Thai Ridgeback vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Thai Ridgeback vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed ComparisonPyrenean Shepherd is originated from Spain but Thai Ridgeback is originated from Thailand. Pyrenean Shepherd may grow 11 cm / 4 inches shorter than Thai Ridgeback. Pyrenean Shepherd may weigh 14 kg / 30 pounds lesser than Thai Ridgeback. Both Pyrenean Shepherd and Thai Ridgeback has almost same life span. Both Pyrenean Shepherd and Thai Ridgeback has almost same litter size. Both Pyrenean Shepherd and Thai Ridgeback requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
undefined
Spain
Thailand
Height Male:
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
51 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
23 - 34 kg
50 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
23 - 32 kg
50 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Pyr Shep
Thai Ridgeback Dog • TRD • Mah Thai • Thai Dog • Mah Thai Lung Arn
Colors Available:
grey, black overlay occasionally, Fawn, some white - solid colors or tri-colored
brown, red or blue, black
Coat:
Long or short haired - soft or wiry
short, straight with ridge
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

pyrenean shepherdThe Pyrenean Shepherd hails from Spain where he has always been used to herd sheep. Some people believe he is a descendant of the French Catalan Sheepdog while others say from the Briard. Nobody is too sure.

He is actually the smallest of the French herding breeds. It is interesting to note that he still does this herding job today. It was in the 19th century that a few of these dogs left for America with shepherds who found work herding flocks in the American West.

These dogs were also used in World War 1 as messenger dogs.

It was during the 1970's and 1980's that breeding programs were started for the dog and The Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America was formed in 1987. The dog was also recognized in 2009 by the American Kennel Club.

thai ridgebackUntil recently the Thai Ridgeback was not known outside of its native land. However, after being recently recognized as a standard breed, the dogs are getting some notice from the western world. They are one of three known ridgeback breeds with the ridge running the opposite direction of the rest of her fur. The other breeds with this characteristic are the better known Rhodesian Ridgeback and the even lesser known Phu Quoc Ridgeback.

The Thai Ridgeback is believed to have originated in eastern Thailand but there is no documentation of their actual history. The breed is thought to be descended from the Funan Ridgeback based on a genetic hypothesis. It is thought that the same Funan Ridgeback is an ancestor od the Phu Quoc Dog. This Funan Ridgeback lived over a century ago. Along with the Rhodesian Ridgeback, all have a common ridgebearing ancestor.

It is still unknown where the original ridge came from but it has been shown that all of the ridgeback dogs have the same genetic mutation and even though the Rhodisian is from Africa, there is not a parallel mutation. The Thai Ridgeback is an active, energetic, tough dog. He is loyal, intelligent, and has great jumping ability.

Description

pyrenean shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Pyrenean Shepherd is a medium-sized dog standing at between 38 and 50cm in height and weighing between 14 and 20kg.

His head is fairly small with large, bright, expressive eyes. The ears are semi-erect. The tail has always traditionally been docked but often left long these days.

He comes with two different coat types – rough and smooth with sometimes both types being in the same litter. The dog is a regular shedder. The coat can be medium length or long and slightly wavy with a harsh texture. The coat can be of the shorter type with finer, softer hair. The coat is available in different colors and patterns, and can be a fawn color or grey and you will find a black overlay occasionally with some white. The coat can be tri-colored or he can be in solid colors such as cream or white.

Temperament:

Your feisty Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog with plenty of personality. He is also full of energy and will love to live with a outdoorsy-type family who are always on the go, because he’s in on everything.

He is distrustful of strangers and this together with the fact that he is so alert, makes him a splendid watchdog too.

He will need to be trained and socialized as he can be overly robust. He becomes obedient and well mannered, being totally dedicated to his owner. It isn’t easy for him to be separated from his beloved human owner.

thai ridgeback puppy - descriptionThe breed is medium in size and muscular in body. They have a wedge shaped head, a short coat that is smooth and pricked, triangular ears. The ridge on his back is pronounced as the hair grows away from the rest of the coat from the hips to the withers. Puppies can be born with or without the ridge. They are extremely agile. With what is often called a sword tail being carried up, the Ridgeback has wrinkles on his forehead, a black tongue or the tongue has black marks, and almond shaped eyes.

The coat sheds minimally and is dense, while the eyes are usually brown – in blue dogs they can be amber. The color of the coat is fawn, red, black or blue with a black mask on the reds. There are 8 different ridge patterns: Feather, violin, saddleback, needle, arrow, bowling pin, lute, and leaf. The broader the ridge the better the dog is considered for show.

