Thai Ridgeback Dog

 

 

 

    

 

The history of the Thai Ridgeback Dog 

The Thai Ridgeback Dog is an ancient breed; the first drawings were found on archeologic foundings in Thailand dated about 350 years ago. These drawings were found particulary in the eastern part of Thailand, where the dogs were used for hunting and for following and protecting the catlecars on the road. Besides that, they had to defend the homes. This breed has kept it's original looks and character,  because of the bad access to great parts of eastern Thailand. because they lived isolated and therefore had less possibilities to mix with other dogs. Outside Thailand it's still a very rare breed and can be seen as a kynologigical curiosity.The Thai Ridgeback Dog is an old breed which can be seen in archeological writing in Thailand which were written about 350 years ago. Mainly in the eastern part of Thailand, it was used for hunting. People also used it to escort their carts and as a watch dog. The reason why it has kept its own original type for years is poor transportation systems in the eastern part of Thailand; it had fewer chances to crossbreed with other breeds.

 

                                           

 

GENERAL APPEARANCE Medium-sized dog with short hair forming a ridge along the back. The body is slightly longer than its height at the withers. Muscles are well developed, and its anatomical structure is suitable for activities.

Characteristics * The Thai Ridgeback Dog is an old breed which can be seen in the archeological writing in Thailand which was written about 350 years ago.  Mainly seen in the eastern part of Thailand.  Used for hunting, escorting of carts, and as a watch dog. This breed is characterized by a ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. This ridge starts at the withers and extends down the spine to the top of the pelvis bones. This breed is very active and agile, with excellent jumping and climbing abilities. They are devoted to family members but are inclined to be wary of strangers.

 

TEMPERAMENT    Tough and active with excellent jumping ability.

SIZE * Proportions:  length of body (height at withers) = 11:10;  height of chest (height at withers) =  5:10; length of muzzle * length of head - 2:3.

Height at withers for dogs *  24 - 26 inches; bitches: 22 - 24 inches.

 

 

COAT AND COLOR   Coat - Short and smooth.  The ridge is formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat, starting from the withers and extending to the point of prominence of hips.  It should be clearly defined from other parts of the back tapering and symmetrical.  A narrow ridge is preferred.  Color  * Solid color; light chestnut red, the deeper the better; pure black, silver and blue.

 

HEAD   Skull *  The crown is flat and has a gentle slope toward the stop.  Stop is clearly defined but moderate.  Inclination is not abrupt.

Muzzle *  Wedge shaped.  dogs with a fawn coat have a black mask.  

Nose *  Color is black.  Nasal bridge is straight and strong.  Mouth: Black marking on the tongue; tight lips.  Upper jaw is thick enough and the lower jaw is strong.  Teeth are white, strong and have a scissors bite.  Eyes:  Medium sized and almond shaped.  Eye color is dark brown.  In blues and silvers, amber colored eyes are permitted.  Ears *  Set on either side of the crown, which should be slightly broad between the two ears.  Rather large triangular, inclining forward and firmly pricked.  Not cropped

 

NECK   Strong, muscular, holding the head high.

FOREQUARTERS *  Chest deep enough to reach the elbows.  Rib is well built, but not barrel shaped.  Forearms straight.

BODY *  Back is strong.  Loin is strong and broad.  Croup is moderately round.  Belly tucked up.

HINDQUARTERS *  Well  developed thighs and well bent stifles.  Hocks are tough.  Nails are black or light through brown.

 

 

 

GAIT   Stride with no pitching or rolling of the body.  Track in two parallel straight lines.  When viewed from the front, the forelegs move up and down in straight lines so that the shoulder, elbow and pastern joints are approximately in line with one another.  When viewed from the rear, the stifle and hip joints are approximately in line.  Move in a straight pattern forward without throwing the feet in or out.  This enables the stride to be long and the drive powerful.  The overall appearance of the moving dog is one of smooth and well balanced rhythm.

 

 

 

TAIL   Thick base with gradual tapering toward the tip.  The tip reaches the hock joints.  It holds up vertically or curves like a sickle.  

FAULTS *  Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

DISQUALIFICATIONS *  Dogs without ridge.  Long hair.

 

 

 

Faults  Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousnes with which the fault should be regarded should be exact proportion to its degree.

Note * Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully decended into the scrotum.

 

 

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