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Need to Know
- Dogs suitable for experienced owners
- Extra training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys vigorous walks
- Large dog
- Minimal drool
- Requires frequent grooming
- Quiet dog
- Barks, alerts, and may be physically protective/suspicious of visitors
- Could have issues with unknown dogs but gets along with known dogs
- May need additional training to live with other pets
- May need additional supervision to live with children
- Needs a large yard in suburban or rural areas
- Can be left alone occasionally with training
- AKC Registered Breed
Personality
Tough and independent, the Thai Ridgeback dog is a self-sufficient, no-frills dog. They have distinctive ridged backs and blue, black, or spotted tongues. They can be loyal and loving if properly socialized and trained. Natural-born protectors, Thai Ridgebacks are reserved and suspicious of strangers.
Not much is known about the origins of the Thai Ridgeback other than that they originated in Thailand. The breed might be hundreds of years old as evidenced by writings describing a similar dog in the 1700s. They are a relatively rare breed outside of Thailand.
The Thai Ridgeback dog can be a dominant and independent breed, so the ideal owner will have experience with similar breeds. They need firm and consistent leadership and an active partner who loves to exercise.
Outdoor exercise is essential for this breed. Thai Ridgebacks enjoy things like hiking, swimming, and retrieving as well as running.
A large, fenced-in yard is best for a Thai Ridgeback dog. They need access to open spaces to free run.
The Thai Ridgeback dog has a hard, short, and straight coat that only needs an occasional brushing to remove dead hair. More frequent brushing might be needed during shedding seasons, which happen twice a year.
The Thai Ridgeback dog breed is naturally protective and reserved with strangers. Training will be needed to overcome these instincts. They also need early and ongoing socialization to make them confident, well-mannered dogs.
If given extensive socialization and training, the highly self-sufficient Thai Ridgeback dog can be a good family dog. Families with older children or no children are better options for them, as are families that are very physically active and outdoorsy.
The cost of a Thai Ridgeback from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Thai Ridgeback on Purina.
Did You Know?
- The Thai Ridgeback is a relatively rare dog breed outside of its native Thailand.
How can I get my dog to like strangers?
Q: We have a 1-year-old Husky/Golden Retriever mix. She is very friendly but when we have guests over she barks and her hair stands up, like she's being overly protective. It makes our visitors nervous. She didn't start doing this until she felt more comfortable in our home after we adopted her.
Can Dogs Eat Peaches?
If you’re thinking about sharing fruit with your dog this summer and wondering can dogs eat peaches, the answer is yes. The one exception of peaches for dogs is that the stone, or pit in the center, must be removed before serving. The stone in fruit is not only toxic but also a choking hazard. Whe