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Thai Ridgebacks are quite rare, with only 300 canines registered in the US. As you can expect, they can be pricey to acquire. But how much do they actually cost?
Thai dogs are ranked among the ten most expensive canines worldwide. They cost more mainly because of their rarity and pure bloodline. A purebred, show-quality puppy from a reputable breeder can set you back as much as $10,000 and monthly cost can range from $395 to $1,264.
Think of the dog to be as much a furry companion as it is a status symbol.
If you are determined to adopt one of these canine beauties, read on for a complete guide to help you budget accordingly.
Bringing Home a New Thai Ridgeback Dog: One-Time Costs
Once you bring home your Thai Ridgeback, you must ensure it is healthy and happy. Owning such a pet is a significant responsibility that can alter your lifestyle and everyday activities. Do your homework beforehand and affirm that a Thai dog is ideal for your household. Also, ensure you can foot the pet’s initial and lifetime costs.
Free
The Thai Ridgeback is a rare and exotic dog. As such, you have almost zero chance of getting even a senior or retired breeding Thai Ridgeback for free. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to be on the lookout.
Adoption
According to the Animal Humane Society, the standard adoption fee for a dog is between $129 and $767.1 Adopting from an animal rescue center costs between $50 and $500, and you are almost guaranteed to pay full price for purebreds.
Unfortunately, finding a rare and expensive dog breed like a Thai Ridgeback in an animal shelter is nearly impossible.
If your mind is still set on adopting a Thai dog, you’ll have better luck searching for one directly from Rescue organizations in Thailand. This involves a lengthy application process that can take four to six months. The process can also be quite complicated because it involves the cross-border migration of an animal.
The adoption fee alone ranges between $589 and $968, exclusive of the travel cost and any unexpected expenses. Like any other form of online shopping, spending a lot of time and money doesn’t guarantee you’ll be satisfied with the package you receive.
Breeder
- $5,000—$10,000
Buying a Thai Ridgeback from a breeder is the most expensive option—and probably the only option. Among the perks of working with a reputable breeder is that you can obtain detailed information about the pet you buy.2 This includes the genetic profile of a dog, its pedigree (family tree), vaccinations, training, and socialization.
Purchasing from a breeder can be prohibitively expensive and drive up your budget by several thousand dollars. A Thai Ridgeback puppy can cost as high as $5,000. If you have your eyes set on a show-quality puppy, you need a budget of between $6,000 and $8,000. The costs incurred by the breeder for deworming, vaccination, and other care expenses can further increase the price to $10,000.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $1,000 to $2,500
Purchasing essential equipment and supplies needed to set up a Thai Ridgeback in your home can be costly. From food and treats to toys and blankets, there is plenty you must buy to ensure your new dog feels at home.
A proper budget will also encompass possible vet bills for spraying/neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations/booster shots. It would also help to consider the cost of keeping your home clean and smelling fresh once your dog arrives. Generally, the initial setup and supplies cost highly depends on your lifestyle and preferences.
List of Thai Ridgeback Care Supplies and Costs
| Item/ Service | Price Range |
| Collar/Harness | $10 to $150 |
| Crate/ Carrier | $40 to $330 |
| Leash | $10 to $60 |
| Spay or Neuter Surgery | $320 to $800 |
| Initial Vet Exams And Vaccinations | $380 to $480 |
| Microchipping | $80 |
| Dental Cleaning | $400 to $550 |
| Dog Bed/ Tank/ Cage | $10 to $630 |
| Food And Water Bowls | $10 to $120 |
| Toys | $10 to $290 |
| Basic Grooming Kit With Shampoo, Comb & Brush | $10 to $75 |
| Poop Bags | $10 to $70 |
| Treats | $10 to $60 |
| Pet License | $20 to $100 |
How Much Does a Thai Ridgeback Cost per Month?
