Thai Ridgeback Dog: A Comprehensive Guide to for Lovers
The Thai Ridgeback dog is a strong and lean breed that originated in Thailand. They’re known for their unique ridge of hair along their back that grows in the opposite direction from the rest of their fur. Not only are they athletic and powerful, but they are also fiercely loyal, protective, and hard-working.
If you’re interested in learning about the Thai Ridgeback, you’ve come to the right place! This post will give you the lowdown on this adorable pup. So sit tight and get ready to discover everything you need to know!
Overview
| Asian origin: | Thailand |
| Height: | 20-24 inches |
| Weight: | 35-75 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 14-15 years |
| Coat type: | Short, hard, and straight |
| Colors: | Red, black, blue, fawn |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, independent, loyal, bold, protective |
| Suitable for: | Anywhere from large homes to small apartments, experienced owners |
Kid-friendly:
Pet-friendly:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Tendency to bark:
Shedding amount:
History
The Thai Ridgeback is an old breed that was used for hunting in the eastern part of Thailand. People also used them as watchdogs and to escort the carts. Due to poor transportation systems in the area, the breed had fewer opportunities to mate with other breeds, which helped to maintain their unique characteristics. Today, Thai Ridgeback canines are still uncommon outside of Thailand.
Appearance
These medium-sized canines have a striking characteristic of a ridge running down their back. Their body is slightly longer than the height at the withers, and their well-developed muscles make them ideal for various activities.
Temperament
The Thai Ridgeback is a highly energetic and resilient breed with exceptional jumping skills. They are intelligent and possess a strong instinct to survive. In addition, these dogs are fiercely loyal to their families, so they can be great household pets.
Grooming
If you have a Thai Ridgeback, you don’t need to worry too much about grooming their coat. Their fur is short and straight, so you don’t need to brush them too often. Plus, they don’t have an undercoat, which means people with dog allergies might find them less irritating than other breeds.
Bathing your dog a few times per year is enough to keep them clean and looking good. Don’t forget to trim your dog’s nails regularly to prevent them from getting too long and splitting. You should also check their ears regularly to ensure there’s no wax or debris buildup, which could cause an infection. Finally, brush your dog’s teeth regularly.
Exercise
There are different ways you can help Thai Ridgeback exercise. For outdoor activities, take them for a walk, play in a fenced backyard, go swimming or hiking, or play fetch with a ball or flying disc. If you live in an apartment, short walks in the hallway can be a good option, especially when the weather is terrible.
However, these canines have a strong instinct to hunt and guard, so they may be interested in chasing after rabbits or squirrels. It’s best always to keep them on a leash when you take them outside, especially in unfenced areas or on trails.
Training
Thai Ridgeback canines are naturally cautious around strangers and need proper socialization and training. They’re independent, so their owners should have experience with dog behavior. If you’re looking for a fun way to exercise your Thai Ridgeback, consider training them for sports like agility, obedience, or rally.
Health
Thai Ridgebacks are generally healthy dogs, but they may face some health issues, such as hip dysplasia or the Dermoid Sinus Cyst, although these are uncommon. You should find a responsible breeder who can provide education on breed-specific health concerns.
Nutrition
To keep your Thai Ridgeback healthy, you need to feed them high-quality dog food, either store-bought or homemade. And it should match their age, activity level, health conditions, etc. And make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times.
Remember that treats can be helpful for training, but giving too many can lead to obesity. Consult your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s weight or diet.
Living Condition
Thai Ridgebacks are happy in any home, from big ones with large yards to small apartments, as long as they have enough opportunities to exercise both physically and mentally. This breed is very agile and enjoys spending time outdoors, so they make great pets for families who like hiking, running, and long walks.
However, before going outside with your Thai Ridgeback, you should check the weather forecast. These canines are accustomed to warm and humid climates, so they’re not well-suited for cold weather.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Thai Ridgeback Dog
1. They Can Fight Cobras
In 2020, a Thai Ridgeback named Phetch in Udon Thani, a city in northeastern Thailand, faced off with a three-foot-long cobra. The cobra spat venom at Phetch. Then, the brave dog alerted his owner about the danger and provoked the cobra to retreat into a bush, and animal control was able to capture the reptile.
2. A Thai Ridgeback Named Mark Won the World Dog Show in Moscow in 2016
Mark, a Thai ridgeback, has won first place for his breed group at the World Dog Show in Moscow three years in a row. While the breed has yet to receive top honors at major dog shows in the United States, Mark’s consistent victories in Russia highlight his exceptional abilities.
3. Some Thai Ridgebacks Have Dew Claws
Thai Ridgeback dogs from Northern Thailand are sometimes born with extra claws on their back feet, known as dew claws.
Thai Ridgeback Dog for Sale
Finding Thai Ridgeback puppies outside of Southeast Asia can be challenging since they are rare. It may be difficult if you’re looking for a breeder or rescue group in your area. They can also be quite pricey due to their rarity.
Conclusion
The Thai Ridgeback is a medium-sized and muscular dog known for their agility, athleticism, and distinctive ridge on their back. They come in different patterns and coat colors like blue, black, red, or fawn. Although they were originally bred for hunting and guarding, they are mostly kept as companion pets today. These canines are naturally protective of their homes and can be wary of strangers. Therefore, proper socialization and training are needed for them to be good pets. Last but not least, Thai Ridgebacks require an experienced owner who understands their behavior and is patient and consistent.
FAQs
Where Did the Thai Ridgeback Come From?
The Thai Ridgeback breed originates from Thailand.
Is a Thai Ridgeback a Good Family Dog?
Thai Ridgebacks can be good pets for active families, but they are not suitable for everyone. These dogs are intelligent and independent, so they need plenty of exercise and training. They tend to be protective of their families and may not be comfortable with strangers.
How Many Thai Ridgebacks Are in the US?
The Thai Ridgeback breed is very rare outside of Thailand nowadays.
Are Thai Ridgebacks Good With Other Dogs?
Thai Ridgebacks can be good with other dogs, but they can also be dominant. They should be socialized early and trained to get along with other pets.
Do Thai Ridgebacks Bark a Lot?
Thai Ridgebacks are not known for barking a lot. They are relatively quiet dogs.
Are Thai Ridgebacks Hard to Train?
Thai Ridgebacks are intelligent dogs, but they can also be stubborn, so they require patient and consistent training.
Are Thai Ridgebacks Aggressive?
Thai Ridgebacks are loyal and protective of their families but are not known for being aggressive towards people or animals.
How Smart Is Thai Ridgeback?
Thai Ridgebacks are intelligent dogs that can do a variety of tasks. They are also quick learners and may be eager to please their owners.
What Diseases Do Thai Ridgebacks Get?
In general, there are two health problems that can arise in some Thai Ridgebacks: hip dysplasia and the more common Dermoid Sinus Cyst.
Can Thai Ridgebacks Swim?
Thai Ridgebacks are strong swimmers and enjoy playing in the water.
Are Thai Ridgebacks Ears Cropped?
They have pricked ears like the Dingo and are totally natural.
Sources
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/japanese-chin/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/things-you-didnt-know-about-the-japanese-chin/
- https://japanesechinclubofamerica.org/
- https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/what-to-know-about-japanese-chins
About Author
Miha Duong
Miha is the founder of Pet Chao, a place connecting all the Asian dog breed enthusiasts out there! She has a strong love for Asian canines and wants to give them the life they truly deserve. She believes educating ourselves is the key to improving our pets' quality of life.
