Official ICCF Breed Standard
Brief Historical Background
The Thai Ridgeback is one of the oldest indigenous breeds of Southeast Asia, formed naturally on the territory of Thailand. Its origin is most closely associated with Phuket Island and the eastern provinces, where the dogs were used to guard homes, accompany people, and hunt small and medium game. Geographic isolation allowed the breed to preserve its original type, independent character, and high endurance. The ridge on the back is a unique breed feature inherited from ancient lines. Until the 20th century, the breed was known only within Thailand, after which it began spreading to other countries. Today, the Thai Ridgeback is considered a rare but valued breed that has retained its natural purity and authenticity.
General Appearance
The Thai Ridgeback is a medium-sized dog of harmonious, muscular, and dry build, combining strength, speed, and high agility. The body is slightly elongated, with clear, expressive lines. The head is wedge-shaped with well-defined angles; the ears are erect, triangular, and emphasize the alert expression. The chest is deep but not broad; the back is straight and strong; the loin is short and firm; the croup is moderately sloping. The limbs are dry, straight, with well-developed musculature, providing collected and rapid movement. The breed’s hallmark is the ridge on the back, formed by hair growing in the opposite direction. The overall appearance conveys confidence, endurance, and natural composure.
Important Proportions
The main proportions of the Thai Ridgeback are designed to balance power and freedom of movement. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers. The head is proportional to the body; the skull is slightly longer than the muzzle. The forehead is moderately wide; the muzzle is dry and tapers slightly toward the nose. The chest reaches the level of the elbows, providing sufficient lung capacity during active work. The limbs are balanced in length; joint angles are pronounced but not excessive, ensuring agility. The ridge must be symmetrical, clearly outlined, and correspond to the length of the back. These proportions highlight the breed’s natural athleticism, allowing speed, stamina, and stability.
Behavior and Temperament
The Thai Ridgeback has an independent, confident, and lively temperament while maintaining a strong bond with its owner. It is alert, attentive to its surroundings, and possesses well-developed guarding instincts. The dog reacts quickly to changes, demonstrating high intelligence, independent decision-making, and a strong survival instinct. With proper training, the Ridgeback becomes a loyal, balanced companion, ready for active engagement. In everyday life, it is energetic, requiring physical exercise and mental stimulation. It often shows territorial behavior and caution with strangers, which is typical for the breed. Consistent, firm training combined with trust is essential.
Head
The Thai Ridgeback’s head is wedge-shaped, dry, with clearly defined lines and well-outlined angles. The skull is moderately wide and slightly arched between the ears. The stop is smooth but noticeable. The muzzle is dry, straight, tapering gradually toward the nose but not pointed. The nose is well pigmented with open nostrils. The jaws are strong and symmetrical; the bite is correct, scissor type. Lips are tight and close-fitting. The ears—one of the breed’s defining features—are high-set, erect, triangular, and directed forward. Their shape and size enhance the alert expression. The head should reflect strength, attentiveness, intelligence, and independence.
Facial Region
The facial region of the Thai Ridgeback has clean, expressive lines emphasizing the breed’s dryness and functionality. The muzzle is straight, moderately long, well filled, with a smooth taper toward the nose. Lips are thin, tight, without flews. The nose is large, with wide nostrils, its color matching the coat. The jaws are strong and even, with a scissor bite. Cheeks are slightly pronounced but not coarse. The facial skin is tight, without wrinkles, except for slight natural creases that appear when the dog is alert. The area under the eyes is clean, highlighting the intense, attentive gaze. The facial region creates the breed’s typical expression—courage, determination, awareness, and readiness to react.
Eyes
The eyes of the Thai Ridgeback are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and moderately deep-set, giving an alert, attentive, and focused expression. The color is usually dark brown; in blue and isabella dogs, lighter shades are allowed but must not be excessively pale. Eyelids are tight, dry, close-fitting, with dark, even pigmentation. Faults include round, protruding, or overly large eyes, as well as loose eyelids, all of which disrupt breed type. The gaze must be lively, quick, and evaluative, reflecting independence and intelligence. The eyes create one of the key impressions—confidence, alertness, and readiness for action.
Ears
The eyes of the Thai Ridgeback are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and moderately deep-set, giving an alert, attentive, and focused expression. The color is usually dark brown; in blue and isabella dogs, lighter shades are allowed but must not be extremely pale. Eyelids are tight, dry, close-fitting, with strong pigmentation. Faults include round, protruding, overly large eyes, or loose eyelids. The gaze is lively, evaluating, and reflects the breed’s independent temperament.
(Note: This section is duplicated in Russian, so the English translation remains identical to preserve structure.)
Neck
The neck of the Thai Ridgeback is of medium length, dry, muscular, with a smooth topline and harmonious transition into the withers. It is strong enough to support active head movement and maintain body balance. The skin fits tightly; loose folds are unacceptable. The length of the neck highlights the breed’s elegance and athleticism while maintaining power. A correct neck helps the dog remain stable and controlled during quick maneuvers, essential for a breed with guarding and hunting history. A neck that is too short, coarse, or excessively long disrupts balance. The neck must appear strong, clean, and functional.
Body
The body of the Thai Ridgeback is dry, muscular, moderately elongated, with clean, defined lines. The withers are well pronounced and blend into a strong, straight back. The loin is short, powerful, muscular, providing stability and strength in movement. The chest is deep but not broad; ribs are moderately sprung, allowing lightness and agility. The abdomen is tucked up, emphasizing the dry outline. The croup is slightly sloping, strong, forming correct rear propulsion. Skin is tight; folds are unacceptable except minimal puppy folds. The body must convey athleticism, speed, and functionality while remaining elegant and collected.
