Dogs of Thailand
The most common dogs from Thailand are the Thai Ridgeback and the Thai Bangkaew Dog. Currently the Thai Bangkaew Dog is not recognized by any major kennel clubs, while the Thai Ridgeback is a recognized breed by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). They are not quite recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but they can be listed under their Foundation Stock Service. Still quite rare, the dogs of Thailand are slowly being discovered by the rest of the world.
The Thai Ridgeback has existed in Thailand for centuries, it is believed by many to be a Pariah-type breed. It is one of three known dogs with a ridge of fur on their back, the other two being the Rhodesian Ridgeback of Africa and the Phu Quoc Dog of Vietnam (which by some sources is simply considered to be the Thai Ridgeback). Some believe there is a link between these breeds and the Thai Ridgeback, however this is unlikely, as the only thing linking the two is their appearance. DNA testing is being done to see if there is a link between the dogs. Many believe the Thai Ridgeback is a descendent of the dingo or possible the wolf. More testing will need to be done to unlock the history of this Thailand breed.
The Thai Bangkaew Dog received its name from the Bangkaew village in the Phitsanulok Province of Thailand. It is believed this is where the breed originated, the “mother” of the breed being given to an Abbot of the Wat Bangkaew Temple. The Abbot kept many animals and he was given a female dog from a village local. The dog was large with long black hair, and already pregnant, some believe her mating was either with a jackal or dhole. It is said her litter was the basis for the dog in Thailand.
