Thai Ridgebacks Owner’s Guide

Reviewed By Kyoko •  Updated: 06/12/21 •  6 min read
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Just as the name suggests, the Thai Ridgeback originated in Thailand. This furry friend was not always a companion and a pet. They were used as a guard dog by farmers in Thailand, as well as for hunting. In fact, their history suggests that they were also used to hunt cobras.

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Would you like to find out more about the Thai Ridgeback? Let’s find out about their needs.

What Can I Expect from the Thai Ridgeback?

You can expect the Thai Ridgeback to have a muscular and solid build, as well as being around 20 to 24 inches in height. They normally weigh about 51 to 75 pounds. Typically, the male Thai Ridgeback is going to be larger and heavier than the female.  Often, the Thai Ridgeback has a blue and gray tongue. The normal coat colors that you will see include blue, red and black.

This is a canine that is used to warm climates. This can be an advantage if you live somewhere that has hot temperatures. But this does not mean they cannot live somewhere that is cooler. It just means that you have to help your canine adapt with warm clothing when they are outdoors. If you offer this pooch enough exercise and stimulation during the day, it is possible they can live in apartments. Ideally, they should have space and a yard.

Do They have a Good Temperament?

The Thai Ridgeback may seem intimidating because of their size. This often means that people are wary around them. However, their appearance should not worry you. In fact, the Thai Ridgeback is known for being a loving dog and they can make a perfect addition to your home.

One thing that a lot of owners like about the Thai Ridgeback is that they are a loyal canine. They love their family and this makes them loyal and follow your commands. Of course, pairing this characteristic with early training will be important. This is going to make sure that you have a furry friend that obeys and listens to you.

It is important to remember that the Thai Ridgeback was used as a guard dog. This means that they could become wary and not trust strangers that enter their home and approach their family. Therefore, it is going to be essential that you socialize your pooch from an early age. This is going to prevent any problems from occurring. They are alert and this means they will naturally become protective, which can be a good thing if you are worried about security.

In addition, you will need to socialize your Thai Ridgeback with other dogs from a young age too. This is going to allow them to have confidence when they are out of the home on walks. It also means that they can have fun and make new furry friends when they are at the dog park.

Do They Need a lot of Exercise?

When it comes to exercise, you need to be prepared to give your Thai Ridgeback long walks and playtime. This is a furry friend with moderate exercise needs. They are not dogs that will be happy to stay indoors at home all the time. This is how they can become bored and start to be disruptive. Therefore, be prepared to offer your Thai Ridgeback at least two walks every day. It will be better if your pup can run around and burn some energy. They will love to play fetch and this is a fun way for them to exercise.

Do not forget to offer your Thai Ridgeback mental stimulation too. You can do this through short but regular training sessions, as well as by playing with your canine. An activity that makes your canine think is good for them and can burn more energy than physical exercise. This is a great opportunity for you to bond with your pup too.

Do They Have a lot of Grooming Requirements?

If you are looking for a dog that is low maintenance when it comes to grooming, you are going to love the Thai Ridgeback. This is a canine that has a short coat, which means that you do not have a lot of work to do. Brushing your pooch once a week is going to be good to keep the fur soft and free from any debris. In addition, you only need to bathe your furry friend when they need it, such as when they get dirty or start to smell.

Remember that since your canine has a short coat, they are going to get cold during the winter. So, if you live somewhere that experiences snow or a drop in the temperature, you will have to invest in a warm coat for your Thai Ridgeback to be comfortable outdoors.

Where Do I Find a Thai Ridgeback?

If you have decided that you love the Thai Ridgeback and this is the breed for you, you will want to know how to can add this furry friend to your pack. Stop at your local animal shelter and see if they have a Thai Ridgeback looking for a new home. There are going to be a lot of dogs here. While the Thai Ridgeback is not the most common, you may be lucky and find the beloved companion you are looking for. It is also very rewarding to rescue a canine.

There is the option to find a Thai Ridgeback breeder so that you can purchase a puppy. This can be an expensive way to find this furry friend and you may have to be patient. Often, there are around five puppies in a litter. But if you want to start your pup’s training and socialization from an early age, this might be the way to do it. Spend time finding the right breeder in order to well a healthy and happy Thai Ridgeback into your family. Always ask to see the parents of the Thai Ridgeback puppy you are thinking about buying. This is going to make sure that they are happy and healthy before you commit to purchasing from this breeder.

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Kyoko

Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!

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