Tail
The Thai Ridgeback’s tail is of medium length, high set, thick at the base, tapering toward the end. In natural position, it may be carried curved or vertically, without kinks or ring shape; a slight arc at the end is acceptable. The tail must be proportional and preserve the outline. During movement, it emphasizes the dog’s balance and confidence. Faults include low set, complete absence, sharp kinks, or excessive length. The tail is part of breed type and must reflect the Ridgeback’s confidence and composure.
Forequarters
The forequarters are straight, parallel, dry, with well-developed but not coarse musculature. Shoulder blades are long, sloping, close-fitting, providing wide reach and correct shoulder angle. The upper arm matches the shoulder in length, forming a functional connection. Elbows point backward, without inward or outward deviation. Forearms are strong and straight; pasterns are slightly sloping and springy. Feet are oval, compact, with firm pads. Forequarters must ensure precision, ease of movement, and endurance during prolonged activity. Weakness, softness, or crookedness disrupt functionality and breed type.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong, well developed, with pronounced but dry musculature. Thighs are long and muscular, providing strong drive. Stifles have correct angulation, neither straight nor overly bent. Lower thighs are strong and proportional; hocks are low-set, stable, without turning in or out. Metatarsals are vertical and parallel, forming a clear push. Feet are compact, oval, with firm pads. Hindquarters provide endurance, speed, and agility necessary for guarding and hunting. Any deviation in angle, musculature, or stability is a major fault.
Gait and Movement
Movement is free, fast, and elastic, reflecting natural athleticism. At the trot, the dog moves evenly with good reach and strong rear drive. The topline remains stable; movement is straight, rhythmic, without swinging or stiffness. At speed, balance and coordination are preserved. The Ridgeback is highly maneuverable, able to change direction sharply while maintaining stability. Coarseness, instability, weak joints, short stride, or crossing are faults. Gait must convey strength, confidence, speed, and natural collection.
Coat
The coat of the Thai Ridgeback is short, smooth, dense, and close-fitting, emphasizing dryness and muscular definition. Undercoat is minimal or absent, consistent with the breed’s climate of origin. On the ridge area, hair grows in the opposite direction, forming a clear, symmetrical pattern of various shapes such as needle, swirl, or arrow. The coat must be even, glossy, dense, without sparseness or excessive softness. Long, wavy, curly coat or an undefined ridge is unacceptable. The coat must highlight athleticism and functional structure.
Acceptable Colors
Coat is short, smooth, dense, close-fitting, with minimal or absent undercoat. The ridge must be formed by hair growing forward. Patterns must be symmetrical and distinct. Long, soft, sparse, or uneven coat is unacceptable.
(Note: This section was duplicated in Russian; the English version follows it faithfully.)
Size
The Thai Ridgeback is a medium-sized dog combining strength, agility, and dryness of build. Height at the withers: males 56–61 cm, females 51–56 cm. Weight ranges from 20 to 35 kg depending on sex, age, and condition. The main requirement is harmonious proportions and athleticism: the dog must be muscular yet light and fast. Excessive heaviness reduces agility; insufficient weight reduces endurance. Height and weight must match the dry, functional type.
Faults
Faults include any deviations disrupting breed type or functionality: weak musculature, looseness, weak back, narrow chest, excessive leg length. Incorrect angulation, weak pasterns, soft hocks impair movement. Other faults include light eyes in dark-colored dogs, insufficient pigmentation of nose and eyelids, incorrect ear set, blurred or asymmetrical ridge, lack of clear pattern. Too soft, sparse, or long coat is undesirable. Behavioral faults include fearfulness, nervousness, or excessive aggression.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include any deviations severely distorting breed type or affecting health and function. Complete absence of ridge, strong asymmetry, breaks, double ridge, or ridge shapes outside accepted patterns are serious faults. Incorrect bite, multiple missing teeth, depigmentation of nose, eyelids, or lips are unacceptable. Atypical colors, large white markings, or uneven tones lead to disqualification. Genetic defects, limb deformities, spinal abnormalities, pronounced gait issues, joint weakness, or nervous instability exclude the dog from shows and breeding. Unprovoked aggression or extreme shyness are also grounds for disqualification.
Important Notes
The Thai Ridgeback requires consideration of its natural activity, independence, and strong guarding instincts. The breed needs consistent training, regular exercise, and controlled physical load during growth. Ridgebacks are sensitive to rough handling and require a respectful, consistent approach. Coat care is minimal, but skin condition must be monitored due to limited undercoat. Judges must evaluate correct ridge shape, muscle condition, body balance, and confident behavior. Deviations affecting working ability or type must be recorded. Responsible breeding is essential to preserve health and authenticity.
Conclusion
The Thai Ridgeback is an ancient, independent, and expressive breed that has preserved natural athleticism, confidence, and individuality. In the ICCF system, participation in shows and breeding programs is permitted only with official ICCF documents confirming origin and conformity to the standard. The dog combines endurance, speed, and alertness while remaining a loyal companion. Proper selection, strict adherence to the standard, and responsible breeding preserve ridge quality, stable temperament, and functionality. With proper care, the Thai Ridgeback reveals its best qualities and remains a reliable, active, and balanced companion.
