The Thai Ridgeback - A rare breed that’s gaining popularity in the UK

Thai Ridgebacks are a rare breed with not many being found outside their native Thailand where they have always been highly prized for being wonderful watchdogs, companions and family pets. Over recent years, more has become known about the breed and people outside of Thailand wanting to familiarise themselves with the breed. Thai Ridgebacks are not Kennel Club recognised, but the United Kennel Club as well as the American Kennel Club now recognise the breed and standards have been established.

A little background history

Although the actual origin of the Thai Ridgeback remains a bit of a mystery, what is known is that because the breed was found in remote regions of Thailand, lines remained very pure. They were highly prized for their hunting and guarding abilities throughout time and it was only very recently when cars and other forms of transport were introduced to the country that more became known about the breed.

Thai Ridgebacks as previously mentioned were recognised by the United Kennel Club in 1996 and by the American Kennel Club in 1997, but for the moment (March 2018), they are not Kennel Club recognised in the UK.

Fun facts about the breed

• The breed was given their name thanks to the ridge down their spines, a trait that other breeds also have namely the Rhodesian Ridgeback, the Phu Quoc Dog, the Cambodian Razorback Dog and the Mha Kon Klab
• Some Thai Ridgebacks have spotted tongues whereas others can have blue/black tongues much like the Chow Chow
• The breed has around 8 different types of “ridge patterns”
• Thai Ridgebacks will face up to a cobra and kill the snake if they have to
• Some Thai Ridgebacks are born with plush coats and do not have ridges down their backs which although considered a “fault” and dogs should be spayed or neutered, they still make fantastic companions and family pets

Dominant dogs by nature

Thai Ridgebacks are dominant characters by nature and are happier when they know who is boss. They are not the best choice for novice dog owners because if they take on the role of alpha dog, like many other dominant breeds, they are harder to control and live with. However, in the right hands and environment, a Thai Ridgeback is a pleasure to have around and easy to train to do all sorts of things which includes taking part in canine sports like agility, tracking and obedience.

Thai Ridgebacks stand out in the crowd

Thai Ridgebacks stand out in the crowd because they are such handsome, good-looking, muscular dogs that people are not familiar with. As such, lots of questions are asked about the breed when people first meet a Thai Ridgeback much to an owner’s delight because owning a more unusual dog always gets positive attention for the breed.

A healthy breed

Because Thai Ridgebacks are known to have “pure” lines, they are not predisposed to suffering from many of the health issues that are known to affect many pedigree breeds. Even today, through careful and very selective breeding, Thai Ridgebacks remain one of the healthier breeds around.

Superb, loyal and intelligent watchdogs

Although independent by nature, Thai Ridgebacks have always been highly prized for their intelligence and the fact they are such good “natural” watchdogs that seem to quickly differentiate between “friend and foe”. Rarely would a Thai Ridgeback show any sort of aggression though, preferring to keep an intruder at bay by standing their ground.

Waiting lists can be long

Anyone wanting to share a home with a Thai Ridgeback would need to register their interest with breeders and go on a waiting list for the pleasure of doing. The good news being that the wait would be well worth it because these charming. Handsome dogs have the reputation for being wonderful companions and family pets, although a Thai Ridgeback would not be the best choice for first time dog owners and puppies can be very expensive.