Q: What kind of dog is that?  Is it a mixed breed?
A: No, it is a rare, purebred dog, only recently domesticated and originally from Thailand.  They are natural hunting dogs (not hounds) that have existed for thousands of years. When categorizing breeds, it is considered a Spitz - Primitive.  Its closest relative is the Sharpei.  While they are only recognized by the AKC in their Foundation Stock Service (FSS), they are fully registerable in many rare breed associations including ARBA, NAKC and UKC.  They also have their own associations:  ATRA and ATROWORLD.

Q: What is their purpose?
A: In their native Thailand, they are primarily used as a sentry dog, a carting dog, and are also used to keep cobras at bay.  They have been known to kill cobras.

Q: How large are they when full-grown?
A: The males are larger than the females, averaging 22 to 24 inches at the withers and weighing 50 to 60 pounds. The females average 20 to 22 inches tall and weigh about 35 to 55 pounds as adults.

Q: Does the Thai Ridgeback Dog shed?
A: All dogs shed to some degree twice a year. In warmer climates, they won't grow a heavier winter coat, so shedding will be minimal.  Their coat is not cut; it is that way naturally although their coats do vary.  Plush or ridgeless coats are faults and those dags can only be sold as pet quality.

Q: What kind of temperament does the Thai Ridgeback Dog have?
A: They are naturally protective and can be aggressive toward other dogs if not properly socialized at a young age.  Because this is a primitive breed, this is not a dog for the inexperienced.  Please read all you can and make your decision carefully. 

Q: How long will a Thai Ridgeback Dog live?
A: Twelve to sixteen years is an average. 

Q: Are the Thai Ridgeback Dog's ears cropped to make them stand up?
A: No, they come up on their own, typically by 4 months.  If the ears are not up by 6 months, they will need some assistance and must be taped for a week or so.

Q: What colors of coat does the Thai Ridgeback Dog have?
A: Fawn (most rare), Blue, Red and Black (most common). With the red and fawn coloring, a black mask is acceptable. For show quality, the color should be solid with no white markings.

Q: Does the Thai Ridgeback Dog make a good house-dog?
A: Yes. The TRD is a very excellent dog to have in your home. They are easy to train and teach proper household manners. Electric fences (both underground and wireless) work very well and I highly recommend Cesar Millan's techniques for socialization and training. They really respond to an owner that is comfortable in the pack leader role.

Q: How do Thai Ridgeback Dogs get along with children?
A: No problem, as long as you socialize them properly like you would do with any dog, it is more a matter of how well the children behave around the dogs! Children must be taught how be the pack leader for best results. Dogs from my home will be socialized with children since I have two who will handle the puppies every day.

Q: Does the Thai Ridgeback Dog make a good watch/guard dog?
A: The BEST! The Thai Ridgeback Dog is an excellent natural watchdog and family protector, requiring only that the owner be seen as pack leader.

Q: Do Thai Ridgeback Dogs get along with cats?
A: Since my home has 3 cats, a dog from us is off to a good start. Please do be careful as they have a very strong "old" prey drive and they must be taught that EVERY cat is above them in the pack.

Q: Are Thai Ridgeback Dogs noisy? What bad habits do they have?
A: They rarely bark (Bella rarely barks, Lexi is the one who lets us know something unusual is going on). They are very athletic, easily able to clear high fences. They also like to chew and dig so give them plenty of alternatives! They enjoy obedience, agility, fly ball, and lure coursing.

The DS is sinus, in that it is tube-like and does drain, and dermoid because it is skin-like.  It may or may not contain hair follicles or be lined with hair.  As the hair sheds on the outer coat of the puppy, so does the hair inside this tube.  The body's natural response to dead material is to flush it out and thus the serum builds up and expels the debris.  Not all of the DS are true tubes. Some are not hollow and the serum and debris cannot drain.  In these cases an abscess forms and the resulting swelling that accompanies it can rupture the skin.  This results in a very painful situation for the puppy.  At its worst, it is life threatening.

The D.S. is generally found on the midline of the neck, back, and tail along the spinal column.  Although rarely found in the ridge, there have been several cases noted.  D.S. have also been noted on ridgeless puppies.

The D.S. is a congenital condition, meaning that it is present at birth.  It can be palpated on the newborn puppies, and the affected puppies can be identified.  The affected puppies should have surgery to remove the D.S.  The affected puppies are pet quality only and must be spayed/neutered.

Lexi and Bella watching something in the distance

• Is medium-sized, with a slender, elegant build

• Has a sleek, easy care coat

• Is extremely athletic and graceful (they can run swiftly and jump great heights).  They are also great escape artists !!!

• Is probably the most curious and independent of the sighthounds

• Is more cautious with strangers than other sighthounds therefore they make natural watchdogs

• Is a very loving, loyal companion and family dog

A Thai Ridgeback Dog may be right for you.

• Providing a safe, enclosed area where your dog can run

• Fearfulness and timidity when not socialized enough

• Strong hunting instincts and prey drive, to chase other creatures that run

• High or electric fencing to prevent escapes!!!

• An independent "what's in it for me?" attitude toward training

• Emotional sensitivity to stress and abrupt changes in schedule/routine

• Possible food/fear aggression

• A dog that is your shadow.  Thai Ridgebacks love to be close to their owners at all times

A Thai Ridgeback Dog may not be right for you.

Your major concerns should be:

• Providing enough running exercise.  Thai Ridgeback Dogs don't need miles of running every day, but they MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy a few times a week.  Otherwise they will become restless and bored which they usually express by destructive chewing/behaviors.

• Their timidness and standoffish nature.  Thai Ridgebacks need extensive exposure/socialization to people, other animals and unusual sights and sounds.  Otherwise, their natural caution can become shyness or fearfulness which is very difficult to live with.

• Chasing other animals.  Most people do not realize just how fast and agile sighthounds are.  Or how strong their instincts are to chase and seize fleeing creatures.  They could seriously injure or kill your neighbor’s cat or toy dog.  In today's society, the legal liabilities should be considered when owning any dog.

• Their independent temperament.  Thai Ridgebacks are not Golden Retrievers.  They are independent thinkers who don't particularly care about pleasing you.  Many Thai Ridgebacks are stubborn.  They can be manipulative.  You must show them, through absolute consistency that you mean what you say.

• Emotional sensitivity.  Be honest...is there tension in your home?  Are people loud or angry and emotional?  Are there arguments or fights?  Thai Ridgebacks are extremely sensitive to stress.  Do you have young kids who have a lot of energy and excitement?

                  TRDs are peaceful, sensitive
                  dogs who do best in a peaceful,
                  harmonious home.

• Possible food/fear aggression

• If you have to leave the dog alone for long periods of time.

A Thai Ridgeback Dog IS NOT FOR YOU.