Havapoo vs Thai Ridgeback - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Until 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.

The Havapoo is usually a cross with a miniature Poodle and a Havanese but other poodle sizes such as the toy can be used. This is a fairly new cross breed just getting the attention of the American public. The result is a friendly, small dog. They have a striking appearance and lovable personality. They are easy to train and very smart. Not much is know about their heritage except that they were developed in the United States sometime in the past 30 years. Given the long history of the parental breeds, you can count on the quality and beauty of the Havapoo.

The 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.

The look of the Havapoo is unpredictable in first generation mixes as the puppies can appear like either of the parents. Most however have carried on the facial features of the Havanese. They usually have soft coats with hypoallergenic fur that comes in brown, black, grey, white and tan. The white dogs tend to be deaf or perhaps even blind. They are really good looking dogs whichever parent they favor.

. 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.

1Children friendliness yes but monitor their interaction so the dog does not get hurt. 2.Special talents highly intelligent and love to run 3.Adaptability Home or apartment is fine but would love a fenced yard to run in. 4.Learning ability very high smart and loves to learn

With 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.

Even though first generation mixes have no genetic health issues. There are however some issues they are prone to: • Deafness - primarily in the white dogs, nothing can be done for it. • Cataracts – can lead to blindness • Hypothyroidism – can be medicated • Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness • Patellar Luxation – can lead to lameness

1. 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.

1Feeding the puppy – feed a high quality puppy food for small or toy dogs. Feed 3-4 times a day a total or 1 cup. 2.Feeding the adult - feed a high quality puppy food for small or toy dogs. Feed 3-4 times a day a total of 2 cups 3.Points for Good Health – overall good health 4. Games and Exercises – needs some moderate exercise and would love a fenced yard to run in. Will play fetch and some are good at agility.