Thai Ridgeback
Known in French as Chien thaïlandais à crête dorsale
- Height at the withers
- 51 to 61 cm
- Weight
- 16 to 34 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Thailand
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- young children, without close supervision
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a home with cats
Overview
An ancient, medium-sized hound known for the distinctive ridge of hair along its back, its muscular, athletic build and its independent, protective temperament.
History and origins
An ancient, primitive breed native to eastern Thailand, developed for hunting small game, controlling vermin and guarding. Its isolation in the region preserved its unique traits over the centuries.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Dermoid sinus
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Skin allergies
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Low shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very wary, 1 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Very hard, 1 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Thai Ridgeback FAQ
How big does the Thai Ridgeback get?
The Thai Ridgeback stands 51 to 61 cm at the withers and weighs 16 to 34 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Thai Ridgeback shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Thai Ridgeback live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Thai Ridgeback need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Thai Ridgeback good with children?
With caution: it does not cope well with the commotion of young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Thai Ridgeback live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are dermoid sinus, as well as hip and elbow dysplasia.
