How Much Does a Thai Ridgeback Dog Cost? 2024 Price Guide

Eastern Thailand is home to the intelligent and agile Thai Ridgeback. This sturdy medium-to-large breed is distinguished by a ridge of fur on its back that grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the hair. Despite their somewhat intimidating face, the Thai Ridgeback is one of the most devoted dogs with an energetic and playful nature.

If you want to bring home a Thai Ridgeback, you definitely need to know how much it costs to own one. They can be expensive, as you may have heard. Unfortunately, many people do not budget for their animal before getting one, which can lead to many troubles down the road. So it’s essential to understand the specific costs associated with dog care.

Here is a list of costs you can expect, from adoption fees and other one-time bills to ongoing expenses like supplies and veterinary care. You can be sure you’re prepared to welcome a four-legged family member by taking a realistic look at the price of adopting one.

Bringing Home a New Thai Ridgeback Dog: One-Time Costs

This breed is uncommon outside of Thailand, and there are only around 300 Thai Ridgebacks in the United States today.¹ As a result, getting one usually costs more than average. Unless you’re lucky enough to meet someone giving one away for free or notice adoption available at animal shelters, you’ll probably have to purchase a Thai Ridgeback from reputable breeders.

Free

The chance of receiving a Thai Ridgeback free of charge is slim, but it does exist. Due to unforeseen events, such as when an owner becomes sick or passes away, they might want to give away their precious pet. However, before getting any dog for free, be cautious and ask about their history and health status to determine whether they are seriously sick or have any behavioral issues.

Adoption

Another way to get a Thai Ridgeback is via adoption from rescue groups and shelters. But remember that the fee you pay to adopt a dog includes far more than just your new animal. Various organizations offer different services, but adoption fees usually cover the following: up-to-date vaccinations, a microchip, an initial physical exam, spaying or neutering, deworming medication, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm testing and medication.

Before adopting, ask the organization what is included in the fee. You should expect to pay more if it covers more things. If the organization doesn’t have a Thai Ridgeback when you ask, you might be able to get placed on a waiting list so that they can notify you as soon as they have a dog available for adoption.

Breeder

When it comes to getting a dog, buying from a breeder will cost you the most. The price of a Thai Ridgeback puppy for sale differs widely. It is influenced by multiple factors, including the breeder’s location, the lineage of the puppy, litter size, socialization, training, and many others.

Thai Ridgeback puppies are currently selling for an average of $1,700. At this price, you can expect papers but not show quality or breeding rights. If you’re looking for Thai Ridgeback pups with top breed lines and an exceptional pedigree, prepare to pay anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000 or even more.

Initial Setup and Supplies

After adopting your Thai Ridgeback, you’ll need to buy some essential supplies for your canine. The first thing is to take them to a reputable vet and be ready to pay anywhere between $50 and $300 for that initial appointment, depending on vaccines, a microchip, preventive medications, or special care. Dog supplies will be your next main expense. These include food, treats, collars, leashes, bowls, beds, etc.

List of Thai Ridgeback Dog Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Thai Ridgeback Dog Cost Per Month?

There are several factors that will determine how much money you will spend on caring for your Thai Ridgeback each month, including food, your dog’s health, grooming needs, and whether or not you choose pet insurance.

Thai Ridgeback owners usually spend most of their monthly budget on food. Thanks to their short and straight coat, these canines don’t need as much grooming or additional medical treatment as other types like the Poodle or the Afghan Hound. Here is an overview of some expense estimates.

Health Care

The Thai Ridgeback is a relatively healthy dog breed, so it may not be necessary to take them to the vet too often. You only need to bring your pet in for a checkup once or twice a year to ensure their well-being. Expect a higher vet bill if they require urgent attention or treatment.

Food

Your monthly food budget will vary depending on the brand and type of food you choose to feed the animal. It also hinges on your dog’s size, age, health condition, and energy level. But remember that giving them premium meals and low-calorie treats is crucial to helping them get the nutrients they require to live a healthy and long life.

Grooming

The grooming requirements for Thai Ridgebacks are simple, so you can easily do it at home to save money. Fortunately, you don’t need to brush and bathe these canines too often. However, you may need to brush their teeth every 3 or 4 days, check their ears once a week, and cut their nails every 3–4 weeks.

