At a glance the quick version
Weights from Wikipedia; FCI and UKC standards give no weight, only that it should suit the height.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth coat with a dorsal ridge
A sleek, short coat that lies close to the body. Along the spine runs a clearly outlined strip of hair growing against the rest of the coat, which should sit evenly on both sides of the backbone. Small whorls at the front of the ridge are allowed.13
Personality what they are like
A tough, lively and quick-witted dog that forms a close bond with its own people. It tends to keep a polite distance from strangers, which makes it an attentive watchdog, and it has an independent streak that rewards patient, consistent handling.134
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An energetic breed that should get at least an hour of activity a day, split across walks and play such as fetch, running or swimming. Its jumping skill means secure, high fencing is sensible.43
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very easy coat care: a weekly brush, a little more often during seasonal shedding, plus routine nail, ear and tooth care.4
Home where they are happiest
Does best with an active household and a securely fenced garden. The thin, short coat is made for warm weather, so it appreciates protection from cold conditions.43
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, good-quality dog food suited to its age, with treats kept to a small share of daily calories.4
Company who they like around
Very attached to its family and happiest living closely with them; early, gentle socialisation helps it meet new people calmly.43
The story where it all began
A long-established hunting and guard dog of eastern Thailand, mentioned in Thai writings from around the 17th century. It was used to hunt, escort carts and watch homes, and remote living conditions kept the breed largely unmixed. It remains uncommon outside Thailand.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is one of only three purebred breeds with a ridge of backward-growing hair along the spine.3
- 2
Breed fans describe eight ridge shapes, with names such as needle, feather, arrow, violin, bowling pin, leaf and saddle.2
- 3
Genetic work suggests the ridge in Thai and African ridgebacks comes from the same ancient mutation.2
- 4
Many Thai Ridgebacks have a spotted or dark tongue.4
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 338, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 7 primitive type hunting dogs; definitive recognition 26 May 2003, country of origin Thailand.6
- UKC
- Sighthound and Pariah Dog Group; recognised 20 January 1996.3
- National symbol
- Described as the national dog of Thailand.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Thai Ridgeback. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI breed standard no. 338 fci.beused for origin, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Thai Ridgeback en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, origin, ridge facts
- UKC breed standard: Thai Ridgeback ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, height, coat, traits
- Dogster: Thai Ridgeback dogster.comused for lifespan, care, exercise, diet, fun fact
- AKC: Thai Ridgeback akc.orgused for temperament
- FCI nomenclature: Thai Ridgeback Dog (338) fci.beused for recognition
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.