RIDGE TYPES
The "ridge" is a line of hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat, usually starting from the shoulders and ending at the hips. A hair whirl called a "crown" is often part of the ridge but isn't necessary. Ridges can have more than one crown or no crowns at all. Thai ridgeback dogs can be born without ridge too, and are called 'ridgeless'.
Kaem (Needle)
Another ridge type without crowns. Similar to the Kaem type, but wider, 4-5 cm. Quite rare.
Phaen
Another ridge type without crowns. Similar to the Kaem type, but wider, 4-5 cm. Quite rare.
Tha-nu (Arrow)
Starts with two crowns on each shoulder, meeting and running along the spine like an arrow. These ridges are quite common.
Viola
Consists of three pairs of crowns at different points along the ridge. The first pair is at the shoulders, the second at the middle of the back, and the third, smallest, at the end of the ridge. This ridge resembles a cello and is quite rare.
Pin
Ridge with several crowns starting at the shoulders. Usually, there’s one crown, and in the middle of the back, there are two additional crowns, creating a wide ridge impression. The ridge narrows towards the spine, resembling a musical instrument, the lute.
Bowling Pin
Comprises crowns along the spine, looking like a tapering bowling pin. This ridge doesn’t always start at the shoulders, often beginning in the middle of the back with two small crowns, followed by a larger pair of crowns.
Thep-pa-nom
Ridge without a crown. The hair grows opposite like in Kaem or Phaen types but rises from the left and right sides of the spine, intersecting with the middle hair, creating a pattern resembling two praying hands - a Wai Thai greeting. This type is usually seen in dogs with standard coats.
Bai - Pho
Similar to Pin but much wider and can extend onto the dog's sides, resembling a Bho-Di leaf or a saddle. This type is very rare.
Hu-kra-taj
Features two distinct oval-shaped crowns on either side of the spine, forming a ridge resembling a sitting rabbit with upright ears. This ridge is very rare.
Saddle
A broad ridge, rectangular in shape is most commonly found in red-coloured dogs.