Thai Ridgeback
Thai Ridgeback is a highly intelligent, strong, and loyal dog from Thailand. It is one of the only three breeds with body hair running in the opposite direction.
Breed Profile
Height
20 - 24
Inches
Weight
35 - 75
Pounds
Life Span
12 – 13
Years
Health
health
Dermoid Sinus
What is it?
Also known as pilonidal sinus, dermoid sinus is a skin defect in dogs that happens when the skin fails to separate from the nervous system during embryonic development. It most commonly affects the neck or upper spine. It is purely a genetic or hereditary condition, which is present at the time of birth itself for affected dogs.
Clinical signs
An opening on the midline of the back with protruding hair may be recognized at a young age in affected puppies. There would be a tube or a cord felt beneath the opening. It is possible that there may not be any clinical symptoms in some affected dogs, while in others there could be a mild discharge.
Treatment
The only way to treat this condition is through surgery by an experienced vet surgeon. In extreme cases where the sinus connects to the spinal cord or the vertebrae, a more complicated surgery would be required.
Eligible vet bill
$2,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Hip Dysplasia
What is it?
It is a genetic health issue where the hip or elbow joints loosen up and cause dysfunction and pain. It usually occurs in the growing stage of the dogs. Over time, this may result in arthritis, muscle atrophy, and limitations in mobility.
Clinical signs
Lethargy
Decreased range of motion
Difficulty or reluctance in climbing stairs, rising, jumping, or running
Loss of muscle mass in the thighs
Noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles
Flinching when the lower back muscles are touched
Treatment
All cases of hip dysplasia may not be preventable but proper care can reduce the probability or if noticed can try and contain the impact. The measures include
Chiropractic therapy
Supplements for joints
Anti-inflammatory medications
Surgery
Eligible vet bill
$2,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Muscular
With excellent jumping ability, these dogs have a very muscular body which helps in performing them
Intelligent
With hunting and guarding origins, these dogs have a good level of intelligence
Independent
With a mind of their own, which they used to use for hunting and guarding, they are pretty much independent in nature
Lifetime Care
Coat
Short, dense, sleek, and glossy which is neither wooly nor silky is how one can describe the coats of Thai Ridgebacks
Colors
Black, blue, fawn, and red are all the colors available in this breed
Hypoallergenic
No
Grooming
The short hairs of this breed would need weekly brushing to remove the loose hair. Apart from that, an occasional bath, nail trimming, teeth, and ear cleaning would ensure a clean and hygienic Thai Ridgeback.
Training
For an experienced owner, the training wouldn’t be very difficult given their high energy levels and intelligence. Some playtime in a fenced backyard or a game of hide and seek or catch if you prefer indoors, otherwise a swimming or hiking session would serve as a good exercise.
The Thai Ridgeback is believed to have originated from an indigenous African dog named Hottentot Khoi. The other two breeds that have a ridgeback are the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Phu Quoc Ridgeback. There are eight different patterns of ridges that have been identified, which include needle, feather, arrow, lute, violin, bowling pin, leaf, and saddleback. The origin country of the gene that causes the ridges, however, is yet unknown.
The Thai Ridgeback is the national dog of Thailand, the country from where it originated. These dogs have no history of breeding and are believed to have evolved from natural selection. This gives them an owner-less and independent personality. The same fact made them self-sufficient in terms of food owing to their strong survival instincts.
Thai Ridgeback: Introduction to the Breed
Ridge is obviously the most distinguished physical trait in this breed. Apart from that, some of the unique physical traits include -
Triangular-shaped, pricked ears
Smooth coat
Sickle or a swordtail
Scissor jaw
Thai Ridgeback is best suited for:
Experienced pet owners
People with active lifestyles who can spend enough time with the dog
Owners with a dominant personality who can take charge
Things to watch out for before deciding to own a Thai Ridgeback
These dogs don’t enjoy alone time a lot. But the thing is that once the daily quota of exercise and physical stimulation is done, he/she would stay alone for 6-8 hours. But once bored, there may be some destructive behavior.
If you’re in the states, looking to get a Thai Ridgeback, it will probably take you a lot of time and there are high chances you will fail since the breed is majorly available only in Thailand
Being hunters and guard dogs and having lived an owner-less life in the beginning, these dogs are very independent. This would make it very difficult for first-time pet owners to get their dogs under control.
If you have small pets in your house or the locality, these ridgebacks will probably chase them aggressively at times due to their high prey drive.
These dogs have lived an outdoor life for the major part of their existence. So if you are bringing the dog into an apartment-type living, it may not be very suitable for him/her.
What should a Thai Ridgeback eat?
For any dog owner, it is very important to keep a close look at what the dog eats and not as it is directly linked to its energy levels, contact with diseases, etc. In the case of Thai Ridgebacks, two to four cups of high-quality vet-recommended kibble would ensure a good healthy dog. Foods like cottage cheese, eggs, fruits, and vegetables can be added to the bowl once in a while. It is important to ensure a nutrient-rich diet to support the high-energy and playful bodies of these dogs.
Conclusion
The national dog of Thailand, the Thai Ridgeback is a unique, rare, lively, energetic, affectionate, and loving hunter dog. They are very intelligent and at the same time independent. If you’re looking for a dog who is active and loves to play and at the same time guard the house and protect your family and especially children, the Thai Ridgeback is the right choice for you!
Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Love and Licks to you!
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