GENERAL INFORMATION

Calm, confident, dignified, direct, courageous, alert, intelligent. The Thai Ridgeback dog is somewhat aloof with strangers, but is affectionate with their family. The Thai Ridgeback is a tough breed, therefore early socialization is a must. Please remember The Thai Ridgeback dog makes a loyal and wonderful companion, but requires time and training. If you do not have time to properly train your Thai Ridgeback Dog you should consider a different breed. Every dog is perfect for someone, but no breed is suitable for everyone. They are best kept by dominant owners who have a thorough understanding of dog behavior and aggression. Due to its largely undomesticated nature, the Thai Ridgeback is not recommended for the novice dog owner. Before you want to have a Thai Ridgeback dog, please take your time and ask yourself if the dog would fit your life-style.

The Thai Ridgeback is the Royal Dog of Thailand and is known for their remarkable characteristics, high set ears, a straight top line with a distinctive line of hair that grows in the OPPOSITE direction from the rest of the coat along the backbone (ridge), straight tail and a solid blue-black or spotted tongue that looks "dirty" making them look both elegant and fierce simultaneously.

The ridge is created by hair growing in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat and starts at the withers extending down the spine to the top of the pelvis bones and must be confined within the width of the back. This ridge is present at birth.

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The breed is robust yet lightly built and is used for two purposes, as a guard dog and as a hunting dog. It should be a strong, athletic and alert dog, which is suitable for activities and endurance. They are a medium sized canine, with males being slightly larger than the females. Size averages 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 45 to 60 pounds for males and females average 20 to 22 inches tall and weigh 40 to 50 pounds. The body gives an impression of power, with  the back being moderately long and slightly arched over the loin. The chest is deep and the loins wide and muscular. Stifles are only moderately angulated, but the dog must have a good tuck-up of abdomen. These dogs have a very strong wedge-shaped head, almond shaped eyes, and medium sized prick ears.TR puppies are born with droopy ears that stand erect after a few months. Some do however need assistance and are taped to help them stand correctly.

Their colour is solid red, blue, black and fawn. Small amounts of white on the toes and chest are permissible. A black mask is highly prized on red coloured dogs as are blue-black markings on the tongue of all Thai Ridgebacks.

The Thai Ridgeback is an extremely clean breed with little odour or shedding due to its short, smooth tropical coat. The velvet type coat is rare and highly desired and a plush coat is equally rare but a very serious fault in the breed.

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It is important to look at temperament and personality as well as the physical beauty, grace and elegance that is so appealing about the Thai Ridgeback.

All breeds were bred for an original purpose, and although today most dogs are mainly pets, they will still maintain many of the same instincts for the purpose that they were bred. When talking about the temperament of the Thai Ridgeback it must be remembered that they are a pariah: a primitve breed and then used for centuries as a hunter, a guard dog and a companion. They were often expected to provide for themselves and hunt on their own for food, which has given them strong survival instincts and a very high level of intelligence and drive.

In personality, they are a gentle charming but indomitable and independent pet dog.  The breed is well known for being a one man type of dog and it is very devoted to their family, but its strong loyalty embraces all people that are well known. Their attitude towards strangers can range from shy to aloof to very sociable.  The breed can also combine in a charming way, a curious attitude with a large portion of self-esteem. This breed is not for everyone and is generally not for the novice dog owner. They prefer to be the only dog in the home as they are a very independant breed.

 It is very important that the young Thai Ridgeback gets a lot of early socialization. It is equally important that socialization continues throughout the dog's life.

Thai Ridgebacks bred in Thailand are often kennel raised and may not be very well socialized, but in general, they are a fun-loving dog with a get up and go attitude and seems to have a great joy for life. They are often very busy, they love to run and play, have chew toys and can amuse themselves for a very long time. They are not high-strung, but do require their regular periods of exercise.They are affectionate with their families and seem to relish in the comforts of their home. They seem to cherish the warmest and sunniest spot in the house, especially if it is your couch or bed.

They must be encouraged through positive reinforcement methods and do not do well with heavy-handed corrections such as leash jerking and hitting. They can easily become stubborn and defiant if improper methods are used. If done properly they show a great eagerness to please. They are quick learners, and display a high level of intelligence.When Considering a Thai Ridgeback as a pet one must remember these dogs hold strong their primitive instincts. This is a dog that should you decide is no longer suitable for your lifestyle is not easy to rehome and may end up euthanized as they do not adjust well to a new environment and strangers. They will not easily trust someone who they percieve as ripping them away from their trusted family.  If you foresee a major change in lifestyle, marriage, children, then please carefully consider this breeds temperamant BEFORE you comit to one. Remember THIS BREED IS NOT FOR EVERYONE, they can live over 12 years and are a LIFETIME COMIITMENT.