Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback is native to Thailand. The coat on the Thai Ridgeback comes in many colors. These include colors like silver, blue, black and chestnut. These dogs are known for their muscular body. They are also very loose skinned. Their backs are firm and string. It is covered with thick hair. They get their name because of the ridge of hair on its back. This is formed because the hair on this part of their back, grow in opposite direction as compared to the rest of the hair growth on their body. As a result the hair stands out in the form of circle or whorls. The shape of neck on these dogs is a clean cut one. The placement of their heads is high. It is placed strong and firm.

They have wedge shaped muzzle. It looks very powerful. The color of the tongue of the Thai Ridgeback should be bluish gray or all blue. They have triangular ears. It is set high on their heads. They incline forward due to their large structure. They have a flat skull. The eyes of the Thai Ridge back are almond in shape. The general expression because of their eyes, muzzle and ears is that of alertness. Their tail tapers as it moves towards the edge. It is very thick at the base. These dogs have well sprung ribs. They have moderately lean hind legs. They are long and they bend slightly. When the Thai Ridgeback goes into alert mode, one can see rolls of skin stand out on the back of their necks.

The average height on the Thai Ridgebacks for a fully grown adult varies anywhere from 22 inches (56 cm) to 24 inches (60 cm). Their female counterparts stand tall anywhere between 20 inches (51 cm) to 22 inches (56 cm). For a Thai Ridgeback on a good diet with a healthy way of living, their weight varies anywhere between 51 pounds (23 kg) to around 75 pounds (34 kg). Thai Ridgebacks of any given weight are accepted by the FCI as there are no restrictions on their weights. The life expectancy on these dogs is said to be around 12 to 13 years. These dogs are said to have originated in Thailand as the name suggests, and they have existed since the middle ages.

Thai Ridgebacks are healthy breeds in most conditions. They need constant exercise. They will be suited to living in small apartments and small households, as long as they get a daily work out. They will be most satisfied with a daily long walk at the least. Being native to the humidity and warmth of Thailand, they only survive better in warm and humid places. They do not get well and adjust well to cold and dry places. These dogs need very less maintenance. Due to their short coat, all they need is an occasional grooming. The Thai people have been using these dogs as guard dogs since the middle ages.