Thai Ridgeback - breed description and dog character

If suddenly, while walking around the city, you meet a strange dog with a sky-blue color of hair somewhere, do not start to think that your eyes have let you down. In fact, you have a unique chance to observe a rare and unique breed. Her name is Thai Ridgeback. For the first time, specimens of such a dog breed came to the territory of our country only at the very end of the last century, and very soon, in 2004, in a domestic kennel called “Mirage of Thailand” they received puppy litter for the first time. Currently, in Russia there are no more than four hundred representatives of this beautiful breed of dogs.

Breed history

Thai Ridgebacks are among the oldest canine breeds, it is indigenous. This is a national Thai breed, and is practically not spread outside the state. Various studies of archaeologists provide an opportunity to believe that Ridgebacks exist on the earth for about 4 millennia. Even on ancient cave paintings, experts found drawings of dogs with a sophisticated tail in the form of a sickle and erect ears. As for the mentions in the letter, the first such evidence dates from the seventeenth century.

The ancestors of these dogs were wild dingoes, and the Thai Ridgeback has been able to maintain its original appearance for centuries, since representatives of this breed have never been crossed with other varieties. Since Thailand has existed autonomously for a long time, isolated from other countries, the breed has remained extremely clean, and is now considered as original and preserved as it was.

Western breeders met this breed for the first time in the nineteenth century, visiting a colony on the island of Phu Quoc. At the same time, it was already assumed that it was the fishermen from Thailand who brought these animals to the island. Dog handlers, engaged in research designed to establish the area where Ridgebacks were born, found that the Thai dogs have an older origin than the representatives of the breed that live on the islands of Vietnam and Cambodia.

These dogs assisted the shepherds, could be engaged in hard work, guarded the property. All their existence was full of adversity and dangerous situations. Due to natural selection, life was preserved only among the strongest and strongest representatives, therefore, the current Thai Ridgebacks have good health and high endurance.

Despite such an ancient history, the breed was recognized as a separate species not so long ago on an official basis. First, the Union of Asian Dog Breeders did this, and after just one year - in 1990 - the Japan Club of Dog Breeders. And, in the end, after another three years of Thai Ridgebacks officially registered with FCI. Currently, not only in Asia, but also in the United States and Europe are successfully engaged in the cultivation of ridgebacks. But officially no more than two thousand individuals are officially registered around the world, which allows us to rightly consider the breed one of the rarest.

Thai Ridgeback Appearance

Dogs are medium in size, their complexion is developed, their dogs are athletic, and their muscles are strong. The breed is short-haired, and the coat in the direction of the back forms a specific comb. This is a strip of hair that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the hair. Such a ridge originates at the top of the hull, and then falls in the direction of the ridge down. This scallop may have a different length or shape, but symmetry with respect to the spine is necessarily preserved.

The hair can be of several different types, depending on the length of the hair:

• classical (not exceeding 2 cm, an average of about 1.5 cm);
• short (from 0.5 to 1.1 cm);
• "Velvet" (0.4 cm);
• ultra short (from 0.1 cm).

Also, several different colors prevail:

• reddish;
• the black;
• bluish;
• isabella.

Most often you can see dogs that have a reddish color. If we consider all the puppies in the brood, then there puppies with a similar coat color are most often found. This predominance can be explained by the fact that the ancestors of these dogs were tamed red dingoes. Puppies with a red coat have a constant pedigree, and the hair combs on the back are pronounced and not very narrow.

At the same time, the black color is considered to be the dominant sign. If the ridgeback has such a color, then the nose, claws and skin should also be the same color, and the coat, being healthy, shines and looks glossy.

It is very rare to meet dogs that have a blue color. The first representatives of Ridgebacks with blue wool had interspersed black hairs all over the coat of wool, but with the advent of the next generations this minus breed disappeared.

And as rarely as possible, finally, isabella color is found. This is a combination of vanilla, grape and tea rose colors. The nose is pigmented according to the coat, and the claws are brown.

Most often, males of this breed look more impressive and larger. If females at the withers usually reach 56 cm, then males can be up to 62 cm tall, and their weight reaches 33 kg.

Often the tip of the nose of a Thai ridgeback is large, dark in color, and the eyes are real amber or have a dark brown color. The forehead and neck of these dogs are strewn with folds, the ears are large, slightly leaning forward and upturned.

Such folds on the forehead and upturned ears make the dog look very serious and intelligent. The dog is highly emotional, and any excitement and experience is reflected on its face. A dog can show both intense despair and a cheerful smile.

Thai Ridgeback is very elegant, beautiful, impresses with its own exotic look and velvet, pleasant to the touch appearance. A separate unique feature is its ridge. Dogs of this breed have an athletic build, are very agile, agile and jump well. Ridgeback is taciturn, molting rarely occurs and there is no unpleasant odor. Medium-sized dogs usually eat food moderately.

The intelligence of such dogs is high, Ridgebacks are very attached to the owner and are constantly ready to protect the owner and home. Their voice is very loud, soft, but barking can be heard extremely rarely, so many owners of ridgebacks admit that they have never heard the voice of a pet.

Dog Character Features

The Thai Ridgeback has a very independent disposition, they are not intrusive, they are extremely tactful and can sometimes resemble cats with their habits. Ridgeback is very convenient for living in a city apartment, their wool does not shed, does not emit unpleasant odors, and the dogs themselves are very neat and clean. Bitches are more tender and understanding, and males are autonomous and can live, being left to their own devices.Thai ridgebacks do not tolerate loneliness, so the aviary is not suitable for keeping a pet in it. These dogs are very fond of all family members and can be extremely attached to them.

