Thai Ridgeback Dog Breed Information

Group

Foundation Stock Service

Weight

23-34 kg

Height

56-60 cm

Lifespan

11-13 years

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About the Thai Ridgeback

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

This is a breed of dog for whom the right owner may be as rare as the breed itself. The Thai Ridgeback is an elite southeast Asian breed of dog whose history is undoubtfully one of the most unique backstories in the world of dogs.

Unless you are willing to go to Thailand to get one of these dogs, you probably won’t find one, however, if you do, you can expect to not only pay top dollar but end up with one of the most elite dogs around.

What is the history & origin of the Thai Ridgeback?

The origin story of Thai Ridgebacks begins with a primitive breed of pariah dogs in their native Thailand. That is a dog whose early development occurred on the fringes of human colonization; not really welcomed into it. As such, this breed was considered an outcast and of less quality than other dog breeds.

Though the actual origin of the breed has not been conclusively determined, it is believed to have started around three and a half centuries ago and is possibly a descendant of the now-extinct Hottentot dog breed.

Eventually, the local population began to domesticate these dogs for utilitarian reasons. In eastern Thailand, for example, they were used for hunting cobras so keep the areas around the villages safe.

Today, the vast majority of these dogs are only found in Thailand. In fact, there are only a few hundred known to exist elsewhere.

What is a Thai Ridgeback breed?

Also called the Mah Thai Lang Ahn, some Thai Ridgebacks still live in the wild jungles of southeast Asia and some bloodlines are still undomesticated.

Though they tend to be primarily dark in colour, they don’t have a wide variety of coat colours. The most common are:

Light fawn
Black
Red
Blue
Yellow
White (this is the rarest of this rare breed).

There are only 3 known breeds of ridgeback dog; the Rhodesian and the Phu Quoc Ridgebacks being the others. These dogs have a line of fur that runs down their spines but in the opposite direction to the rest of their coats.

For unknown reasons, Thais that originate from northern Thailand have a dew claw on their hind paws.

The Thai Ridgeback breed group is a United Kennel Club recognized breed and is also recognized by the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club.

Who is a Thai Ridgeback best for?

As far as the pet quality of this breed goes, the Thai Ridgeback has many factors to think about.

While other dogs are considered loyal, these dogs redefine what ‘very loyal’ means. They get very close to the family members they grew up with.

Most experts call the Thai Ridgeback a one-owner-dog because of how very emotionally close to its owner it becomes and remains throughout its life span.

This is a trait that makes this dog difficult to adopt as a rescue dog, in the highly unlikely event you ever found one in an animal shelter. However, that does not mean it is impossible to take in one as a rescue. They understand loyalty and thus respond to it. So, the first move will be yours.

If socialized properly from an early age, they are very good with children, including younger children. However, they are not good with strangers, with other dogs, or with other pets in general. They have a very high prey drive, so pet bunnies and hamsters are not a good idea either.

The best Thai Ridgeback owners are people who are very experienced dog owners. This is not the best dog to pick as your entry-level pooch.

Thai Ridgeback Grooming & Shedding

One of the best traits that separate this breed from other dogs, and especially from long-haired breeds, is that the Thai Ridgeback is a very low-maintenance breed.

The Thai Ridgeback’s coat is a short coat with a thin undercoat. While it is a smooth coat, their dog hair is rough to the touch. The absolute most important grooming tool is a rubber curry brush. This will keep their coat shiny and beautiful.

They do not require extensive brushing and only need a bath once every 4 to 6 weeks. In addition to this, they are average shedders and not really known for drooling.

As with any outdoor breed of dog, you need to monitor their ears and teeth, as well as their nails. Their teeth are especially important as some are prone to dental issues.

Do Thai Ridgebacks bark a lot?

These dogs are not big on talking. In fact, they have a very low propensity for barking and howling. If you do hear them, then that generally means there is a reason and they are most likely attempting to get your attention.

What is the average weight & height of a Thai Ridgeback?

Thai Ridgebacks are sturdy but nevertheless, medium-sized dogs. As far as overall dog size is concerned, their weight is pretty standard between the sexes, but the males tend to be taller than females.

Both males and females have an average weight of:

23 kg to 34 kg

In regards to height:

Males average 56 to 60 cm
Females average 51 to 56 cm

Are Thai Ridgebacks easy to train?

These are not the best dog for trainability. They can be trained, but it is typically rather difficult. It also generally requires an experienced dog behaviour expert.

Nevertheless, they need to be properly socialized and they should begin obedience and behavioural training as puppies. It is very important to help control their very high prey drive and prevent them from becoming aggressive with strangers.

With that said, these dogs will make very good guard dogs if properly trained. Also, this is an active dog that has an excellent jumping ability making it perfect for dog sports.

How do Thai Ridgebacks behave? A look at their temperament and personality

There are several positive personality traits that the Thai Ridgeback possesses. They are friendly dogs with above-average intelligence, They are also extremely loyal yet very independent, affectionate and protective of their loved ones.

This is a rare breed and honestly speaking, so are the best owners for them. They are very strong, muscular, headstrong active dogs, and are equally great for dog sports as they are for guard dogs.

Does the Thai Ridgeback have any common health issues?

The Thai Ridgeback is generally a healthy breed that doesn’t tend to suffer from many congenital health problems.

Regarding their health, Thai Ridgebacks can suffer from the following health problems:

Dermoid Sinus Cysts: A condition where hair grows into the skin along the spine, which may require surgical removal.
Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, leading to pain and arthritis.
Patellar Luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates, causing lameness and discomfort.
Dental Issues: Thai Ridgebacks can be prone to dental problems, so regular dental care is important.

What is the lifespan of a Thai Ridgeback?

The Thai Ridgeback breed group has a normal life span. They typically live 11 to 13 human years or to the doggo age of 69 to 79 years old.

How much does a Thai Ridgeback need to be fed?

These dogs have a hearty appetite. They should be fed between 440 grams to 880 grams of high-quality dog food daily. Most of these dogs prefer kibble but be sure that they also have clean fresh water readily available all day long.

This is a breed group that owners can also add some human food into their diets. These dogs especially like:

Cooked eggs
Fruits
Cottage cheese
Vegetables.

As puppies, they should have their food divided into several meals throughout the day. However, adult Thai Ridgebacks can be fed twice a day and that is fine.

How much can you expect to pay for a Thai Ridgeback in Australia?

Although currently, it isn’t possible to find the Thai Ridgeback in Australia, we provide an average price range that is consistent with other countries.

You can expect a Thai Ridgeback puppy to cost between $1,000 and $3,000. However, for high-quality bloodlines, a payment of up to $5,000 can be expected.

Thai Ridgeback FAQs

How rare are Thai Ridgebacks?

This is one of the rarest breeds of dogs. The easiest place to find one of these pups is in their homeland of Thailand. Outside of Thailand, it becomes increasingly difficult. In the United States, for example, there are only 300 known to exist.

Is a Thai Ridgeback hypoallergenic?

Though this may be a good choice for those who have a mild sensitivity to animal dander, these are not hypoallergenic dogs in any sense. All allergies are marked by sensitivity, so if you have any concerns, this is not the dog for you.

What is the difference between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Thai Ridgeback?

There are several differences between these two breeds of dog. The first is colour. Thai Ridgebacks are silver, while Rhodesians are tan. Secondly, Thais have pointy ears, while Rhodesians have flatter ears. And Thais have a more family-friendly temperament than Rhodesians.