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.
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 / Weight
Height: Males 22-24 inches (56-60 cm.) Females 20-22 inches (51-56)
Weight: 51-75 pounds (23-34 kg.)
According to the official standard of the FCI, there also are no weight requirements.
Health Problems
Health Problems: A very healthy breed with somtime a fatal genetic fault named Dermoid-Sinus-Cyst (DSC or DS)
Living Conditions
The Thai Ridgeback will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They prefer warm climates and cannot withstand the cold.
Exercise
This breed should get plenty of exercise.
Life Expectancy
About 12-15 years.
Grooming
The Thai Ridgeback does not need a lot of grooming. An occasional combing and brushing to remove the dead hair will do.
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."
