The Thai Ridgeback is an intelligent, active, and tough dog breed. The dog has an excellent jumping ability; it is loyal to its owner and has a powerful survival instinct.
This guide will briefly go over every aspect of the Thai Ridgeback, such as its characteristics, history, nutrition requirements, temperament, and much more.
Thai Rideback’s History
While the Thai Ridgeback has existed naturally for centuries, it was not until 350 years ago that the breed was domesticated for different purposes. The dog was typically used for hunting down vermins, herding, and guard.
Initially, this strong dog breed was unheard of in Thailand; however, in recent times, it is one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. The Thai Ridgeback is derived from the Funan Ridgeback dog, whose origins date a thousand years.
Thai Ridgeback Characteristics
The Thai Ridgeback is a medium-sized and muscular dog breed, it has prick ears, a wedge-shaped head, and a blue spotted or black tongue. The coat of the Thai Ridgeback is short and smooth and can have different colors.
The dog’s tail is curved upward or vertically, and it has a distinct ridge at the back. The ridge can be arranged into eight different patterns and is formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction from the rest of the dog’s coat.
The Thai Ridgeback is athletic and agile and has an excellent jumping ability. While initially bred as a hunting dog, the Thai Ridgeback is also good as a companion dog.
How Big Can A Thai Ridgeback Get?
The average weight and height for Thai Ridgebacks:
- Height: 56 to 60 cm (22 to 24 inches)
- Weight: 23 to 34 kilos
How Long Can A Thai Ridgeback Live?
The average Lifespan for a Thai Ridgeback is 12 to 13 years.
How Much Does A Thai Ridgeback Cost?
The average price of the Thai Ridgeback is between $ 1000 to 3000. However, these prices can fluctuate; you can spend a bit more or less. The price depends on the pedigree and the breeder. You also need to factor in the food bowls, kennels, toys, and bedding.
Thai Ridgeback Personality/Temperament
The Thai Ridgeback is one of the most loyal dog breeds globally. However, Ridgebacks are also primitive, which means they can be stubborn sometimes. Thai Ridgebacks require a strict owner or trainer who can keep them on their toes all the time.
Thai Ridgebacks are prone to pushing the boundaries and can run out of the house or escape in the yard. This dog breed can become overprotective of the owner and act aggressively towards strangers. To avoid aggression towards strangers, you will need to socialize with the dog early. With proper socialization at an early age, the Thai Ridgeback can become friendly and outgoing.
Lastly, the Thai Ridgeback has a powerful prey drive, which means you cannot let the dog room freely in parks or public areas. As soon as the dog sees something as potential prey, such as a rabbit or a squirrel, it will chase it.
Thai Ridgeback’s Nutrition
The Thai Ridgeback requires high-quality food. The food can be commercially manufactured or homemade. Try feeding your dog organic dog food or wet dog food. However, the diet should be according to the age of the dog.
Some dogs are prone to gaining weight, so you need to watch their calorie consumption. While training, you can also feed the Thai Ridgeback dog treats. However, give the treats in moderation as overconsumption can lead to obesity.
How Do You Groom A Thai Ridgeback?
The coat of a Thai Ridgeback is short and smooth. While Thai Ridgeback is known to have a crest of hair along the spine, not every dog has that. The color of the coat varies and can be red, blue, or black. You will need to occasionally brush the dog with the help of a dog brush.
Apart from grooming, you will need to bathe the Thai Ridgeback at least once a month. The nails of the dog grow fast, so you should trim them regularly. Buy nail clippers for dogs for clipping.
Activity Levels of a Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback should exercise several times a day. The dog you can take the dog to the backyard or a park and play with it.
Try activities such as hiking, fetching, swimming, and hide and seek with the dog. If you stay in an apartment, short walks in the hallway will be a good exercise for the Thai Ridgeback. You can enroll the Thai Ridgeback in dog sports programs as well.
Health Concerns for Thai Ridgeback
While the Thai Ridgeback is generally a healthy dog, it can occasionally suffer from health issues. There are two types of health issues that can affect the Thai RidgeBack:
Hip Dysplasia
CHD (Canine hip dysplasia) is a health issue in dogs that grows as the animal gets older. In hip dysplasia, the hip joint becomes unstable. There are several symptoms of hip dysplasia that you can keep an eye on, such as limb dysfunction, hip pain, and progressive joint changes.
The hip joint is a socket joint and is shaped like a ball. The continuous movement of the ball (femoral head) can deform the socket (Acetabulum). In the long-term, hip dysplasia can lead to cartilage loss, development of scar tissue around joints, and bone spurs (Osteophytes) around the socket and ball.
Dermoid Sinus
The Dermoid Sinus is a defect in the neural tube and is found along the dog’s tail, neck and back. Dermoid sinus can appear in dogs at birth and is popular among Thai Ridgebacks. The neural tubes drain the tissue, hair, and dead cells out of the body.
When the neural tubes don’t perform their normal functions, they can develop an abscess and become infected. Some common symptoms of dermoid sinus are an appearance of a tube under the dog’s skin, neurological concerns, or an infection.
Breeds Similar To a Thai Ridgeback
- Boer Hounds
- Greyhounds
- Great Danes
- Mastiffs
- Bloodhounds
- Khoikhoi
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Phu Quoc Ridgeback
Best Dog Food for Thai Ridgebacks
The best dog food for Thai Ridgeback is Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food. This dog food is made of barley and chicken. It supports your dog’s whole-body growth and nourishment with its super healthy diet. This easy-to-digest formula is free from artificial ingredients such as flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- Promotes shiny coat and nourishes skin with vitamin E and omega fatty acids.
- Provides a better immune system through the blend of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Makes muscles stronger with its protein-rich formula.
Best Puppy Food for Thai Ridgebacks
The best puppy food for Thai Ridgeback is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This puppy food is made of chicken which is a good source of protein. It fulfills your pup’s protein need and provides the healthy muscle.
- Ensures healthy growth through ARA and DHA in the recipe.
- Develops brain and improves vision with taurine.
- Contains minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins for stronger immunity.
Best Dog Crate for Thai Ridgebacks
The best dog crate for Thai Ridgeback is MidWest Ovation Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This crate a garage-like door structure that provides convenient access to your pal. The door can be easily lifted and used.
- Protects your dog from injury with rounded corners.
- Improves security through slide-bolt latches.
- Adjust the size with the divider panel.
Best Dog Bed for Thai Ridgebacks
The best dog bed for Thai Ridgeback is American Kennel Club Blanket & Burlap Stripes Pillow Dog Bed. This bed by American Kennel Club has an ultra-soft material that makes it extra cozy. It makes a great place for your dog to sleep.
- Equipped with a free blanket.
- Features a non-skid bottom that helps the bed to stay in a place.
- Supports a washable design.
Best Dog Harness for Thai Ridgebacks
The best dog harness for Thai Ridgeback is PetSafe Deluxe Easy Walk Nylon Reflective No Pull Dog Harness. This harness has been designed to discourage your dog from pulling on the leash.
- Super convenient operation due to quick-snap buckles.
- Includes reflective straps and high-quality nylon material.
- Contains a martingale loop.
Recommended Reading:
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