Group 5 · Spitz & primitive types
Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback is a medium-sized, muscular primitive dog from Thailand, recognisable by the ridge of hair growing the wrong way along its back. It is independent, watchful and loyal to its family.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Thai Ridgeback by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 1 examination:
- 1 X-ray examination
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (1)
-
Hip dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Thai Ridgeback, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 22/01/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Hip dysplasia. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Thai Ridgeback needs long daily walks and challenge. Only let it off the lead in a well-fenced area. Its short coat is easy to look after.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Hip dysplasia?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
This primitive dog is alert, independent and often reserved with strangers. It has a strong hunting instinct and needs plenty of socialisation and patience. It is strongly attached to its own family.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
