Description

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very strong, muscular dog that is known for its athletic figure. It maintains a very proportionate posture. Having said so, for all of these features it’s generally considered to be very handsome among dogs. It’s a tough animal and has high tolerance. It’s perfectly formed body is longer than it’s tall, but is still well proportionate. The most striking feature this breed is the ridge on its back, originating with two similar whorls (or crowns) right behind the shoulders and tapering to a point between the hipbones. The tuft of hair that runs along its back runs in the reverse direction as compared to the rest of the coat.

The head is a remarkable feature of the breed, devoid of wrinkles when lying down. With a flat skull that is wide between the ears, the eyes are reasonably well apart and round in shape with its color being similar to that of the breed's color. The ears are set high and are of moderate size, while they sit on the head with a wide base and ending in a rounded point. The snout is long, deep and powerful while the nose is the same color as the eyes, i.e. Black, brown or liver colored. Black noses are found with dark eyes and amber with brown or liver colored, in accordance with the fur. Always alert, the breed does not bark much but is not only a hunter but also a proficient guard-dog, and caring loyal companion for adults and young children alike. A calm and gentle dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be very busy and energetic as a pup and young adult. Keeping them on a leash is thus a must if you are living in a city or crowded area, as they can be very protective and aggressive if not trained properly.

Coat

The coat of the Rhodesian Ridgeback looks to be short and dense, sleek and glossy--neither wooliness nor silkiness is acceptable. It’s easy to groom and not difficult to maintain. The breed has been bred for hunting in the African brush. Ridgebacks are found in solid colors of blue, black, red/fawn, or beige for show or exhibiting dogs. However brindle and white colors are also not uncommon. The pattern of the ridge varies--needle, feather, arrow, lute, violin, bowling pin, leaf, and saddleback. The patterns may be a bit lighter or darker shade than the body, but are acceptable as long as they are clearly and symmetrical. The broader the ridge is, the higher the dog is priced at.

History

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred as a special breed from Southern Africa in Rhodesia, or modern day Zimbabwe, to assist in hunting by harassing a lion or by keeping it at bay for the master or hunter to make the kill. The breed was first recognized by standards in 1922, with its parent breed company formed by Francis R. Barnes in Bulawayo. But its history is even more back-dated, with records showing that the Ridgebacks going back as far as with the Hottentots of Southern Africa in the 13th Century.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a native of South Africa. The first Dutch Settlers that inherited the area of Cape of Good Hope and Namibia in Southern Africa, and found the Hottentots tribes. The Dutch word "hottentot" stands for the stammering or stuttering, which could have been attributed to the unusual clicking sounds the tribesmen made when they spoke. However mention is also found about them in the writings of Eighteenth Century Europeans, who considered them to be one of the most savage and lowest of human beings, with the word Hottentot describing the actual Khoikhoi tribes. They were considered to be the lowest level of "The Great Chain of Being" indirectly meaning that they were almost animals, if not below. However ironically, the term Khoikhoi was referred to by the tribe itself as "men of men" or "a pure race."

But what the tribe did have of value was a domesticated dog with a ridge of hair on its back turned backward, which were the forefathers of the modern day Rhodesian Ridgeback. When the import of dogs were closed in 1707 it became difficult to find good hunting dogs that would flush partridge, bring down a wounded stag, or guard a farm home. A hardy breed was needed that could tolerate the rough African bush weather and go thirsty for 24 hours if necessary. Also it would be even better if the dog could be a companion dog with the settler and his family. Over the years, a dog was bred from the Hottentot tribe's half-wild ridged dogs that was cross-bred with the European's finest imported dogs—like Danes, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Salukis, Bloodhounds, and the likes--before the immigration was closed.

Temperament

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is reputed as an extremely protective guard dog, and is also a keen and versatile hunter. Gentle enough to play with young children it is quite protective of family. This beauty is strong enough to hunt lions and guard homes. It is a breed strong enough to tolerate cold or heat, run around with the hunter, and hunt in the brushes. It comes with sharp eyesight which is trademark of the breed, accompanying the hunter silently and with determination, ability to work in different terrains and can work together with a pack of hounds. Strong-willed and a power house, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can become very dominating and willful if not trained properly as a young. Otherwise, it is quiet active and fun-loving, independent yet clever enough for most people to work with. When fully grown, the Ridgeback likes the company of other animals, such as dogs and cats, protecting what it considers its own against all unwanted threats. Even the Ridgeback that is quite mature is quiet fun in its later years. Running around in the back yard or talking a walk to the park with its owners, sleeping on the couch or even training in lure-coursing and agility is still a trademark feature of the Ridgeback. As a clever breed, this dog is best when its desire to please is acknowledged and praised through adventurous training exercises rather than copy-book exercise training schedules. This breed requires a very strong minded owner, as the Ridgeback's will and personality are very difficult to deal with. The owner needs to be dedicated entirely to the breed, and to give the dog with enough stimulation for the mind and body.