- $395 to $1,264
Typically, expenses are much higher during the first year of raising a Thai Ridgeback. Expect to foot about $4,218 during the first year. After this, the overall cost of owning the dog will drop to roughly $2,109 annually. The expense can rise by over $10,000 in case of emergency vet care services or unexpected illness.
The Thai dog is a strong ancient breed that is mostly very healthy. It can live between 12 and 15 years with proper nutrition and healthcare. Assuming your animal hits the minimum average life expectancy of 12 years, it will incur an average lifetime cost of up to $24,262.
Health Care
- Preventative Treatments—$200 to $500
- Health Care Services—$200 to $500
- Emergency Vet Visits— $150 to $1,200
It is imperative to take your Thai dog to a licensed vet when it gets home. The idea is to ensure it is up to date with its vaccinations and to invest in other preventative care services. Flea/ tick treatments and deworming can go a long way in enhancing your pet’s health. On average, preventative treatments cost between $100 and $500.
Furthermore, it is necessary to anticipate the cost of annual vet care services. During the first year, the average cost of healthcare per month is between $200 and $500. This covers the fee for exams, vaccinations, fecal tests, and lab work. The cost can be as high as $1,000 if you opt for dental work services. Teeth cleaning alone costs between $400 and $550.
Thai dogs are generally healthy. Still, even the healthiest and most well-mannered dog is not immune to accidents and abrupt illnesses. If you ever need emergency vet services, you’ll require a budget of between $150 and $1,200, depending on the concern that needs treatment, where you live, and the vet clinic you visit.
Food
- $65—$389
Thai Ridgebacks are not picky eaters and will not have any unique food demands. However, providing high-quality food with high proportions of animal-sourced proteins is crucial to ensuring the dog’s strength, health, endurance, and life expectancy. It is essential to provide at least two meals daily and engage the pet in daily exercise to help it maintain a healthy weight.
Food expenditure can range widely depending on the quantity your dog eats and the food brands you choose. On average, quality dog food costs between $65 and$389 monthly or from $780 to $ 4,668 yearly.
Dog Enrichment Costs
- $100 to $300
Irrespective of your lifestyle, there are dog enrichment expenses you must incur. For instance, if you adopt a puppy, you must enroll it in training. Obedience training is crucial to help the pet learn to communicate with you and vice-versa. Each session will cost you an average of $40 to $250.
Also, your schedule could hinder you from catering to your Thai dog’s needs all year round. You’ll spend between $20 and $140 per walk if you need dog walking services. Dog boarding facilities charge from $40 to $280 per night, depending on your chosen dates and where you live.
Even though Thai Ridgebacks don’t need much grooming, their coats require some maintenance. When you cannot groom your pet from home, each grooming appointment with an expert will cost between $20 and $150.
Pet Insurance
- $30—$75
Pet insurance is a wise investment that can lower your annual veterinary expenses. Consider investing in a comprehensive policy that covers accidents, illnesses, and wellness care. Your insurance plan can be life-saving, especially in the event of a health concern that attracts a substantially high vet bill.
Pet insurance costs vary depending on the policy you choose and the list of included and excluded vet services. On average, expect to spend between $30 and $75 monthly, or $360 and $900 annually.
In addition to pet insurance, consider setting up a savings account for emergency medical expenses. Depositing $25 to $100 monthly into an emergency fund can give you invaluable peace of mind when raising your Thai Ridgeback.
Final Thoughts
Thai Ridgebacks are relatively rare worldwide, although their popularity has steadily increased over the past few years. They are intelligent, gentle, and loyal, which makes them excellent guard dogs and furry companions.
If you are on a budget, this dog breed is not for you. Purchasing a show-quality pup from a reputable breeder can cost several thousand dollars. Your finances will also take a significant hit from the cost of setting up the pet, which can be as high as $4,218 during the first year.
Still, adding a Thai dog to your household is worth the cost.
Featured Image Credit: Loboda Dmytro, Shutterstock
