Thai Ridgeback
A ridge of reversed hair down the back, arrived at entirely separately from the Rhodesian. Thai, primitive in type, and independent to the point of aloof.
Overview
The Thai Ridgeback is one of only three ridged breeds in the world, alongside the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Phu Quoc dog, and the ridge is a strip of hair growing forward against the coat along the spine. It developed in eastern Thailand in relative isolation and was largely unknown outside the country until the 1990s.
It is a primitive breed with a very short coat and an athletic build, used as a guard and a hunter.
Temperament
Independent, alert and genuinely aloof. Thai Ridgebacks are loyal to their own household and deeply suspicious of strangers, and they are not a biddable breed.
They are primitive in temperament: strong prey drive, strong territorial instinct, and a real inclination to make their own decisions. They are excellent jumpers and climbers. This is not a first dog and it needs an experienced owner with time for heavy socialisation.
Care and grooming
A very short coat, a weekly rub down, minimal shedding. Almost no work.
Dermoid sinus is linked to the ridge gene, as in the Rhodesian Ridgeback, and puppies should be checked at birth. Hip dysplasia occurs. Twelve to thirteen years.
Living and exercise
An hour and a half a day plus a genuinely secure fence with height, because they climb.
They are rare outside Thailand and they are not off lead dogs. They suit an experienced owner who wants a primitive breed and understands what that means.
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