Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred to take on African lions. It’s a hunter, companion, and guardian all rolled up into one and with a very unique feature: a ridge of hair on its back that grows in reverse.

Quick Stats

Group: Hound

Size: Large         

Height: 24-27 inches (61- 68.5cm.)

Weight: 65-75 pounds (29.4-33.9 kg.)

Shedding: Minimal                       

Grooming: Easy                 

Lifespan: 10-12 years

 

Rhodesian Ridgeback

 

 

Rhodesian Ridgeback History

When the European settlers (Afrikaners) colonized South Africa, they encountered extremely harsh conditions. The settlers and the dogs they brought with them had to deal with tough terrain, poisonous snakes, a range of vicious predators, and disease-carrying insects. These European dogs did not have the natural instincts, temperament, or toughness to deal with these conditions well.

To help make them better suited for this rugged land the settlers bred their dogs with the local hunting dog of the Hottentot people known as the Khoikhoi dog. The Khoikhoi had a distinct ridge on its back and the resulting cross-bred dogs did as well. These dogs worked very well for the settlers when hunting, on the farm, and for protection when migrating by wagon trains to expand their territory.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

In the late 1800s in Rhodesia, known today as Zimbabwe, Cornelius Van Rooyen started improving the breed for big game hunting and specifically hunting lions. Over a span of thirty-five years and using various pointers, terriers, mastiffs, along with the Great Dane, and Greyhound among other breeds the Rhodesian Ridgeback was refined.

The result was a smart, athletic, and extremely tough dog. The Ridgeback could hunt anything from birds to lions. These dogs were fearless and could hold a lion at bay until it was killed by the hunter. They were also used as protection from both humans and predators.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

 

 

Rhodesian Ridgeback Characteristics

The Rhodesian Ridgeback stands between twenty-four and twenty-seven inches tall and weighs between sixty-five and seventy-five pounds. It is a big dog with a long, flat, and wide skull that’s equipped with very powerful jaws. The ears are wide and hang close to the head.

The tail is long yet slightly curved and the legs are powerfully built. The Rhodesian Ridgeback coat is short but thick. It is sleek in appearance and can range from light wheaten to red wheaten in color. A bit of white on the toes and on the chest is acceptable as well.

The nose may be either black or brown. This breed’s most distinctive physical feature is the unique ridge of hair on its back, for which they are named. The ridge grows in the opposite direction of the rest of the coat starting behind the shoulders and ending around the hips.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

 

 

Rhodesian Ridgeback Health 

As with all dog types, this breed is known to be affected by certain health conditions. The most common Rhodesian Ridgeback health problems include:

-dermoid sinus

-hip dysplasia

-hypothyroidism

-degenerative myelopathy

-bloat

The average Rhodesian Ridgeback lifespan is from ten to twelve years.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

 

 

Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament 

The Ridgeback is a loving family dog that adores children. While it may be quiet and peaceful in the home it is fierce when on the hunt or when its family is threatened. It is often reserved and indifferent with strangers.

Because it was developed as a pack hunter the Rhodesian Ridgeback is generally good with other dogs. However, it will most likely see cats and small pets as prey animals. Its exceptional senses and fearlessness make it a natural guard dog.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

 

 

Rhodesian Ridgeback Care 

A Ridgeback will require long walks or runs daily. While it is considered a fairly easy breed to train, because of its large size and strength both basic obedience and socialization are very important. Like other large dog breeds this one can take a while to mature so Rhodesian Ridgeback training will need to be consistent and continue until adulthood.

The breed will not do well in an apartment. It needs space to run, play, and exercise. As for grooming all that’s needed is a weekly brushing and combing to remove dead hairs. Owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback is not typically recommended for a first-time dog owner, but instead for someone who has the experience and can fill the role of a confident yet kind pack leader.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

 

 

Rhodesian Ridgeback Facts

-In the past, because of its hunting skill, it was known as the African Lion Dog, African Lion Hound, and also Van Rooyen’s Lion Dog.

-With the Ridgeback, hunting lions was done silently. The human hunter would ride on horseback as the dogs followed the scent trail. When they caught up to the lion, they would bark and bay it so the hunter could get a shot.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

-The hunter did not always get to the scene right away and the dogs had to dodge sharp claws and teeth requiring unwavering courage and amazing agility. In fact, this breed is believed by many to be the only one capable of being able to stand up to the African lion and survive.

-While their main use in Africa was as a lion-hunting dogs, they have also excelled at hunting other dangerous game around the world. For example, they have been used to hunt jaguar, mountain lion, bear, and lynx. They are still used today to hunt wild boar and coyote in many areas as well.

-Because they were developed to handle both the extreme heat of southern Africa during the day and also damp, cold nights this breed is totally comfortable in a range of climates.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

-Some historians believe that the Rhodesian Ridgeback could possibly be related to the Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog of Vietnam. If this were true it would also be distantly related to the Thai Ridgeback as it is a cross-breed of the Phu Quoc.

