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It is very important to look at the temperament and personality as well as the physical beauty, grace and elegance that is so appealing about the Thai Ridgeback.
All breeds have an original purpose herding, guarding, retreiving and so on. Although today most dogs are mainly pets, they will still maintain many of the same instincts for the purpose that they were bred. When
talking about temperament in the Thai Ridgeback one must remember that this breed has been used for centuries as hunter, guard dog and companion. They often had to provide for themselves and hunt on their own for food,
which has given them strong survival instincts and a very high level of intelligence and drive.
Thai Ridgebacks bred in Thailand are often kennel raised and may not be very well socialized, but in general, the they
are a fun-loving dog with a get up and go attitude and seems to have a great joy for life. They are affectionate with their families and love the comforts of their home. They are not high-strung, however they do require
regular periods of exercise. They seem to cherish the warmest and sunniest spot in the house, especially if it is your couch or bed.
The Thai Ridgeback is very affectionate and playful with their owners, when they
choose. They are often busy, they love to play tug of war, chew toys and can amuse themselves for hours at a time. Their attitude towards strangers can range from shy to aloof to very sociable. It is very important that
as a pup a Thai Ridgeback gets a lot of early socialization. They must be encouraged through positive reinforcement methods and do not do well with heavy-handed corrections such as leash jerking and hitting. They can
easily become stubborn and defiant if improper methods are used. If done properly they eager to please. They are quick learners, and display a high level of intelligence.
Their use as a hunting dog seems to have
contributed a great amount to their personalities. They are very alert and aware of their surroundings, and love the thrill of the chase. They are quick, agile and possess great jumping abilities. They excel at hunting
and obedience and are the masters of agility. When Considering a Thai Ridgeback as a pet one must remember these dogs hold strong their primitive insticnts. This is a dog that should you decide is no longer suitable
for your lifestyle is not easy to rehome and usually end up ethanized as they may not adjust well to a new environment and strangers. They will not easily trust someone who they percieve as ripping them away from thier
trusted family. If you foresee a major change in lifestyle, marriage, children, then please carefully consider this breeds temperamant BEFORE you comit to one. Remember they can live over 12 years and are a
LIFETIME COMIITMENT.
They are a medium sized dog, with males being slightly larger than the females. Size averages 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 45 to 60 pounds for males and females average 20 to 22 inches tall
and weigh 40 to 50 pounds. These dogs have a wedge-shaped head, prick ears, and the tail is carried vertically or curved like a sickle. Their upright tails wag in a short radius over their back and therefore does not
knock over household items. The Thai Ridgeback is an extremely clean breed with little odour or shedding, due to its short, smooth tropical coat. They come in solid red, blue, black and fawn. Being tropical dogs they do
not tolerate cold weather well, unless they are properly adapted to it or are equipped with a dog coat. They are easily housebroken as they are naturally clean dogs. Parasites such as fleas aqnd ticks have difficulty
living on the dog as the coat does not provide a good environmeant and they are also easily spotted and removed.
Correct movement is essential in this breed. The Thai Ridgeback moves with strides of
moderate length in a quick, agile trot. The forelegs and hind legs are carried straight forward, with neither elbows nor stifles turned in or out. While the dog is gaiting, the topline remains firm and appears level.
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