Medications and Vet Visits

Your Thai Ridgeback needs medications to avoid fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites. But you don’t need to worry because the vet will guide you in choosing suitable products based on the climate where you live and your dog’s conditions. You can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $500 annually on these items.

In addition, annual veterinary care is vital to maintaining your dog’s health. One or two visits to the vet per year should cost between $200 and $300. Of course, if your canine develops a health issue, vet bills will be higher. As they get older, this is more likely to occur. Preparing for future expenses is incredibly important, especially if your Thai Ridgeback doesn’t have pet insurance.

Pet Insurance

Similar to human health insurance, pet insurance will help with the cost of your dog’s treatment. Even though the Thai Ridgeback is generally pretty healthy, having insurance in case something goes wrong is still a good idea. The cost can be low or high depending on your location, the breed, their age, and the level of coverage you want.

Environment Maintenance

As a Thai Ridgeback owner, there are a few environmental factors you may want to consider, like picking up poop while walking, eliminating odors in the house, and so forth. You should set aside a little money each month to keep your environment clean and tidy.

Entertainment

Thai Ridgebacks demand a lot of playtime because they are very energetic dogs. You might want to invest in fun and pleasing toys to keep your pet entertained and mentally stimulated. For example, a monthly subscription to a box of dog toys is one of the most popular choices among owners. There are numerous options available in a variety of price ranges. Based on your subscription, they will send you new toys for your furry companion each month.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Thai Ridgeback Dog

You can see that the cost to raise a Thai Ridgeback is quite pricey, but it can change from month to month. As long as your beloved animal is healthy, the expenses will stay lower. In addition, depending on where you live and what your dog requires each month, the cost of raising them may vary.

Additional Costs to Factor In

When planning a budget for the coming of your Thai Ridgeback home, you should also take sporadic extra expenses into account. Dogs, for instance, will age and need the care that comes with that, or even with the best care, they can get hurt and have health issues sometimes in their lives. As a result, the expense will be higher.

Training

Most dogs only attend obedience classes at the age of 1 or 2, but training should continue throughout their lives. Budget at least $25 to $300 per year for the education of your Thai Ridgeback, regardless of whether you are purchasing books and watching videos for at-home training or signing your dog up for classes.

Dog Walking

You may need a dog walker if you don’t stay at home all day. In that case, you should budget at least $400 per month for canine walking, which entails a $20 walk once a day on all the weekdays.

Pet Sitters or Boarding

Most owners have to leave their pets behind for some reason at least once or twice a year. This typically costs between $100 and $300 per year. Although hiring a pet sitter can be more expensive than boarding, many people prefer the personalized attention a pet sitter can provide for their furry friends and believe it is worth the additional cost. If you travel regularly, be prepared to spend a lot more. Also, you should expect your travel costs to increase if you decide to travel with your Thai Ridgeback.

Owning a Thai Ridgeback Dog on a Budget

Owning a dog is expensive, but getting a Thai Ridgeback probably won’t be totally impossible, even if you’re on a tight budget. You can reduce some costs by looking around for the best, most affordable place to purchase essential supplies. You certainly don’t want to skimp on food, but you can create many toys at home using materials you probably already have to save money. The cost of training can also be reduced if you have experience teaching previous dogs to obey commands.

Saving Money on Thai Ridgeback Dog Care

If you want to reduce the cost of your Thai Ridgeback’s care in the upcoming months and years, providing high-quality food, adequate exercise, and regular vet check-ups to keep them healthy will go a long way. Making toys and treats at home or grooming the pet by yourself are other tips to save money. Additionally, having pet insurance can help you avoid a high bill for medical care if your dog has an accident or an unexpected illness.

Conclusion

Bringing a furry companion home is one of life’s greatest joys for a dog enthusiast. However, giving your new pet a happy and healthy life can be pricey. These expenses vary greatly based on where you live, your lifestyle, and the specifics of the dog. If you decide to get a Thai Ridgeback, it’s vital to consider both the short- and long-term expenses. Expect that the first year with your new canine may cost twice as much as later years’ typical annual costs, but you’ll receive immense love and great memories in return.

---

Featured Image Credit: Sbolotova, Shutterstock