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                 THAI  RIDGEBACK DOG FCIFCI-Standard N° 338 / 25. 02. 2004  / GB
                   
                   
                    
                   
                     BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: 
 The  Thai Ridgeback Dog is an old breed which can be seen in the  archeological writings in Thailand which were written about 350 years  ago. It was used mainly for hunting in the eastern part of Thailand.  People also used it to escort their carts and as a watch dog. The  reason why it has kept its own original type for so many years is due  to poor transportation systems in the eastern part of Thailand; it  had fewer chances to crossbreed with other breeds.
 
 
GENERAL  APPEARANCE: 
 Medium-sized dog  with short hair forming a ridge along the back. The body is slightly  longer than its height at withers. Muscles are well developed, and  its anatomical structure is suitable for activities.
 
 
IMPORTANT  PROPORTIONS: 
                         
                            Length of body :  Height at the withers = 11 : 1O Depth of chest : Height at the  withers = 1 : 2 
 
BEHAVIOUR /  TEMPERAMENT: 
 Tough and active  with excellent jumping ability. A loyal family dog.
 
 
HEAD  CRANIAL REGION: 
                         
                            Skull: The  skull is flat between the ears but slightly rounded when seen from  the side.  Forehead: Wrinkles when the dog is attentive.  Stop: Clearly defined, but moderate.
 
FACIAL  REGION: 
                         
                           Nose: Black. In blue dogs, the nose is  bluish. Nasal bridge: Straight and long. Muzzle: Wedge-shaped, slightly shorter than skull. Lips: Tight with good pigmentation. Mouth: Black marking on the tongue is preferable. Jaws: Upper and lower jaws are strong. Teeth: White and strong with scissors bite.  Eyes: Medium size and almond shaped. The  eye colour is dark brown. In blues, amber-coloured eyes are  permitted. Ears: Set on sides of the skull. Medium sized, triangular, inclining  forward and firmly pricked. Not cropped. 
 
NECK: 
 Medium length, strong,  muscular, slightly arched and holding head high.
 
 
BODY:
                         
                           Back: Strong and level. Loin : Strong and broad.  Croup: Moderately sloping.  Chest: Deep enough to  reach the elbows. The ribs are well sprung, but not barrel-shaped.  Lower line: The belly is well tucked up. 
 
TAIL: 
 Thick at base with gradual tapering toward the tip. The tip  can reach hock joints. Carried vertically and slightly curved.
 
 
LIMBS FOREQUARTERS: 
                         
                            Shoulder: Well laid back. Forearm:  Straight. Pastern : Straight when seen from the front and  very slightly sloping when seen from the side. Feet : Oval Nails : Black but can be lighter depending on coat colour. 
 
HINDQUARTERS: 
                         
                            Thighs: Well developed with well bent stifles. Hocks: Strong and well let down. Rear Pastern: Straight and  parallel when seen from the rear. Feet: Oval 
 
GAIT: 
 Reachy stride with no  pitching nor rolling of the body. Parallel tracking at normal speed.  When viewed from the front, the forelegs move up and down in straight  lines so that the shoulder, elbow and pastern joints are  approximately in line with each other. When viewed from the rear, the  stifle and hip joints are approximately in line. Movement in a  straight line forward without throwing the feet in or out; thus  enabling the stride to be long and drive powerful. The overall  appearance of the moving dog is one of smooth flowing and well  balanced rhythm.
 
 
SKIN: 
 Soft, fine and tight. Throat : no dewlap.
 
 
COAT  HAIR: 
 Short and smooth. The  ridge on the top region is formed by the hair growing in the opposite  direction to the rest of the coat. It should be clearly defined from  other parts of the back. There are various shapes and lengths of  ridge, but must be symmetrical on either side of the backbone and  within the width of the back. Crowns or whirls at the head of the  ridge are acceptable. COLOUR : Solid colour : red, black, blue and  very light fawn (isabella). Black mask is preferable in reds.
 
 
SIZE: 
 Ideal height at the withers :  Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Bitches 20-22 inches (51-56 cm). There  is a tolerance of plus or minus one inch (2.5 cm).
 
 
FAULTS: 
 Any departure from the  foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness  with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion  to its degree. • Any bite other than scissors bite. • Unbalanced  ridge.
 
 
ELIMINATING FAULTS: 
 Dogs without ridge • Long hair. Any dog clearly showing  physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
 
 
N.B.: 
 Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles  fully descended into the scrotum. This breed was first recognized by  the Dog Association of Thailand, then the Japanese Kennel Club, and  then the Asian Kennel Union and finally, as breed number 338 by the  FCI in 1993. They are also recognized by the Kennel Club of Thailand,  the United Kennel Club, the American Rare Breed Association and the  American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Services
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