The Thai Ridgeback Dog: a crested dog
The Thai Ridgeback Dog, or the Thai Crested D, is not very well known outside of Thailand, except among lovers of this breed. Continue reading to find out more about this unique breed that has some unusual physical features.
History of the Thai Ridgeback Dog
This breed is native to eastern Thailand and the majority of these dogs still live there today. There is no documentation that tells us when this breed first appeared, but similar dogs can be traced back up to three centuries ago.
The Thai Ridgeback Dog is a creation of nature and not man. Therefore, this breed wasn’t mixed to maintain a specific physical feature. Due to this breed being isolated from the rest of the country in eastern Thailand, these dogs have evolved without crossbreeding with other breeds.
These dogs don’t have any specific job or ability. They actually do smaller tasks without being specialized in any of them.
For starters, they hunt smaller animals that can threaten to the home, like rats or snakes. They also can guard the house and are great companions.
Traits of Thai ridgeback dog
The Thai ridgeback dog is a short-haired, medium-sized dog that’s slightly longer than their height. This unique trait is what gives them their name. They have a spine that protrudes around their hindquarters, forming a ridge.
As for their head, the Thai Ridgeback Dog has a flat skull and they have a long, wedge-shaped snout. They have wrinkles on their forehead when they’re relaxed, and their ears raise up above their heads. Their tongue usually has a tint to it, that can be entirely black or blue.
These are thin, muscular dogs that have a noticeable curve and a profound chest. Their neck is strong and can also have wrinkles when their heads are raised. Their tail is straight and thin, and it sticks up. Its kinda looks similar to a whip.
They can have on single color such as red, black, bluish-gray or beige. The hair on their ridge grows in the opposite direction from the rest. This accentuates the area well.
and disguising of the Thai Ridgeback Dog
The Thai Ridgeback Dog is great at adapting. They’re great guard dogs that don’t trust strangers at first glance and they get attached to their families.
These dogs are a primitive dog breed that tends to be stubborn. They’re also very energetic animals. They’ll enjoy playing with other dogs, but they will probably need three good quality walks a day.
Due to their primitive personality, traditional training and use of punishment won’t work with this dog breed. Instead, positive dog training that works along with the dog’s collaboration, and disguising training as games, works very well on this breed.
Take care of a Thai Ridgeback Dog
Unlike other crested dog breeds, such as the Rhodesian, the Thai Ridgeback dog doesn’t have a hereditary disease. However, the unusual shape of their spine may lead to hip dysplasia.
Therefore, it’s necessary to get them checked by a trusted veterinarian on a regular basis. The vet will provide you with preventive treatments that he/she considers necessary. Also, you should follow the vaccination and deworming schedule that he/she suggests.
These short-haired dogs only require frequent brushing during shedding seasons to help them get rid of excess hair. Due to having loose wrinkly skin, some dogs may develop irritations and other issues. So, it’s necessary to get them checked for any skin problems.
The Thai Ridgeback Dog has a special feature that very few other dogs have, a crest on the hindquarters of their back. Their short hair, that has well-defined colors, gives them a very unique appearance.