When I was 10 or 11 living in NW Washington state I met an interesting dog. A very rare breed, one of the only of it’s breed in the US at the time, a direct import from Thailand. The owner was absolutely shocked when I knew what the dog was, as no one before had ever come close to guessing. I have always been a ‘dog geek’, pouring into every dog book, and researching every dog breed. The Thai Ridgeback has been one that’s stood out to me as interesting, and unique. Since then I’ve wanted to meet another/more, and when a friend at Pacific Northwest Pit Bull Rescue took in a foster Thai Ridgeback, I just HAD to meet, and photograph him! Thai Ridgebacks have been on my list of “must photograph” breeds. One of my goals for the new year was to pull together the confidence to go down my wishlist of ‘dogs I want to take pictures of’, and what an awesome start!
Frankie doesn’t have a full ridge, it’s split, and crooked. Very unique, and adorable! There’s a lot of variety in how the ridges on these dogs look, including ridgeless!
We’d been trying to schedule this shoot for a couple weeks, but it’s been rainy, and unpredictable. Tori lives almost 2 hours from me, so making a trip when there’s an instant weather break is risky. Yesterday this shoot was perfect though! Perfect lighting, and while it was drizzling, we had nice tree cover at the park we met at, and the trees kept all the rain at bay. We visited, and talked for at least an hour, talking dogs, and I really got to know Frankie. I’m so glad the rain held off- a few hours later we had a storm, with 40 +mph gusts of wind!
Frankie waiting patiently for some jerky
Mmmm, yummy jerky!
Thai Ridgebacks are a very primitive-style breed. Free-thinking, and very cat-like in disposition. Their mannerisms remind me of the Basenji, including movement. One interesting thing is the dimples on their whisker pads are larger, and more defined than other dogs. I’m sure they use their whiskers for sensory needs more than most dog breeds. Thai Ridgebacks are still one of the rarest breeds in the world, with only about 50 thousand estimated world-wide. Only about 100 are believed to be in the US. Most Thai Ridgebacks in the US are direct imports from Thailand. Frankie was born in the US.
I’m absolutely smitten with his tail. It’s so cute, and unique! Almost reminds me of a Shar Pei tail, but not quite. Some Thai Ridgebacks (Including the one I saw when I was younger) have heavy wrinkles on their tail, and face, more like a Shar Pei. The breeds do share similar roots. Most Thai Ridgebacks have a scentgland on their tails. Frankie’s is visible. So interesting! We think he may even have one on the top of his head too, but are not sure.
Lots more photos! Read more »
