Thai Ridgeback

Temperament: Loyal, Independent, Agile

Group: Foundation Stock Service

Height: 50.8–61.0 in

Weight: 15.9–34.0 lb

Life Expectancy: 12.0–13.0 yrs

Energy Level: Energetic

Trainability: Independent

Shedding: Seasonal

Grooming Frequency: Occasional Bath/Brush

The Thai Ridgeback is a muscular, medium-sized dog with a streamlined body that makes him very agile and a natural athlete. The ridge on his back is formed by hair growing in the opposite direction from the rest of his coat and the breed has up to 8 different ridge patterns. Puppies can be born without this ridge. Coat colors include solid blue, black, red or fawn with a black mask occasionally on the red-coated dogs. Thai Ridgebacks also have spotted tongues and some even come with solid black/blue tongues. Today, most Ridgebacks are companion dogs, but they still maintain many of the same instincts for the jobs for which they were bred: hunting and guarding. They had to be independent, self-sufficient and hunt for their own food, which gave them strong survival instincts, a high prey drive, and a high level of intelligence.If well bred and properly socialized, the Thai Ridgeback can be a loyal, loving pet. As a guarding breed, they are naturally protective of their home and can be reserved and suspicious with strangers. Thai Ridgebacks will need a patient, consistent, and experienced owner with a good understanding of dog behavior; they are not for first-time dog owners. Club Contact DetailsClub: Association of Thai Ridgeback Owners and FanciersName: Cathleen A. Combs, PresidentEmail: bellehoundsk9s@aol.comAddress: PO Box 1, Dry Ridge, KY 41035Phone: 859-445-8739Facebook Link The Thai Ridgeback is tough and active, with an excellent jumping ability. He is highly intelligent, has a strong survival instinct, and is a loyal family dog.