But the ridgeback treats strangers with suspicion and distrust, does not tolerate tenderness and touch. Dogs are distinguished by a certain spite and impudence, which makes them excellent guards. Strangers can bark. They have excellent vision and sensitivity of hearing, graceful, strong and courageous. Ridgeback can often surprise the owner with the fact that he makes independent and smart decisions. They react poorly to rudeness. Therefore, it is unlikely to force the Thai bridge back to anything by force.

The pet is very resourceful, inventive and smart, can quickly learn new skills, and communication with him should be based on mutual respect and unconditional trust in the owner. Ridgeback can maturely perceive different situations, and sometimes, in the process of training, he begins to stubborn and ceases to fulfill the commands that he is given. Ridgeback can develop his skills from an early age, and their memory is magnificent. Dogs of this breed are notable for their attentiveness and observation, the imitation skill is very developed. The dog usually turns into a great companion and companion for the owner.

Ridgebacks at home can coexist with other pets without problems, but in outdoor conditions the dog can rush at street cats, but they don’t touch dogs if they are not the first to show aggression. Ridgeback with respect and love for small family members.

Representatives of this breed are active, energetic and mobile, run and enjoy the excitement if they have to participate in sports for dogs. Ridgeback is very sensitive to emotions and does not tolerate rudeness from the owner. When educating, you must be patient. These animals are freedom-loving, sometimes stubborn and arrogant, so their location can only be won through a warm and respectful attitude.

The nature of the ridgeback has cat-like habits, it sometimes does not take guests very respectfully, looking at them for a long time. Along with the cat, has a territorial form of behavior. Feels confident only being in the usual place, not wanting to leave him. Also, these dogs do not really like water procedures.

Standard breed indicators

Any representative of this breed must externally be in accordance with the established standard. Their main purpose is to accompany the hunter or compiling the company to the owner. Their dimensions are medium, the hair is often very short, velor, a comb of hair is located in the direction of the ridge. Usually in the body the dog exceeds growth at the withers. The muscles are well developed, the dogs are easily trained. Dogs possess considerable strength, patience and endurance, are faithful and loyal animals.

1. Skull. In shape, it is quite flattened between the ears, and with a lateral view - a little round. With suspicion and alertness, wrinkles are visible on the forehead.
2. The dog's face is wedge-shaped, its dimensions are usually smaller than the top of the head.
3. Lips have good tension, pigmented.
4. The nose is straight, very long, black pigmented. Only for Ridgebacks with a blue color, the nose is colored accordingly.
5. Jaws are powerful, scissor bite. The tongue either has black patches, or completely black.
6. The eyes are large, their shape is almond-shaped, a shade of brown. At times, a blue ridgeback may have amber eyes.
7. Ears in the shape of a triangle, not too large, are upturned, slightly leaning forward.
8. The neck has strong muscles, very strong, located high and proudly. Slightly curved, not very long.
9. Torso. The back is flat, strong, the croup is slightly inclined, and the loin is wide. The abdomen does not sag.
10. Paws are developed perfectly, oval, claws of black color.
11. The coat is very short and smooth, the ridge should be clearly visible. Despite the variety of colors and shapes, the comb needs to be symmetrical.

Even minimal discrepancies with the standard can be a drawback, and its assessment is based on how strongly expressed the drawback. A defect for disqualification is the lack of ridge, too long coat or excessively malicious behavior.

Thai Ridgeback Care

Thais are comfortable to keep in an apartment due to the absence of odors, saliva and very infrequent molting. And the wool is easily removed with a conventional vacuum cleaner. Ridgeback is very mobile and energetic, this is especially true for puppies. But it is necessary to increase the level of loads on the puppy systematically and slowly. Otherwise, the dog’s skeleton and joints will not develop properly. It is necessary to spend a lot of time with the puppy, educate him, socialize and train. With an adult, you can easily go for a long walk or ride a bike.

Ridgeback is too clean, he does not run through puddles and walks around areas with mud and slush. After walking, it will be enough to wipe the pet's paws. The water procedure should be rarely, no more than 3-4 times a year. For combing wool, it is advisable to use a special rubber mitten.

Young ridgebacks need constant activity and long walks - up to a couple of hours daily. An adult dog will be content with a couple of half-hour walks a day. But at the first opportunity it is better to go with the dog to the cottage or give her a chance to walk longer. During the walk, the ridgeback behaves calmly, does not pull off the leash and does not break into a sharp run.

Raising puppies

Ridgebacks love freedom and demonstrate their character as soon as possible, so you need to be prepared for the constant struggle with the pet's stubbornness and the search for a common language. You must immediately make it clear to the puppy who is the real owner in the apartment. Also, the Thai must understand that he is forbidden to perform certain acts without the permission of the owner.

The process of education should be consistent, measured and persistent. This is the only way to overcome the stubbornness that nature has incorporated into the ridgeback.

Cost

This is an extremely rare breed, which determines the extremely high cost of its representatives. Sometimes a breeder needs to make a dog trip to Europe, spend money on medical tests and pay, in fact, for the mating itself. Typically, the cost per puppy of a Thai ridgeback is at least 1700 euros, and can end in the region of two tens of thousands of euros.

Video: Thai Ridgeback dog breed