Rhodesian Ridgeback

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Description

The Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breeds are purebred and versatile hunters. Smart but sometimes stubborn, these dogs weigh between 70 to 85 pounds or more. As fast and powerful athletes, the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed comes in one color - wheaten.

This color/shade ranges from pale flaxen to burnished red. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a unique South African dog. As superb hunters, the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed was initially bred for hunting lions. Not only can the Rhodesian Ridgeback track their prey, but they can hold them at bay.

In South Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is also known as the African Lion Hound. This is due to its history of helping hunters hunt lions in the savannah. Along with its hunting skills, the Rhodesian Ridgeback loves to run. As an athletic breed, it can keep up with the fastest dog breeds. In fact, they tend to perform exceptionally well at lure coursing.

History of the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Known for its trademark ridge, we can trace the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed history back to the 16th and 17th centuries. European settlers arrived on the shores of South Africa with their purebred dog. They include Bloodhounds, Great Danes, Greyhounds and Mastiffs

In South Africa, they met the Hottentots at the Cape. They were using dogs of the Ridgeback breed or KhoiKhoi dogs for hunting purposes.

In the 19th century, big game hunting flourished in Southern Africa, particularly north of the Limpopo River. Due to the harsh climate, rough brush, and water scarcity, the breeds brought by European settlers did not farewell.

They quickly realized that they need good hunting dogs. The European settlers decided to breed their imports with the native Khoikhoi dogs. The Khoikhoi is a tribal hunting dog famous for the ridge lining its back. Its believed that the European settlers cross-bred the Cuban bloodhound with the KhoiKhoi.

The breeding result was a fast, strong, and intelligent dog that was also an excellent hunter. This new breed became lion hunters. In the 1870s, a few of the European settlers took the Rhodesian Ridgeback to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to protect them from lions. Since the Rhodesian Ridgeback hunted by both sight and scent, they became excellent lion hunters.

They would harass a lion by constant feint attacks until the lion was in sheer bewilderment. This gave the hunters a shot at the lion at close range. They became so popular as lion hunters that their distinctive ridge became a trademark.

In 1922, a group of breeders from Zimbabwe standardized the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Before World War II, the Rhodesian Ridgeback remained elusive in the US. But after WWII, breeders introduced the Rhodesian Ridgeback in the US.

The dog breed is still popular in South Africa and remains a loyal, loving family dog and a fierce hunter. In 2019, the Rhodesian Ridgeback became the American Kennel Clubs 42nd most popular dog breed.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Appearance

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an athletic build with a lean but muscular frame. Its slightly longer than taller with a symmetrical and balanced body. A mature Rhodesian Ridgeback is an upstanding dog capable of great endurance.

It has a flat skull that becomes broad between the ears. The eyes are round, sparkling, bright, and moderately well apart. Their eye color harmonizes with its coat color. Speaking of coat colors, it ranges from buff to gold to reddish gold. Some Rhodesian Ridgebacks have black on the muzzle, around the eyes and ears.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback hallmark is the ridge on the back. Its formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction. As a characteristic feature, the ridge is clearly defined, symmetrical and tapered. It starts from behind the shoulders and continues to the hips. The coat also contains two identical whorls found opposite each other.

The forelegs are perfectly strong, straight, and heavy in bone. Its feet are compact with well-arched toes plus tough elastic pads. The hind legs are muscular, well defined, and hocks well down.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament and Health

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is intelligent and independent. This combination can be frustrating yet rewarding. As a hunting dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a high prey drive.

If keeping the Rhodesian Ridgeback as a family dog, stray cats and other furry animals around your neighborhood are not safe. To prevent your Rhodesian Ridgeback from hunting the neighborhood furry animal, set up a secure fence.

They are active from their puppyhood, but once they mature, they turn into a quiet dog. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is protective of his home. Often, theyre reserved with strangers but affectionate with family members.

This dog breed is generally healthy, but like other breeds, they can get certain health problems. Most of the health problems do not appear until the dog matures. That is why health clearances are not issued to dogs younger than 2 years. The most common health problems include the elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and dermoid sinus.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Training

Although the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a devoted companion, it has a strong prey drive. Its strong-willed and sometimes domineering. When it comes to training, you must guide the Rhodesian Ridgeback firmly but with a patient hand. We recommend you start training the Rhodesian Ridgeback from early puppyhood.

Early puppy training classes and socialization using positive reinforcement are highly recommended. This will ensure the Rhodesian Ridgeback becomes a well-mannered dog.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an excellent hunting and family guardian. It has won many admirers for their innate qualities such as gentle temperament and threatening presence. Bred to hunt, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is easy to train. All you need to do is start training in early puppyhood. Dont forget to use positive reinforcement and elementary obedience training for control.