-The official Rhodesian Ridgeback standard was not drawn up until 1922 making it still a relatively new breed compared to many others. Those standards are for the most part what are still used today.

 

Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!

 

Dogs With Pointy Ears

Dogs With Pointy Ears

Let’s face it, there’s something special about the look of pointy-eared dogs. Luckily there are many breeds that have this appealing physical characteristic. So here are some of the best dogs with pointy ears and what to know about them. Corgi Both types of Corgi, the...

Small Dogs With Big Ears

Small Dogs With Big Ears

There are many reasons to own a small dog and there is a wide range of amazing breeds to choose from.  Many people find the ones with big ears to be particularly adorable. So here are some of the top small dogs with big ears to help you find the canine you’re looking...

Big Dogs With Pointy Ears

Big Dogs With Pointy Ears

One of the most amazing things about dogs is that they come in every shape, size, and color imaginable! If you're looking for a certain physical trait in a dog breed, you'll be sure to find several different breeds that fit the bill. Today, we're going to take a look...

Bull Terriers Are Ugly

Bull Terriers Are Ugly

Some people think that Bull Terriers are ugly, and others think that their egg-shaped head makes them look cute. Whatever your opinion of how Bull Terriers look, an indisputable fact is that the smart Bull Terrier is unique and quite distinct. Why Are Bull Terriers So...

Are Bull Terriers Smart?

Are Bull Terriers Smart?

Are Bull Terriers smart? Ask anyone who has ever had a Bull Terrier this question, and the resounding and unanimous answer will be a yes. They will also tell you that they are intelligent, funny, energetic, and stubborn. For all these reasons first-time pet owners or...

Dog Breeds That Drool

Dog Breeds That Drool

Heat, thirst, and hunger are the three things that can cause just about any dog to drool. Yet there are certain breeds that slobber much more than others. So before you decide on what type of canine you’d like to purchase, you’ll want to check out the following list...

Low-Energy Dog Breeds

Low-Energy Dog Breeds

When choosing a pet it is critical that you pick a breed with an energy level that matches your own. For many people, a low-energy dog is the best fit for their lifestyle. If this sounds like you, you’ll want to check out the top low-energy dog breeds listed here....

Lazy Dog Breeds

Lazy Dog Breeds

Not everyone wants a high-energy pet. Many potential owners would actually prefer to have a dog that has a lot less energy. So here are some of the top lazy dog breeds you’ll want to consider that work well with a more laid-back lifestyle. Chow Chow The Chow Chow is...

Brindle Dog Breeds

Brindle Dog Breeds

Brindle is one of the most unique coat color patterns that is only found in certain dog breeds, and a few other animals as well. A brindle coat looks similar in appearance to tiger stripes, but not as bold. That’s because it has streaks of color that are different...

Harlequin Dog Breeds

Harlequin Dog Breeds

The harlequin coat pattern is rare in the world of dogs. This unusual pattern is also eye incredibly eye-catching. The following are the only harlequin dog breeds out there. Great Dane The Great Dane is a German breed that was created to hunt wild boar and also served...

Small Black And Tan Dog Breeds

Small Black And Tan Dog Breeds

Black and tan is arguably one of the most impressive coat colors a dog can have. And quite a few breeds can be found in this eye-catching color. However, not everyone is looking for a large or even medium-sized pet. So here are some of the top small black and tan...

Black Dog Breeds

Black Dog Breeds

Let’s face it there are adorable dogs in every coat color. Yet for many people, a black pooch is the cutest of them all. So here are the top black dog breeds you’ll want to check out when considering a new pet. German Shepherd The German Shepherd comes in a handful of...

Red Dog Breeds

Red Dog Breeds

Red dogs come in many different eye-catching shades. For example, depending on the specific breed its coat may be described as red wheaten, ruby, mahogany, or fox-red just to name a few. So for fans of this spectacular-looking coat color here are some of the top red...

White Dog Breeds

White Dog Breeds

Dog breeds come in a range of different colors. Many people consider white to be the most attractive coat color of all. And there are quite a few breeds that have an all-white or predominantly white coat. So here are some of the top white dog breeds you'll want to...

Spotted Dog Breeds

Spotted Dog Breeds

Depending on the breed a dog’s coat may come in many different patterns. Yet there is always something special however about a coat with spots. So here are some of the top spotted dog breeds you’ll want to learn more about. Bluetick Coonhound The Bluetick Coonhound is...

Stubborn Small Dog Breeds

Stubborn Small Dog Breeds

There are many reasons to choose a small dog. And luckily there are many fabulous breeds to choose from. Yet there are some that can be more headstrong than others. This doesn’t mean they are any less amazing, but it’s something you’ll want to take into consideration....

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This