Health Problems

The most important Health concern for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is Dermoid sinus, with a minor concern as hip dysplasia. Dermoid Sinus in the Rhodesian Ridgeback is also known by various names like Dermoid cyst, hair cyst, and African cyst. The Dermoid Sinus is almost like Spinal Bifida in humans, and is a congenital problem that exists from birth, located on the midline of the neck, back, and tail all along the length of the spinal column. The abscess will form and resulting swelling ruptures the puppy’s skin which is not only painful but fatal too. Puppies suffering from the problem are usually put to sleep, and if surgery is carried out before sending them to their new owners they will be categorically labeled as stock material and declared unfit for breeding. The Dermoid sinuses don’t surface in their make-ups, which sometimes makes them extremely difficult to find and remove, or see how far into the spine area they have gone into. Puppies that can’t be fixed with surgery need to be put to sleep.

Grooming

Rhodesian Ridgebacks demand very little grooming, with full grooming occurring at an interval of approx. 12 weeks and maintenance grooming can be done once in a month. This can be done at home itself, due to its low grooming requirements and short hair. The Ridgeback should be brushed with a normal bristle brush, tapering hedge clippers and scissors can be done alternately every week. Basic bathing is easy to do with rubber brushes to eradicate hair. A soft bristle brush with a trivial spray of coat conditioner, coat gloss, or mink oil, can be sprayed on the dog's coat, just make the coat shine. Some people get the dog's whiskers removed but that is totally your choice. If your Ridgeback has a hard elbow area apply a natural gentle cream.

Since your Ridgeback is very enthusiastic to run and have mental and physical exercise you may just wish to have the coat care regime at minimal, only enough to remove the dead hair or excess dander. The physical contact with the dog whilst being "petted" with a hair-removal mitt is an excellent medium to bond with your dog, and eradicate tension from them. The area being petted also proffers muscle relaxation in addition to the amputation of hair, which is very comforting for your dog.

Exercise

Exercise is a necessity for the Rhodesian Ridgeback, even though it is not as highly active as a watchdog or used for protection. Being very hardy dogs built to run and hunt, this breed requires regular and very consistent exercise. People who run and jog regularly would make excellent owners for this breed as they can run for very long distances without tiring. Also make sure there is lots of room for the Rhodie to run and play in, like a large running yard or walking to parks or special area. This is a breed that needs exercising right from youth. They counter very well to their owner’s desire, so working with them is a must at a very young age while spending lots of time with them at play.

Training

The Ridgeback's nature requires that it be trained in a fair, firm, loving, and regular manner. However it’s also is a breed where training is very difficult as they are reputed to be stubborn and can get bored very quickly, unless they have their owners beside them at all times. They are regarded as one of the most intelligent of all the dogs. They are very much people dogs, and owning one requires a total dedication of time and energy. The perfect training is requires obedience, agility, and jumping, demonstrating that they can be successfully trained for shows--clear on down the line to basic instructions as a household pet.

This is a breed that very much likes to think on its own, do it on its own leisure, and then to do what it once it makes up its mind. This is the attitude that a owner will face when beginning the training of a Rhodesian Ridgeback, so its advisable to start training at a very young age. If not, it can become very mischievous and even destructive without the proper training or supervision. However the training should be firm and gentle at the same time, since the breed is very soft-hearted and crumbles at even the smallest harsh word. Too much firmness, verbal abuse, or physical punishment will destroy the dog's nature and its essence of who it actually is.

The breed has great endurance, making them excellent watchdogs or family pets, as long as they are trained to mind themselves and young children are supervised around them. They are not cruel, however just being so large and strong they could accidentally knock down the child or hit them across the face with a strong wagging tail. Being friendly and loving, the training works as they have a strong will to please their owners or trainers, being totally dedicated to what their owners want them to do. Leash training is a necessity for this breed in addition to basic instructions, as they require regular walks. If they are not taken out into the field or a large lay, please exercise them.