Is the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Thai Ridgeback better for families with children?

Both the New Guinea Singing Dog and the Thai Ridgeback are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Thai Ridgeback?

The New Guinea Singing Dog sheds more than the Thai Ridgeback. If shedding is a concern, the Thai Ridgeback is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Thai Ridgeback?

The Thai Ridgeback is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is New Guinea Singing Dog or Thai Ridgeback bigger?

New Guinea Singing Dog and Thai Ridgeback are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, New Guinea Singing Dog or Thai Ridgeback?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, New Guinea Singing Dog or Thai Ridgeback?

For apartment or apartment living, New Guinea Singing Dog and Thai Ridgeback are an even match — either can work well.

New Guinea Singing Dog vs Thai Ridgeback: Sheds Less?

New Guinea Singing Dog vs Thai Ridgeback: full comparison

Trait	New Guinea Singing Dog	Thai Ridgeback
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Low	Medium
Friendliness	Low	Low
Good with children	Low	Low
Grooming needs	Low	Very Low
Shedding	Medium	Low
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	High	Very High
Adaptability	Very Low	Low
Typical lifespan	15 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The New Guinea Singing Dog is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Thai Ridgeback is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The New Guinea Singing Dog demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Thai Ridgeback demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The New Guinea Singing Dog asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Thai Ridgeback takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and drops very little hair. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The New Guinea Singing Dog takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and can live with children but needs careful, supervised introductions. The Thai Ridgeback is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and can live with children but needs careful, supervised introductions. On guarding instinct, New Guinea Singing Dog keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Thai Ridgeback is a formidable natural guardian with a strong protective drive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, New Guinea Singing Dog and Thai Ridgeback are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, New Guinea Singing Dog and Thai Ridgeback are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Thai Ridgeback has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, New Guinea Singing Dog and Thai Ridgeback are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Thai Ridgeback has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the New Guinea Singing Dog if you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Thai Ridgeback if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you want a more adaptable dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Thai Ridgeback better for families with children?: Both the New Guinea Singing Dog and the Thai Ridgeback are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Thai Ridgeback?: The New Guinea Singing Dog sheds more than the Thai Ridgeback. If shedding is a concern, the Thai Ridgeback is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Thai Ridgeback?: The Thai Ridgeback is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is New Guinea Singing Dog or Thai Ridgeback bigger?: New Guinea Singing Dog and Thai Ridgeback are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, New Guinea Singing Dog or Thai Ridgeback?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, New Guinea Singing Dog or Thai Ridgeback?: For apartment or apartment living, New Guinea Singing Dog and Thai Ridgeback are an even match — either can work well.

New Guinea Singing Dog vs Thai Ridgeback