Thai Ridgeback Dog

Thai Ridgeback Dog

      They are also known as a Mah Thai Lang Ahn. They is one of only three breeds that has a ridge of hair that runs along its back in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. They 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."

Appearance and Structure

     
    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. The Height of males should be 22-24 inches (56-60 cm.) and females 20-22 inches (51-56 cm.). Life Expectancy are about 12-13 years.

Temperament

  
    They are an intelligent breed. The energy level is typically medium to high, with most of the day spent lounging and activity periods occurring in sporadic bursts. Well bred and properly socialized Thai Ridgebacks make loyal, loving family pets. They are naturally protective of their home and family and can be aggressive or shy when not properly socialized. They are best kept by consistent owners who have a thorough understanding of dog behavior. Because of prior geographic isolation and lack of human contact, the Thai Ridgeback remains independent minded and much of the original natural instinct and drives remain intact, particularly prey drive. Due to its nature, the Thai Ridgeback is not recommended for the novice dog handler. They have an excellent jumping ability and may seek to roam if not properly contained.

Living Conditions 

  
    They will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They prefer warm climates and cannot withstand the cold. This breed should get plenty of exercise, including a daily, long walk.

Health 

  
    They are a hardy, overall healthy breed with few inherent heath issues. The breed has reproduced in Thailand almost exclusively by natural selection until the very recent past. The domesticated population is small. Inbreeding depression has not been observed in the breed. They are prone to dermoid sinus. Modern lines of Thai Ridgeback, resulting from interpopulation crosses, may also be prone to hip dysplasia and other genetic disorders.