgeback’s coat is short and smooth, lying close to the body. Typical of the ridgebacks – and where the name comes from – these dogs have a ridge on the top of their back formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. This should be easily recognizable against the rest of their coat. The FCI standard describes that the ridge must be symmetrical on either side of the backbone.

Color

Both the AKC and the FCI describe four solid colors registered in the breed standard. These are black, blue, red and fawn. One extra note in the FCI standard, is that a black mask is preferred (but not a deal breaker) in those with a red coat. 

Temperament

In a sentence, Thai Ridgebacks are intelligent, independent, and loyal. Those three words sum the breed up to a tee, but need expanding on to get the whole picture. Each of these three traits needs an experienced owner to bring the best out of the dog. While they display clear intelligence, they are also very strong willed and stubborn.

Their independence and tough nature served them well often fending for themselves, but gives them a natural wariness and reserved nature with strangers. Their devoted loyalty makes them great guard dogs, but again needs to be carefully trained and socialized for them to be well adapted companions in a home. They also retain a strong hunting prey drive and if they are to coexist peacefully with other pets then this needs to be conditioned with an experienced trainer.

With the right owner or family, these active dogs can be exceptional loving companions – house or hunting – and excellent guard dogs too.

Lifespan

Thai Ridgebacks typically live between 12 to 13 years, or by the AKC’s latest estimate 14 to 15 years with proper care and good health.

Known Health Issues

While the Thai Ridgeback is generally a healthy breed, there are a few issues that you might need to look out for. These are some of the known health issues to look out for:

Dermoid Sinus – This congenital condition involves the presence of skin cysts along the spine, which can become infected.

• Treatment: Surgical removal is often necessary to prevent infection and further complications.

Hip Dysplasia – A common joint condition where the hip socket doesn’t fully cover the ball of the upper thighbone.

• Treatment: Weight management, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery in severe cases.

Hypothyroidism – An underactive thyroid gland that can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.

• Treatment: Daily thyroid hormone replacement therapy prescribed by a veterinarian.

Elbow Dysplasia – A developmental condition affecting the elbow joints, similar to hip dysplasia that causes pain and lameness.

• Treatment: Weight control, physical therapy, and surgical intervention in severe cases.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) – A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, cutting off blood supply. It is usually seen in dog breeds like the Thai Ridgeback, that have a deep and narrow chest. 

• Treatment: Depending on the severity, immediate veterinary intervention may be critical, to diagnose and treat the condition. Bloat may require surgery to untwist the stomach and stabilize the dog. In most cases though it is not quite as severe, but dogs are still are usually hospitalized to receive fluids and medication for pain or nausea. Preventative measures include feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise around meal times

Daily Life

Food and Diet

An adult Thai Ridgeback typically requires 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry kibble per day, divided into two meals. Choose kibble rich in meat-based proteins such as chicken or lamb and low in fillers like corn, wheat, and soy to maintain their energy levels and overall health.

Given their muscular build and active lifestyle, a diet with adequate protein and fat content is essential to support their physical needs. Most reputable dog food companies, even the major commercial brands should be fine as long as your dog doesn’t have any intolerances. 

For puppies, more frequent feedings are necessary to support their rapid growth and high energy levels. Feeding them three to four small meals a day with a puppy-specific formula ensures they receive the right balance of nutrients. As with all dogs, as Thai Ridgebacks age, their metabolism slows, requiring adjustments to their diet. Switching to a senior-specific formula that is lower in calories but still rich in essential nutrients helps manage their weight and health.

Treats are a great training aid with these dogs, but should be given in moderation. Fresh water should always be available to keep them hydrated.

Exercise

Thai Ridgebacks are an athletic, active breed and they need regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Daily walks, playtime in a secure yard, and activities like fetch or agility training are ideal. At least 60 minutes of exercise per day is recommended to burn off their high energy levels.

They also benefit from mental stimulation through puzzle toys and interactive games. Due to their strong prey drive and stubborn independence, it’s really important to keep them on a leash or in a safe, enclosed space when outside. Their prey drive can however, provide more avenues for imaginative play and toys such as snuffle balls, to keep their minds well stimulated.

Family Compatibility

Thai Ridgebacks are naturally wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs, but their behavior needs to be well trained and conditioned to keep them well adapted. They do best in homes where they can receive plenty of attention and structured activities, as they can become bored and potentially destructive if left alone for long periods. Routine is vital for these dogs, and a firm but fair and patient owner is key. They are by no means apartment or city dogs and should always be supervised around young children or unfamiliar dogs and pets.

They are loyal and protective of their family members that’s for sure, but they need consistent training and socialization to manage their independent nature. I know I might sound repetitive on this, but it’s really important.

Training & Socializing

The Thai Ridgeback is not the dog for a novice owner or trainer. They need an experienced hand, someone that has the skill and experience to manage their fiercely independent nature. It’s really important in order to get the best out of their behavior and adjust them well to family life. Training should start early, and socialization training should be a big part of that. They are naturally reserved and wary of strangers, so introducing them to other people and places early is essential for them to get a grasp of acceptable behavior, and an understanding of who is the boss.

For an experienced owner with plenty of patience, these dogs can be very capable, and well adapted guardians or companions. As natural athletes with exceptional hunting abilities they can also do well in training that harnesses these instincts. 

Grooming

Grooming a Thai Ridgeback is relatively easy due to their short, straight coat. Occasional brushing will help control shedding, and occasional baths keep them clean and odor-free. More frequent brushing will be needed during the shedding season to keep the coat tidy and healthy, but they don’t have an undercoat so its about as easy as it gets for brushing a dog.

The nails grow quick on a ridgeback, so keep your clippers handy to trim as and when they get a bit long. Ears should also be checked occasionally to remove any wax or grime that may otherwise cause infection or discomfort. 

Breed Traits

Breed FAQs

Summary

The Thai Ridgeback is a unique and ancient breed, with a vert recognizable and charming appearance. Their independent nature, and reserved attitude to strangers can be challenging and they are not really suitable for first time or inexperienced dog owners. To an experienced hand that can make themselves known as the boss, they can be great dogs. Loyal as can be and very protective, making them excellent companions for those willing to invest in their training and care. With proper socialization and exercise, Thai Ridgebacks can thrive in active households and form strong bonds with their families.

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