BREED PROFILE

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Country of Origin: Zimbabwe

Original use: Protection, guarding, and hunting.

Group: Hound (AKC); Sighthound (UKC)

Life span 11 to 13 years.

Color: Light wheaten to red wheaten; may have a little white on the chest and toes.

Coat: Short, dense, and glossy.

Grooming: Brush weekly; bathe twice a year or as needed.

Height/weight: Males, 25 to 27 inches, 85 pounds; females, 24 to 26 inches, 70 pounds.

Personality: Intelligent, devoted, fun-loving, athletic.

Trainability: High.

Activity level: High.

Known health problems:

Hypothyroidism, juvenile cataracts,

And dermoid sinuses, potentially

Fatal congenital defects in which

Narrow tube-like structures form

Beneath the skin along the spine.

Good with children? Yes,

Ridgebacks love children. But the

Size difference may be too great

With toddlers for unsupervised play.

Good with other pets? Yes, with

Other dogs; they see cats and

Other small pets as prey.

Have any of you dog lovers out there heard of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed of Dog? I hadn’t until I ran across this interesting article the other day. Those people out there that are like me, and haven’t heard of this great breed of dog I am sure you will find this article as interesting as I did. Those of you who have heard of this breed or perhaps have a Rhodesian Ridgeback may find things out you didn’t already know about your precious pet.

This breed is known for its above-average intelligence and protective nature. These dogs are amazingly aware of their surroundings and extremely inquisitive.

Ridgebacks may give the impression they’re not on guard but it is believed they sleep with one eye and one ear open. They never give any signs of being a protector or much of a guard dog but are ready when an unwelcomed visitor or intruder approaches your home or comes onto the property. Persons entering the premises with the intent to do damage or harm see the Rhodesian Ridgeback as no threat for he appears to be sleeping. Once the intruder becomes closer the Rhodesian Ridgeback is on him like flies on honey. You can rest assured that the Rhodesian Ridgeback will always be ready when he is needed.

This amazing breed of dogs was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955. They originated in southern Africa, where in the 1800s they were used to hunt lions and protect farms and ranches from free-ranging predators. Named for the peculiar ridge of forward-growing hair along the spine, the Rhodesian Ridgeback resulted from the interbreeding of native African ridged dogs with the Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, terriers, and other dogs of European immigrants in the 1600s and 1700s. Settlers strove to create the ideal hunter and guardian with a temperament suitable for family life. That they succeeded is apparent in today’s companionable Ridgeback.

“These dogs crave to be with people.” They are an affectionate and devoted to their own people and tend to be standoffish around strangers. “Breeders of Ridgeback puppies advise buyers they have to introduce the dogs to three new places and three new people each week for the first nine months.” “If they don’t learn that new things are OK, they can become fearful and suspicious.”

Early socialization is especially important with a large, powerful, protective dog who everyone wants to pet. The strange ridge captures the attention of even non-dog lovers.” Puppies born without a ridge are not uncommon, however ridgeless Rhodesians cannot be shown in AKC dog shows, and a ridge will never “grow in.”

A highly capable, athletic breed, the Ridgeback is ready for just about any kind of activity, from therapy to agility. “They’ve even started to do well in herding, although it’s not innate. They’ve learned it.”

While these dogs need regular exercise, they’re not go-all-day dogs. “They need to run hard twice a day, and then they’ll be couch potatoes.” “Ridgebacks need to be entertained or they’ll make their own fun, and you won’t like it.” They’re not the kind of dog you can leave in the yard and pat on the head a couple times.” Truly, inside the house is the place for well-socialized, trained, and exercised Ridgebacks. “They’re clean, and they sleep all day.

“They’re easygoing dogs, although they tend to be a bit on the stubborn side.” Basic obedience training is necessary to establish general rules of behavior. Ridgebacks are sensitive dogs and learn quickly, responding to short, frequent training sessions with ample food rewards. Food ranks high with these incorrigible counter surfers.

These historical hunters can tolerate other pets when raised with them provided they don’t move quickly. They are sighthounds and will chase anything that moves.

The Rhodesians are alert, easygoing, and dependable protectors. A family wanting a watchdog that is easy to maintain, friendly with kids and protective without being aggressive, the Rhodesians fill the bill. They have all of these qualities and much more.