The origin of the Thai Ridgeback goes back to the distant past, according to some reports the breed appeared in Southeast Asia 2-3 thousand years ago.
The ancestors of these dogs are considered to be the Thai wolf and the Dingo dog.
A study of ancient records of the domestication of wolves and their transformation into dogs shows that these first primitive dogs were artificially selected from the beginning. From rock paintings, engravings, and frescoes in tombs and pyramids, we can determine that the reason for selection was to improve the character traits needed for certain activities. Dogs were used in hunting and as draft power, assisted shepherds, and were protectors and guards.
Thai Ridgebacks have a distinctive feature, the ridge, a strip of hair along the back that grows backwards, hence the breed's name ridge back. The origin of the Ridgeback is unknown, but it is believed that the Thai Ridgeback breed is of much older origin than for example the Vietnamese, as the Thai Ridgeback has more crowns (curls).
Many wild animals in Thailand have ridges, for example the Thai wolf, one of the forerunners of the breed. There is an opinion that the hair on the ridge began to grow the other way so that the animals could get out of the burrow without crumbling on top of the ground, but this is nothing more than a guess.
Thai Ridgeback belongs to the primitive breeds, which means that the formation of the breed was greatly influenced by natural selection, survival of the fittest!
Thai has long lived near the man, guarded the house, catching rats, snakes and rabbits, accompanied the caravans, so they were called a companion dog, but always remember the history of the origin of the breed, these dogs are originally not decorative and have a strong and independent character, they are able to think and make decisions. Moreover, they will often question what you say. The key word is "why", why do this or that action, to carry out a command?
Therefore, the first rule in communicating with the Thai Ridgeback - get him interested! It is also very useful to remember that the Thai Ridgeback is not a working dog, you can teach him the commands, and he certainly will know them, but the implementation will largely depend on his enthusiasm.
You will have to become an absolute leader for your dog, a true companion, for this you will need to spend a lot of time together. Please keep this in mind when choosing a breed!
They are very comfortable at home, they behave quietly, they sleep most of the day, and they don't have the characteristic smell of dog fur. During moulting, their coats are combed out with a furminator or a rubber mitten, and dogs with velours and supervelours moult almost imperceptibly.
When walking, Thais are very active and curious and of course it's great if you have a place where your dog can run and play without a leash. Cats often become an object of close attention, especially if the dog is engaged in coursing (it's the hunting instinct), so the caution and caution on the walks will not hurt.
We categorically do not recommend the breed to people who do not plan to devote much time to the dog, people who lead a sedentary life and are not going to change it.
Ridgebacks initially have a strict hierarchy, which they also build in their personal space with all family members. Therefore, families with young children should consider whether they can explain to their child the rules of communication with the dog.
If you've decided on a puppy and are convinced that he's your breed, you shouldn't forget about early socialization. The earlier you start to introduce him to the world around him the easier he'll get used to being around other people and children, learn to socialize with dogs, and not be afraid of loud noises. We recommend taking him everywhere you go: even the supermarket and big stores usually allow him in your arms, or you can put him in a shopping cart.
A dog school or play area for puppies would be the perfect start to bonding with your companions! Anything you don't do early on will probably come back later in life in the form of fears and aggression, which are more difficult to correct. And of course remember the dog will copy your behavior and emotions, so be calm and consistent in your relationship with the dog and then you will succeed!
Mutual understanding and trust will open the door to the world called the Thai Ridgeback!
