Thai Ridgeback Dog of Eastern Thailand
A Thai Ridgeback Dog (known locally simply as "Mah-Thai-Lang-Aan") is a very valuable heritage of Thailand. Since the ancient time until now, nobody could answer that when it was found, and how did it look like at that time. The oldest evidence regarding Thai Ridgeback Dog is "Samud-Koi", an ancient book which is made from Siamese rough bush’s tissues. This book was created many hundred years ago in the reign of "Phra Chao Songtham", King of Ayuddhaya. The book tells us that Thai Ridgeback Dog has raised ears, sword-like tail, and reverse hair on the back which is similar to a saddle. That is why it is called Thai Ridgeback Dog (or Thai Saddle Dog, if we translate directly from Thai word "Lang-Ann" to English).
One of the most asked questions from amateur dog owners is: How does a good-looking dog look like? The answers received from many kennels are so confusingly different. That is because each kennel claims that the most good-looking dog comes from their own kennel. Then, amateur dog owners should rely on their own discretion. And the best suggestion is by consulting the breed standard from FCI.
When talking about Thai Ridgeback Dog of eastern Thailand, we always imagine a red-coat dog with black muzzle, big skull, and big body structure (dog anatomy). Thai Ridgeback Dog is generally found in Chantaburi and Trat provinces in eastern of Thailand. The reason that it has these appearances is because it was raised as a watchdog and hunting dog. To chase its preys, it needs to run into bushes, digs holes, and bites tree roots. The body structure then adapts itself to comfort with the work. That means big body with strong muscles, big skull, powerful jaws, and predator instinct. Moreover, some Thai Ridgeback Dogs have withers lower than croup because they usually run into bushes or holes.
Today, the purposes of raising Thai Ridgeback Dog are changed. Many people raise them as their friends and some raise them for a beauty contest. When the number of raisers increases, there is also a new purpose of raising them: "trading". Since money are involved, there is always a competition in the business. Therefore, many breeders need to develop their dogs to be corresponding to market’s needs.
Breeders are categorized into many different groups based on their beliefs, ways of developments, and so forth. Nevertheless, a conformation show is the only way to judge their dog’s appearances. Consequently, dog must be proved from different shows by different judges in order to obtain the most accurate judgment. When the purposes are changed, breeders have to improve their dog’s appearances to match with those purposes. But all unique characteristics of Thai Ridgeback Dog must be preserved.
As a result, the current Thai Ridgeback Dog of eastern Thailand is very different from the past. The body structure (dog anatomy), appearances, mentality, and spirits are a lot improved.
Thai Ridgeback Dog is a very precious property of Thailand. As a Thai, we have a responsibility to conserve them. At the same time, we also need to keep developing them in order to be able to compete in contests with other dog breeds from all around the world.
With love, best wishes, and willingness to be a friend of every Thai Ridgeback dog owner.
Copyright © 2008. Community of Eastern Thai Ridgeback Dog
