The Thai Ridgeback is one of only three dog breeds that has a ridge of hair that runs along its back in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. The other two are Rhodesian Ridgeback and Phu Quoc Ridgeback. Also known as Mah Thai Lang ahn, the Thai Ridgeback is an ancient breed of dog originating in Thailand. It is considered as one of the oldest purebred dog breeds in the world.
This breed is kept pure and mostly undomesticated due to little interaction with humans. Until recently, the Thai Ridgeback was unknown outside eastern Thailand but is gradually gaining attention around the world. This medium size dog makes a loyal and protective family dog but it is known to be aggressive towards strangers and other dogs.
This Pariah type dog stands between 22-24 inches and weighs around 51-75 lbs. It comes with a wedge-shaped head, flat and broad skull and moderate length muzzle that tapers towards black nose. Medium size almond shaped eyes are dark brown or amber in blue coloured dogs. Medium size, erect ears are set at the outer edges of the skull. Moderately long, strong and well muscled neck blends into slopping shoulders. The muscular and slightly elongated body of this breed has strong and level back, broad and muscular loin, wide chest with moderately sprung ribs and slightly tucked-up belly. Soft and fine skin is tight around the body and has short and smooth coat with a definite ridge of hair that run in opposite direction to the rest of the coat. There are various shapes and lengths of the ridges, but they must be symmetrical on either side of the backbone, and be within the width of the back. This breed comes in solid colours that include red, black, blue and very light fawn.
This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by AKC(FSS), UKC, FCI and many other major kennel clubs.
