What is a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of dog which originated in South Africa. These dogs are known for being tough, loyal, and sometimes very territorial, but also quite intelligent and sensitive. Many breeders around the world specialize in Ridgebacks, making them available to interested members of the public who wish to purchase them. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do come with a note of caution; the dogs are not advised for inexperienced dog owners, because they are difficult to handle and they require specialized training.

This unique dog breed emerged in the 19th century, when European colonists crossed several European breeds with native dogs. They were looking for a rugged dog which was adapted to African conditions, and they ended up with the Rhodesian Ridgeback, a determined breed which is very resistant to many diseases in addition to being capable of handling incredibly varied terrain. Originally, Ridgebacks were classified as gun dogs; kennel clubs typically place them in the Hound group today.

The distinguishing feature of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the ridge of fur which runs down the back. A Ridgeback's ridge is made from hair which grows forward, against the grain of the dog's coat, creating a distinctive whorled pattern around the shoulders and a stripe down to the hindquarters. Ridgebacks have reddish brown hair which is extremely short, dense, and glossy; small spots of white are acceptable in some breed standards, typically on the feet and chest, and the dogs usually have amber eyes and black noses, although liver noses are also acceptable.

One of the alternate names for this breed is African Lion Hound, which provides a hint into the character of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. These dogs are excellent trackers and hunters, and they are also extremely strong, agile, and talented at dealing with many different types of prey. They can be used to hunt a wide assortment of creatures, and they rely on both their keen vision and excellent sense of smell to track and hunt.

Most Rhodesian Ridgebacks are extremely loyal to their owners, sometimes to the point of aggression. This trait has led to their use as guard dogs in some regions, but it can also be a serious problem. A poorly trained dog may not respond to commands from people other than its owner, and it can pose a danger for people who are unfamiliar with the animal. It is important to ensure that a Rhodesian Ridgeback gets gentle but firm training from a very young age, along with a great deal of exercise, to keep the dog happy and well balanced.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback, originally from Southern Africa, was bred by European settlers and the Khoikhoi people. They combined European hunting dogs with the semi-domesticated, ridged hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi to create a breed adept at fending off lions and protecting homes, which earned them the moniker "African Lion Hound."

The hallmark of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the unique ridge of hair running along its back, growing in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat. This ridge starts behind the shoulders and runs down to the hip area, with two identical crowns (whorls) directly opposite each other at the top of the ridge.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large, muscular dogs, with males standing 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and females slightly smaller at 24 to 26 inches. In terms of weight, males typically range between 85 to 90 pounds, while females are usually around 70 to 75 pounds, according to breed standards.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their loyal, intelligent, and somewhat independent nature. They are affectionate with their families but can be reserved around strangers. Proper socialization is crucial to ensure they become well-rounded pets. They are also known for being good with children, making them excellent family dogs when trained and socialized properly.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are active dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. They thrive on daily activities such as long walks, runs, or hikes. A minimum of one to two hours of exercise per day is recommended to help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors that can result from pent-up energy.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are intelligent and capable learners but can also be independent and strong-willed. They respond best to consistent, positive reinforcement training methods. Early socialization and obedience training are essential. Their intelligence, if guided correctly, can make them highly trainable, but they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners.