Thai Ridgeback

Genetic Predispositions and Health

Thai Ridgebacks are generally healthy dogs, though hip dysplasia and dermoid sinus cysts can occur in this breed. As for all breeds, genetic screening for hereditary conditions is recommended to assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs. As a Sighthound breed, they are known to be more sensitive to barbiturate anesthetics. Thiopental, or any other thiobarbiturate, should not be used on these dogs.

Personality and Behavior

Thai Ridgebacks are known for their intelligence, independence, and athletic ability. They can be quite aloof and reserved, especially with strangers, but they are generally loyal and protective of their families. This breed has an innate ability to guard and hunt, and because of this may be aggressive to protect their owner if they are not properly trained. They require ample exercise and mental stimulation, as they can become bored and destructive if their energy isn't positively channeled.

Spitz and Sled Dog Lineage

A canine genetic lineage is a group of individuals or entire breeds that descended from common ancestors predating modern breed formation. Often these lineages are associated with a ‘type’ of dog with a unique historical working role and associated behaviors (e.g., herding, scent hunting, etc.).

Spitz and Sled Dogs originate in the Arctic and subarctic regions which caused them the develop adaptations to cold climates. Some of these adaptations give rise to characteristics of the lineage, most notably a dense double coat that helps with insulation. The lineage of these dogs can be followed back to ancient breeds developed by Indigenous people. These ancient breeds were used as an aid for transportation, herding, guarding, and hunting. These jobs have created dogs that are independent, intelligent and have strong work ethics as well as a sturdy body that helps them to pull sleds or go on long journeys over rough terrain.

Example breeds with ancestry from this lineage include Akita, Chow Chow, and Siberian Husky.

Fun Facts

Thai Ridgebacks are skilled climbers and jumpers. Their agility makes them excellent at catching small game, and they've been known to climb fences that would keep in other breeds.

Their ridge of hair can form different patterns, the most common of which are the violin and the arrow.

Thai Ridgebacks have a distinctive 'prancing' gait, often described as a trot or a pace, in which the legs on one side move together, then the legs on the other side.

The Thai Ridgeback was relatively unknown outside of Thailand until the 1990s, and even today, they are considered a rare breed.

References

https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_thai_ridgeback
https://www.ukcdogs.com/thai-ridgeback
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/thai-ridgeback/
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/THAI-RIDGEBACK-DOG-338.html