Rhodesian Ridgeback
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 Description:
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog indigenous
to South Africa that has a characteristic
ridge of hair on his back which is grows
forward. He is well balanced, muscular,
athletic and handsome. The Rhodesian Ridgeback's
ancestors are traced back to half-wild hunting
dogs belonging to the Hottentot tribes in
the 16th century. Early European settlers
to South Africa in the 16th and 17th centuries
had with them several different breeds including
Mastiffs, Salukis, Bloodhounds, Danes and
Greyhounds. And, historians believe selective
breeding with these breeds along with the
Hottentot dog resulted in the development
of the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Rev. Charles Helm, Cornelius von Rooyen
and Rhodesian breeders all played a role
in today's Rhodesian Ridgeback. In 1875,
Helm traveled to Rhodesia (now known as
Zimbabwe) and brought with him two of his
hunting dogs. Cornelius von Rooyen, a big
game hunter, borrowed them and was so impressed
by their excellent ability to hunt lions
(and not be killed), he started his own
breeding program. Breeding continued in
Rhodesia and in 1922, the first standard
was written. While the Rhodesian Ridgeback
was very popular in cornering lions for
the hunter to kill, they were also used
to protect families and property as well
as in herding and hunting of other game.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback can withstand the
extreme changes of temperatures in Africa
as well as go without water or food for
an entire day.
The American Kennel Club officially recognized
the Rhodesian Ridgeback into its Hound Group
in 1955.
Height:
The height for a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog
is 25 to 27 inches (64 - 67 cm) and 24 to
26 inches (61 - 66 cm)for bitches. AKC Standard.
Weight:
The weight of a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog
is 85 pounds (37 kg) and for bitches 70
pounds (32 kg). These weights are considered
desirable by the AKC.
Coat Type:
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a sleek, glossy
coat which is short and dense. The coat
is easy to maintain and only needs a brushing
and a bath when necessary. The Rhodesian
Ridgeback's coat has very little odor and
sheds minimally.
Color:
The color of the Rhodesian Ridgeback's coat
can be light wheaten to red wheaten. AKC
Standard allows a bit of white on the chest
and toes.
Temperament:
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is intelligent,
loyal, independent and calm natured. He
is good with children, however, they should
be supervised. This is a large breed which
may unintentionally knock over a child.
Not even Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies should
be left alone with children since they have
razor sharp teeth which could cause unintentional
injury. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is very
protective of his family, wary of strangers
and is considered an excellent, natural
watch dog. He learns quickly and does well
with training which is done in a consistent,
firm and very positive manner (never harsh).
However, he can be stubborn when it comes
to obedience and training. The Rhodesian
Ridgeback needs daily exercise both for
his physical and mental well being. This
is a natural hunting breed and will take
off on a scent, therefore it's important
to keep him in a very secured area or on
a lease.
Health Concerns:
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone
to hip dysplasia, dermoid sinus and thyroid
problems. This breed has a hearty appetite
and owners must limit food portions to help
prevent obesity. The average life span of
a Rhodesian Ridgeback is 10 - 12 years.
Special Interest:
• The Rhodesian Ridgeback is also
referred to as the African Lion Hound.
• The Rhodesian Ridgeback is the American
Kennel Club's 112th breed.
• There is only one other dog (located
on the island of Phu Quoc in the Gulf of
Siam) that has a 'ridge' like the Rhodesian
Ridgeback.
Classifications:
AKC: Hound Group
ANKC: Hounds - Group 4
CKC: Hounds - Group 2
FCI: Group 6 Scenthounds & Related Breeds
Section 3
KC: Hound
NZKC: Hounds
UKC: Sighthounds & Pariahs
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