Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed
Dog Breeds
Rhodesian Ridgeback Quick Facts
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Introduction
The Rhodesian Ridgeback, also known as the African Lion Hound, the African Lion Dog, the Rhodesian Lion Dog, the African Bull-Dog, the Van Rooyan Lion Dog and the Ridgeback, and less formally as “the dog with a snake on its back,” is instantly recognizable by the unique ridge of hair that grows forward (in the opposite direction of the rest of its coat) along the top of its back. As a hallmark of this breed, the ridge must be clearly defined, tapering and symmetrical, starting behind the shoulders and continuing to a point between the hips. There should be two identical crowns of hair, called “whorls,” directly opposite each other. Long thought to be the only breed with a ridge, several lesser-known breeds share this trait, including the Thai Ridgeback and the Phu Quok Dog. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a powerful, intelligent and formidable breed that can be domineering and aggressive if not properly socialized and has a strong prey drive. It is not a particularly good choice for novice owners. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of its Hound Group in 1955.
The mature male Rhodesian Ridgeback should 25 to 27 inches at the withers, with adult females standing 24 to 26 inches in height. The desired weight for males is 85 pounds and for females is 70 pounds. Their short copper coat is very easy to care for, with only an occasional brushing being necessary to keep shedding under control.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an ancient breed developed in South Africa thousands of years ago. The nomadic Khoi people (also known as the Hottentots) and the South African Bushmen had medium-sized, reddish brown dogs with a distinctive ridge of hair running down the center of their backs, which they used for hunting, herding and guarding their livestock from wild predators. The Ridgeback became especially adept at fighting off lions and leopards, especially if their owners
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are dignified, athletic dogs whose expressive eyes always look deep in thought. Developed in Africa, this breed was used by lion hunting parties to track, corner, and hold lions. The breed is still used for hunting in some circles, but has come to be more of a family companion than anything else. As puppies they have energy to spare, but with proper exercise and training grow into quiet, dignified housemates. They are not
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, muscular hound whose distinctive raised ridge of hair runs in a strip down the center of the back. This ridge is formed by whorls of hair that grow in the opposite direction of the rest of the coat. Ridgebacks range in color from light to dark wheaten, and some have small white markings on the chest and feet. Occasionally they may be brindle or sable. The head is long,
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