FAQ

Yes. First the breed was recogniced by the FCI in 1993 as well as from the VDH in 1994. The breed is shown in VDH shows in Germany and FCI shows throughout most of the world.

Easy but ou have to be concepuent and always fair to your dog. In Thailand there are frequent obedience shows run by the DAT, the Dog Association of Thailand, whose current standard abbreviation is AT. The agility and obedience requirements are extensive, equivalent to the Master Agility Excellent and Obedience Trial Champion titles in the US as well as in Europe.

The Ridgeback is an excellent natural watchdog and family protector, requiring only that the owner has control over it.

Ridgebacks tend to bark only when there is something unusual about (unless one has fallen into bad habits out of boredom). They are very athletic, easily able to clear high fences unless the owner has taken proper precautions to see this does not occur. The Ridgebacks love to run. This can be a good or bad habit depending on the owner.

The Ridgeback is an extremely clean dog with no odor due to its short tropical coat. As tropical dogs they do not tolerate cold weather well, unless they are adapted to it. They do not drool, except occasionally in anticipation of food. They are generally easy to house break. They will take over the furniture unless their owners discourage this habit from puppy hood. They are well sized, not so small as to be underfoot, yet not so big that they are constantly in the way; yet big enough to intimidate a prowler. Their upright tails wag in a short radius, not knocking over your house plants or coffee table glasses.

Ridgebacks are true omnivores. In Thailand an ancient text says they are able to feed themselves digging the earth in search of small prey. Along the beaches they actively forage for small crabs. They will inhale their food enthusiastically. Consequently Ridgeback owners need to monitor their dogs weight and cut back to prevent obesity.

Like any medium-large dog, Ridgebacks need exercise - a daily romp in the backyard or park and a couple of long trips should be sufficient.

Again, Ridgebacks love to run. More exercise would be better but Ridgebacks do adapt to their people.

Yes, there are less than 300 Thai Ridgebacks registered in Europe. However, more than fivethousand are registered world wide, the vast bulk with the DAT in Thailand.

Yes. You may have to wait some time for a litter and you will likely have to have it shipped across the country to you. Litters in Europe are few (there are currently only a few breeders) and demand for the puppies is high. While many dogs exist in Thailand, they are kennel raised and no puppy can be imported into the Europe until it is at least 4 months old and has it’s rabies vaccination.

(source: www.thai-ridgeback.com)