Thai Ridgeback

Health Thai Ridgebacks are hardy, generally healthy breed with some inherent health issues. The breed bred in Thailand almost exclusively by natural selection until the very recent past. The domestic population is small. Inbreeding depression has not been observed in the breed. Thai Ridgeback dogs are prone to dermoid sinuses. Modern Thai Ridgeback lines, resulting from interbreeding between populations, can also be prone to hip dysplasia and other genetic diseases.

The Thai Ridgeback is an ancient dog breed. The breed was previously unknown outside of Thailand but gaining attention in the Western world. The Thai Ridgeback is one of three breeds that has a crest of hair that runs down the back in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat (The others are Rhodesian Ridgeback and Phu Quoc Ridgeback). They are also known as Ahn Mah Thai Lang. The origin of the Thai Ridgeback is undocumented, but the breed was developed in eastern Thailand. The history of the breed is the subject of many hypotheses. He is generally considered an outcast type dating back to ancient times. The Thai Ridgeback may have mutated from another form of Thai dog that is similar in appearance, but without a ridge on its back. Rock art indicated that Thai dogs had accompanied a hunter since the country's new Stone Age (2,000 years ago). Due to the isolation of Thai villages in the past, the breed has been inbred in the village for centuries. As a result, the appearance of the breed is quite uniform. Most lethal traits had been cast through several generations of natural selection. The breed has a low level of inbreeding depression. The current third breed of ridgeback dog is the Vietnam Phu Quoc Ridgeback, which is somewhat smaller than the Thai Ridgeback. Based on the genetic hypothesis based on both Thai Ridgeback Dog and Phu Quoc Dog are likely to be descended from Funan Ridgeback Dog which originate more than 1000 years ago in Funan era of the region. The Ari Dog or Hottentot Dog (as claimed by the tribe), a known African ridgeback ancestor of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, is now extinct. His connection with the Funan Ridgeback dog is very likely in a historian's opinion. The possible genetic link between the three remaining races is being investigated through DNA studies. The relationship between the Thai Ridgeback and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is uncertain, but possible through the Hottentot dog or Ari dog. There is little scientific evidence that they are related.

Thai Ridgebacks are an intelligent breed. Energy levels are generally medium to high, with most of the day's relaxation and activity periods occurring in sporadic bursts. Well-bred and well-socialized Thai Ridgebacks make loyal, loving family pets. They are naturally protective of their home and family and can be aggressive or shy when not properly socialized. They are best kept by consistent owners who have a thorough understanding of dog behavior. Due to prior geographic isolation and lack of human contact, the Thai Ridgeback remains independent minded and drives much of the original natural instincts and remains intact, especially prey drive. Due to its nature, the Thai Ridgeback is not recommended for the novice dog handler. They have excellent jumping ability and may seek to move if not contained.