The Thai Ridgeback

Original. Alert. Independent.

The Thai Ridgeback originates in Thailand. Traditionally it was a versatile dog used, among other things, for hunting, guarding and companionship. Independence, endurance and adaptability are part of its heritage.

Intelligent, attentive and devoted to its family, it may initially be reserved with strangers. It needs consistent, fair and respectful guidance. Aggression and extreme fearfulness do not correspond to the desired temperament.

Function. Balance. Without exaggeration.

A medium-sized, athletic and well-muscled dog with harmonious construction. Body length to height at the withers is 11:10. Chest depth is approximately half the height at the withers.

Males: 56–61 cm, guideline weight 20–32 kg. Females: 51–56 cm, guideline weight 16–28 kg. Balance and condition are decisive. A wedge-shaped head, erect triangular ears, straight back, strong limbs and free, ground-covering movement define the overall picture.

Four colours. One breed type.

The short, smooth, close-lying coat has no undercoat. The BBU Standard recognises red, black, blue and Isabella (fawn).

Red dogs may have different natural mask variations. The nose is black in red, black and blue dogs; in Isabella dogs, lighter pigmentation matching the coat colour is illustrated.

The Ridge.

The ridge is formed by hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat along the back. It should be clearly visible, harmoniously arranged and characteristic of the breed.

The forms shown – Needle, Saddleback, Lute, Po Leaf, Panom, Arrow, Violin and Bowling Pin – are illustrative examples of natural variation, not a quality ranking.

More than outward form.

For us, the standard is a guide to preserving a healthy, functional Thai Ridgeback with sound temperament. A decorative ridge shape or individual visual preferences must never become more important than health, movement, character and genetic diversity.