There are two epistatic genes that determine the ridge and its size. The more genes of this type the individual dog has, the broader the ridge will be. There must be a dominant gene for the ridge to appear at all.

Characteristics

pyrenean shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is essentially a one-person dog, becoming totally attached to one particular person in the family.

He is known as a dog who becomes totally loyal to his human family, getting on well with children as well as with other pets in the home.

He is aloof and wary of strangers. Training and socialization is important so as to avoid aggression and fear. This is one dog that requires being diligently exercised every day.

He is a great watchdog, and when you add up all his fantastic qualities, you get to realize what a splendid companion and pet this wonderful dog makes.

. Children friendliness – Must be well socialized into the family.

2.Special talents – jumping and agility.

3.Adaptability – not good. Needs a high, unclimbable fense.

4.Learning ability – can be stubborn and independent.

Health Problems

pyrenean shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is such a jovial little dog that you just can’t imagine him ever being sick. When he is lethargic, you'll know there is something seriously wrong with him because he is always as bright as a button.

He can however get sick, and there are a few dog illnesses such as epilepsy, eye problems and hip dysplasia that can be very painful ad debilitating for such an energetic dog. You don’t have to be too concerned though, as he is a dog known to have minimal health issues.

thai ridgeback puppies - health problemsWith such a mysterious origin, there are not a lot of documented episodes of genetic illness as the breed has been isolated in Thailand and natural selection has driven reproduction. There are only a few issues that they are genetically predisposed to. These include:

• Dermoid Sinus – this is a genetic skin condition known as pilonidal sinus as well. This is a defect in the neural tube and the sinus might be removed. If the sinus is wrapped around the spinal cord and cannot be removed it can be tied off.

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis.

• Bloat – can be terminal if not treated as soon as possible. Bloat is a distension of the stomach and intestines which can twist and tangle, killing the dog almost immediately without veterinary attention.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

pyrenean shepherd dogs - caringThis will depend on the coat type. Both coat types will essentially require you brushing him twice a week.

Exercise:

The Pyr Shep’s activity levels are very high and this dog will require living with people who love outdoor activities. He’s the perfect companion for those camping trips or hikes. He is always ready to join you on your walks and will be ready and waiting to jump right in when he sees you with a ball or frisbee.

Diet:

For all that energy, your Pyrenean Shepherd will be needing the best dog food there is. Food full of preservatives and colorants can be bad for your pet, detrimental to his health.

Good food full of vitamins and minerals will ensure your pet stands a good chance of living a long, healthy life. If you feed him commercially manufactured dog food, ensure its the best there is, with labeling on the packaging that tells you its for his age, his size and energy levels.

Consistency and simplicity is what your Pyrenean Shepherd wants, and home-made food can enhance his dry kibble. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure your pet’s eyes are continuously bright and alert and his tail constantly wagging.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also go towards ensuring his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

thai ridgeback dogs - caring1. Feeding the Puppy - Don’t over feed the puppy as they are inclined to become obese. Feed a high quality protein rich puppy for medium breeds. Feed in 3-4 smaller meals per day. As he grows be aware of bloat possibilities.

2. Feeding the adult dog - The risk of bloat is even greater in the adult and so is the risk of obesity. Don’t feed large meals and don’t feed before or after strenuous exercise. Feed in 2 smaller meals per day.

3.Points for Good Health - Agile and muscular.

4. Games and Exercises – Energetic and needs serious exercise. She loves to swim, retrieve, hike, hunt, and catch frisbees. Likes search and rescue and guard dog work.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pyrenean Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Pyrenean Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Pyrenean Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Pyrenean Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Pyrenean Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Pyrenean Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Thai Ridgeback vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Thai Ridgeback vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Thai Ridgeback vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Thai Ridgeback vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Thai Ridgeback vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Thai Ridgeback vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Thai Ridgeback vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Thai Ridgeback vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Thai Ridgeback vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Thai Ridgeback vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Thai Ridgeback vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Thai Ridgeback vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Thai Ridgeback vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Thai Ridgeback vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Thai Ridgeback vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Thai Ridgeback vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Thai Ridgeback vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Thai Ridgeback vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Thai Ridgeback vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Thai Ridgeback vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Thai Ridgeback vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Thai Ridgeback vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Thai Ridgeback vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Thai Ridgeback vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Thai Ridgeback vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison