Rhodesian Ridgeback History

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a fascinating history. They were indigenous to South Africa. In the 16^th And 17^th. Centuries, European settlers (Dutch, Boers, Germans and Huguenots) arrived in South Africa and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). These areas were teeming with fierce, wild animals. They brought with them their medium and large sized hunting and working dogs. Probably by accident, these dogs were crossed with tough, ridged hunting dogs of the Khoisan tribe, referred to by the Europeans as Hottentots. Their offspring were recognized for their superior qualities. They were the ancestors of today’s Ridgebacks. There is a drawing in an Egyptian tomb (4,000BC) that shows a hound with drooping ears and what appears to be a ridge on its back. These dogs may well be the ancestors of the dogs domesticated by the Hottentot tribe of Africa.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks have also been called African Lion Dogs or African Lion Hounds, or Van Rooyen’s Lion Dogs. Corneilus Van Rooyen, a big game hunter, was one of the early breeders involved in the development of the Ridgeback.

In the 1800’s, big game hunters found they made very good hunting dogs. They were resistant to disease and ticks. They were smart enough to avoid problems with snakes and other dangerous animals. Their tight paws worked well on the difficult terrain. They had the ability and the courage to harass a lion and keep it at bay, often working in pairs or groups, and waited for their master to kill the lion.

When Ridgebacks were not used for hunting, they made good family pets and guardians of the family and property. They were developed as a dual-purpose dog, as hunters and as gentle guardians.

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Appearance:

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a handsome, muscular, large sized dog of the hound group.

The dog’s distinguishing characteristic is the ridge of hair along its back that runs in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat. Typically, this ridge consists of a fan-like area made up of two whorls of hair called crowns and the ridge which tapers from immediately behind the shoulders down to the level of the hips. This ridge is distinctive and not found in any other breed of dog.

Typical Height:

Males 63-69 cm. at the withers.

Females 61-66cm.

(The withers is the highest point on the back or top of the shoulders)

Typical Weight:

Male 34-37 kg.

Female 29-32 kg.

Typically, Ridgebacks are muscular and have a short, sleek, dense, glossy coat which is light wheaten (tan) to red wheaten in colour. Their ears should be set fairly high , of medium size wide at the base, tapering to a rounded point.

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Characteristics:

Ridgebacks need exercise. They love to run. They are loyal to the entire household. They are very clean dogs. They have little odour because they don’t have an undercoat nor the oils in their coat to protect them in cold water. They are easygoing and calm. They are gentle and affectionate unless they are threatened. If they are raised with cats, they can be trained to leave them alone. They bark only with good reason. They naturally place themselves between their families and a stranger. They are natural watchdogs and take this role seriously.

Firm, consistent, thoughtful and fair training is important in raising well-mannered and emotionally healthy Ridgebacks. They are easily trained with positive approaches. Heavy-handed approaches or force are counter-productive and unnecessary.

Their large, dignified, athletic presence commands instant respect. They tend to attract attention when there are taken out for walks. Underneath this commanding presence is a gentle, loving dog. They love a close relationship with people. They are renowned for their loyalty.

Why Get A Rhodesian Ridgeback?

Owners say that Ridgebacks are the following:

· Obedient (at times!)

· Good with children

· Lots of fun to play with

· Very intelligent

· Affectionate

· Enjoy human companionship

· Loyal

· Mild temperament

· Brave

· Rarely bark

· Protective (though we try to not encourage this behavior)

Ridgebacks play hard, so don’t get in the middle of the play, or you could be on the ground pretty quickly!!