Presently there is only one Thai Ridgeback dog breed, but it is divided into four classes by coat color.

The Thai Ridgeback dog with a longer coat.
The hair should not be longer than 2 cm. If the hair is longer than this, it indicates that the dogs are the result of mating the Thai Ridgeback dog with dogs from abroad. The advantages of longer hair are that it can protect the dogs from mosquitoes. As a result they would have less skin conditions, such as inflammations or blisters. However, longer hair also makes maintenance and parasite removal more difficult.

The Thai Ridgeback dog with shorter coat.
In the past this type of dog was very popular among the breeders. It became less popular when the first dogs with a velvet type of coat were bred. Presently the shorthaired dogs have become popular again because of its advantage. It takes less time and expense to properly maintain the coat. Short hair is easily cleaned and parasites are easily detected. This type of coat also protects the dog from mosquitoes, subsequently preventing certain skin conditions. It is unnecessary to provide the kennels with mosquito nets. Lastly, this type of coat makes the ridge more prominent and easily viewed in comparison with the other types of coats within the Thai Ridgeback breed.

The Ridgeback dog with velvet-like coat.
This type of coat is very popular now because the hair is very short and fine, appearing to be part of the skin. The disadvantages are that this coat cannot protect the dogs from mosquito bites, thus making them susceptible to skin problems, making them appear unattractive. It also hinders the appearance of the ridge and prohibits the clear definition of it. These coats can be expensive to maintain should such conditions arise and breeders in Thailand incur extra costs to protect their stock from the common causes and effects of the coat and related conditions. Breed for what is economical and not trendy, as they are living creatures that require time and expense.

The Characteristics of the Thai Ridgeback dogs.

General characteristics.

The Thai Ridgeback is similar in size and type as the Thai dogs. The distinguishing difference is the ridge growing along the spine in various shapes and sizes,. When they are alert their expression should be raised and their ears erected high. The tail is erect and shaped like a sword. They are very fast and agile with a graceful and daunting look. In the past they were bred for hunting. Now they are bred as companions. In the south of Thailand, some rubber farmers would take the Thai Ridgeback dogs with them when they go out to the farm early in the morning. These dogs can chase away snakes and other poisonous animals from the walkways. They make excellent guardians of the home and property.

The TRD’s head.

-The head is wedged-shaped, not too round or flat. The forehead is broad, with a subtle stop and wrinkle. The width of the forehead should be as long as the length from the tip of the nose to the tip of the ear.

-The ears are triangular in shape, set-high and are not close to each other. They do not fall forward or backwards and are set proportionately with the shape of the head. The size should not be too big nor small. The ears are one distinctive characteristic of the Thai Ridgeback dogs, as they make the dogs look elegant. They are also indications that the dog is alert to it’s surroundings.

-The eyes are oval-shaped, set well with the forehead and do not bulge out. The eyes can be in variety of colors including   black, brown, yellow or even hazel.

-The nose is round, usually black in color.

-The mouth is round, not pointed. The lips are tight and should not sag or hang.  In most of the brown Thai Ridgeback dogs, their mouths should be black and is also acceptable in dogs of other colors.

-The teeth should be clean and white. The upper teeth and lower teeth, with four canines, are at a scissor bite. There should be 42 teeth in a grown dog. The teeth development of a dog are as follows.