Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred to track and bay at (but never harm) lions. Today, they are adored by families for their gregarious and loving temperament.
Nature
The adaptable, athletic hounds known as Rhodesian Ridgebacks have an intrinsic need to be near their human friends. This implies that they must reside in the home with their family.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are dedicated to their families, tolerant of children, and incredibly affectionate with people they trust, despite the fact that they can be independent and strong-willed.
They need exercise, such as lengthy walks, runs, or play sessions because they are powerful, athletic, and versatile dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks need to always be in a fully-fenced area while they’re off-leash because of their intense prey drive.
Trait
A ridge that runs along the back of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, where the hair grows opposite the coat, serves as a distinctive feature. The face of this short-haired dog is solemn and expressive.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies these big, strong dogs as belonging to the Hound category. A mature Ridgeback has excellent endurance and is inherently athletic.
Life
10 years
Colour Collection
The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed only comes in the colour wheaten. But this hue includes every hue found in a wheat field, from light flaxen to burnished crimson. A Ridgeback’s nose will either be black or, less frequently, brown.
Hair fall
Although the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed sheds seasonally, caring for his short coat is simple. He will maintain a clean, shiny coat with weekly brushing and the odd bath.
Health
In general, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have good health. Breeders who are responsible look for thyroid dysfunction, eye abnormalities, and hip and elbow dysplasia.
Breed History
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a native of South Africa, where ridged Khoikhoi dogs were crossed with local breeds introduced by Dutch colonists, including greyhounds, to create a ridged dog with superior skills for tracking and battling lions as well as warding off other deadly predators. The breed was renowned back then for its fidelity, tolerance, and love of kids, much like it is today.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback started to disappear as big-game hunting in South Africa started to diminish. Enthusiasts produced the first Ridgeback standard in 1922. The breed standard accepted today was developed using the Dalmatian standard as a guide.
