Thai Ridgeback: Size, Temperament, History and Adoption Guide

Thai Ridgeback history and overview

The Thai Ridgeback is a medium-sized dog. The breed's name comes from a ridge of hair along the back. The UKC says the origin of the Thai Ridgeback is unknown, though the breed developed in eastern Thailand, where isolation kept it pure. Written descriptions of the breed date back to the 17th century. The dogs were used for hunting and as guard dogs. The breed is described as still very rare outside Thailand.

The AKC lists it in its Foundation Stock Service, which is not full recognition.

Thai Ridgeback size and weight

The AKC places the Thai Ridgeback in its medium size category. The UKC gives an ideal height of 22-24 inches for mature males and 20-22 inches for females, and says weight should be in proportion to height. The AKC publishes a broader height range of 20-24 inches and a weight range of 35-75 pounds.

Thai Ridgeback personality and temperament: are they good family dogs or aggressive?

The AKC describes the breed's personality as loyal, alert and intelligent. The UKC standard describes the dogs as devoted to family members but inclined to be wary of strangers. The AKC rates the breed high for family affection and protective tendency but low for openness to strangers, and middling for child and dog compatibility. The UKC standard lists viciousness or extreme shyness as a disqualification for the show ring, which suggests aggression is not a breed ideal. Because these dogs tend to be wary of strangers, early socialization and careful introductions to children and other dogs are worth discussing with the dog's current caregivers.

Activity and energy

The UKC standard calls the breed very active and agile, with excellent jumping and climbing abilities. The AKC gives it a middling energy rating but a higher rating for mental enrichment needs.

Do Thai Ridgebacks shed?

The coat is short and smooth. The AKC rates both Thai Ridgeback shedding and grooming frequency in the middle of its scale.

Thai Ridgeback training

The AKC gives the breed a middling trainability rating, and also describes it as intelligent. The AKC rates the breed low for adaptability.

Thai Ridgeback life expectancy

The AKC gives a general life expectancy of 14-15 years for the breed.

How to adopt a Thai Ridgeback

The breed is described as still very rare outside Thailand, so anyone hoping to adopt a Thai Ridgeback may need patience.