Saddle (Ridge) is the distinctive and most important identity of the Thai Ridgeback dog. It is caused by a group of hairs growing in the opposite direction to the normal hair growth on the spine. It extends from the back of the shoulders along the spine to the buttocks.

Important characteristics of a good saddle according to breed standards

Saddle styles found in Thai Ridgeback dogs (8 main styles)

In the circle of breeders and conservation of Thai Ridgeback dogs Saddle shapes are classified into 8 popular styles:

1. Arrow Ridge: It is shaped like an arrowhead pointing upwards towards the throat. The tip tapers down towards the hips. It is sharp and very popular.
2. Saddle plate (Saddle Ridge): The fur is spread out in a wide area covering the middle of the back, resembling a saddle. It is a saddle with a large area.
3. Violin Ridge: The edge of the saddle is narrow in the middle. Similar to the shape of a violin instrument. It is beautiful and delicate.
4. Bodhi Leaf Ridge: The upper part spreads wide like a Bodhi leaf. and tapers towards the tip.
5. Needle Ridge: The saddle has a straight, narrow shape. Across the spine
6. Feather Ridge: The reverse feathers are arranged like the lobes of a feather.
7. Harp Ridge (Harp Ridge): The shape is rounded and shaped like an ancient lute.
8. Baton saddle: It has a unique shape according to the arrangement of the fur of each bloodline.

Hereditary inheritance

The appearance of a saddle on a dog's back is caused by an autosomal dominant gene. If the father or mother has the saddle gene (Homozygous), every puppy in the litter will have a saddle. But if it is a genetic (Heterozygous) There may be some offspring in the litter that do not have saddles. Selecting parents with perfect and symmetrical saddles is therefore of great importance for the breeder.