Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed Information

General Information:

Average Height: 24 –-27 in
Average Weight: 70 –-85 lbs
Average Life Span: 10 –-12 yrs
Coloring: Light wheaten to red wheaten
Area of Origin: South Africa
Similar Breeds: Great Dane, Mastiff, Bloodhound, Greyhound

History and Origin:

A cherished breed of the Boer farmers in South Africa during the eighteenth century, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a sight hound and fantastic guard dog. The Boers, farmers of Dutch ancestry who settled in South Africa in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, brought with them to Africa many European hunting and guarding breeds such as the Mastiff and the Greyhound. In 1707, immigration to South Africa (for both people and dogs) was stopped for one hundred years, and it was during this time that the Ridgeback was developed. Indigenous tribes of the area had semi-feral dogs used for hunting with a noticeable “ridge” of fur that grew forward instead of backward; these dogs were bred with the European hounds and mastiffs to create the first Ridgeback. By 1877, the dog was introduced into Rhodesia where it became a favored big game hunting companion. Due to its sight hound blood, the Ridgeback could keep up with hunters on horseback while chasing down its prey. A fairly recent addition to the American Kennel Club, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was imported to North America in 1950, and became recognized in 1955.

Personality and Temperament:

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a gentle, calm, and intelligent breed. Tenacious and loyal, it makes a good family companion if raised properly; the Ridgeback has a tendency to be a bit rough with small children and can injure them unintentionally. As a sight hound, the Ridgeback has an exceptional amount of stamina, and is best suited for an active family who will include it in activities such as hiking and running. Strong leadership is needed with the Ridgeback, and it is not a suitable choice for a nervous or first-time owner.

Exercise & Training:

The Rhodesian Ridgeback needs a lot of exercise to keep it happy and healthy. Daily long walks are required; ideally, the Ridgeback should have the opportunity to run daily in a safe space to meet its exercise needs. Due to its extensive physical needs, the Ridgeback is not suitable for apartment or small home living. Mental stimulation is also important, and a vigorous training regime will help keep it from becoming bored and destructive. While intelligent, the Ridgeback can be strong-willed, and requires strong, confident leadership in order to ensure it knows its position in the family.

Grooming:

An average shedder, the Rhodesian Ridgeback only needs the occasional brushing to remove dead hair and keep the skin healthy. Bathe only when necessary.

Similar Breeds:

Many breeds were used in the development of the Rhodesian Ridgeback; among them, the Greyhound, Great Dane, Mastiff, and Bloodhound are prominent contributors to the present day breed.

Interesting Facts about the Rhodesian Ridgeback:

1. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is also known as the “African Lion Dog” and the “African Lion Hound” due to its history of hunting lions.

2. Due to the Ridgeback’s utility, there is debate over which group it should be categorized in for registration purposes. Typically, it is considered to be a sight hound due to the influence from the Greyhound, however there is also support to categorize it as a scent hound, a cur-dog (multi-purposes farm dog), a wagon hound, or a “ridged primitive””– a category largely populated by the Spitz breeds – due to its native African ancestry.