How to Identify a Thai Ridgeback

Thai Ridgebacks originated in Thailand [1] and are assigned to the hound group. They were primarily used for hunting in eastern Thailand, along with being a watchdog and escorting carts. In places other than Thailand today, they are known to be a quite rare dog breed. [2] While they do share some characteristics with other dog breeds, they have multiple unique ones as well. This wikiHow will help you with figuring out whether or not a dog is a Thai Ridgeback.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Considering the Body Structure

  1. Thai Ridgebacks are usually anywhere from 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm) tall, and they typically weigh somewhere between 35 to 75 pounds (16 to 34 kg). [3]
  2. Between the dog's ears, their skull should be flat, and when looked at in a side view, the dog's skull should appear to be rounded a little. The dog's forehead should be wrinkled if they're attentive, and the head should also have a medium stop that is defined noticeably. [4]
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  3. Thai Ridgebacks should have triangular-shaped ears that are medium in size and placed on the sides of the dog's skull. Their ears should be pricked in a firm manner and tilt forwards. [5]
  4. Thai Ridgebacks should have eyes that are almond in shape and medium-sized. The dog's eyes should be dark brown in color, unless they are blue, in which case their eyes may be amber in color. [6]
  5. Thai Ridgebacks should carry their tail in a vertical manner, and it should also be curved a little. The tail tip may reach to the point of the dog's hock joints, and you should notice a tail base that is thick, and, going towards the tail tip, the dog's tail should taper gradually. [7]
  6. You should notice a ridge on the back of a Thai Ridgeback that is formed from hair which is short in length. The dog should have muscles that are developed well, and the dog's height at their withers should be a little shorter than their body. The dog's stride should have a good amount of reach. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Examining the Coat

  1. Thai Ridgebacks may be solid blue, Isabella (fawn that is quite light), red, or black in color. Ideally, if the dog is red, you should notice a black mask. [9]
  2. Thai Ridgebacks should have a coat that feels smooth in texture. [10]
  3. Thai Ridgebacks should have a coat that is short in length. [11]
  4. As mentioned earlier, Thai Ridgebacks should have a ridge on their back. On this ridge, the hair should grow in a direction that is opposite from the other areas of the dog's coat. The ridge should be more noticeable compared to the rest of the dog's back, and while it may be a variety of lengths or shapes, you should notice symmetry of the ridge within the back width and any side of the dog's backbone. You may notice a whirl or crown at the top of the dog's ridge. [12]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Looking at Temperament

  1. Thai Ridgebacks are active dogs, and they need exercise every day, through things like games of fetch, walks, or hikes. [13]
  2. Thai Ridgebacks are intelligent dogs, and as a result, they typically need a good amount of mental stimulation. [14]
  3. While they are intelligent dogs, Thai Ridgebacks may also be independent, and because of this, they will need strong leadership that is also consistent. [15]
  4. Thai Ridgebacks are known to be good watchdogs who are alert and will only typically bark if they feel something is a danger. [16]
    • However, this means that Thai Ridgebacks may not trust those who are not a part of their family, and they may also not do well with dogs. Therefore, they will need socialization from an early age. [17]
  5. Thai Ridgebacks are known to have a high prey drive, meaning they typically can't be left alone outside for a long time due to the potential for escape, and they may chase cats, small dogs, or wild animals. [18]
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      Tips

      • If you want to find out what breed your dog is, consider dog DNA testing. This can help confirm whether or not your dog is a Thai Ridgeback.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/338g05-en.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/thai-ridgeback/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/thai-ridgeback/
      4. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/338g05-en.pdf
      5. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/338g05-en.pdf
      6. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/338g05-en.pdf
      7. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/338g05-en.pdf
      8. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/338g05-en.pdf
      9. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/338g05-en.pdf
      1. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/338g05-en.pdf
      2. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/338g05-en.pdf
      3. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/338g05-en.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/thai-ridgeback-temperament/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/thai-ridgeback-temperament/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/thai-ridgeback-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/thai-ridgeback-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/thai-ridgeback-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/thai-ridgeback-temperament/

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