The Thai Ridgeback, also referred to as the "Mah Thai Lung Ahn", the "TRD", "Thai Dog", "Mah Lung Ahn", and "Siamese Dog", is believed to have been developed in eastern Thailand and is one of the oldest breeds of stock within the dog world. Today, the breed is still very rare outside of Thailand.
Used for hunting in Thailand, the Thai Ridgeback is a very loyal and loving companion, both powerful and fearless. He is an excellent natural watchdog and family protector.
Strong, muscular, and of medium build, in many ways he resembles the Pharaoh Hound. The Thai Ridgeback's coat is of two varieties: one being regular short hair while the other is extremely short and dense, so much so as to give the coat the appearance of being of a velvet texture. The breed comes in a variety of solid colours, ranging from shades of fawn, black, blue, and red, from head to toe and the tip of the tail. The ridge, which is formed by hair growing in the opposite direction, distinguishes this breed from all others except the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The Thai Ridgeback's ridge unlike the Rhodesian Ridgeback's, however, comes in a variety of shapes and sizes: the arrow shaped ridge, like that of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, as well as seven other types of large ridges. The largest ridge is known as the "Bai Pho" and covers most of the dog's back as well as part of the hips.
The Thai Ridgeback is an extremely clean breed with little or no odour or shedding, due to its short, smooth tropical coat. As tropical dogs, however, they do not tolerate cold weather well, unless they are properly adapted to it.
Very active, agile and versatile, with excellent jumping and climbing abilities, the Thai Ridgeback excels at hunting, obedience and agility.
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Health Issues:
The Thai Ridgeback is a breed with very few hereditary health issues. Most health problems are from environmental elements and not from breeding. Dermoid Sinus is the main concern for the breed and can usually be determined at birth.
If you are considering the adoption of a Thai Ridgeback puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Grooming Information:
- Grooming — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources:
- Training — For information on training your Thai Ridgeback, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on several dog sports and activities as well as listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (Note: For breed specific clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — Dedicated to the working dog. This section includes tributes, information on various dog jobs, and listings of organizations from across Canada.
