Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Description

An Owner's Rhodesian Ridgeback Description
My Rhodesian Ridgeback lives for fetching, hunting and swimming. Today in Northern New Mexico the wind chill is a brisk nine degrees and it's snowing heavily with an 18-mile an hour wind. There will be no outside adventures today, that's for sure.

But luckily for Scout, I am planning one of my favorite trips to the Pecos Wilderness area just Northeast of Santa Fe this coming April. I will backpack in and take my burro, Pepper Jack, with us.

It will still be cold on the trip up, but I know Scout will want his lips flapping in the wind while his head hangs out the passenger window. We will camp at several of our favorite spots and I will give my best shot at climbing Wheeler Peak. Scout is so athletic that he sometimes has to encourage me to keep up with him. One of the neat things about Rhodesians is that they aren't picky eaters, which is important when you're backpacking into wilderness. Rhodesians don't often bark, but when they do they usually have a good reason, and this quality comes in handy in the wilderness as well.

Pepper Jack and Scout are the best of friends, and Scout will defend both Pepper Jack and me should some threat come our way. I'm pretty certain that every now and then a mountain lion comes close enough for Scout to smell it, but none has given us any problems. Occasionally we run across a rattle snake, but I just call Scout to stay close to me and we keep clear of the danger.

But, when we get back home, Scout will probably dig a new hole for himself in the backyard. I don't mind. I'm a single gal with a modest house in the Jemez Mountain area, and I'm not much into landscaping. I'd rather take those precious trips into God's country and enjoy His landscaping.

 

 

Introduction

This breed's origins can be traced to South Africa where it was used to hunt lions and protect its family. Its short coat is famous for its ridge of opposite facing hair that travels along its spine, giving this dog a very unique look and name. The Rhodesian Ridgeback can measure up to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 80 lbs. This dog makes a great family pet.

History

The origins of the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be traced from the crossbreeding of the Khoikhoi native dogs with their European counterparts such as the Mastiff, Pointer, Greyhound and the Bloodhound. The Ridgeback got its distinctive, reverse hair coating from the native Khoikhoi dog. Rhodesian Ridgeback served multiple functions such as hunting game, guarding, supervising children and retrieving. These dogs, when kept in packs, could ward off lions.

Description

The Rhodesian Ridgeback also known as Ridgeback, African Lion Hound and African Lion Dog. It is well-balanced with an appearance denoting agility, athleticism and strength. Adult size Ridgebacks are upstanding, handsome and dignified having a fairly deep and wide chest and a sturdy neck. The dog's have fairly well-sprung ribs and a powerful and strong back. The have slightly arched and muscular loins while their tails are long and strong forming a slight upward curve. Their forequarters are strong, straight and heavy boned with compact feet and well-arched toes. The hindquarters are well-muscled and clean. The Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a long head with a flat and broad skull between the ears. They have a pronounced stop and a long, deep and powerful muzzle. They have sparkling round eyes and medium sized high-set ears that are broad at their base and narrows to a rounded point. The dog's nose color is brown, black or liver depending on the color of its coat. The color of the coat varies from light wheaten to red wheaten.

Temperament

Despite the Rhodesian Ridgeback being a ferocious hunter, it is gentle, obedient, calm and a good dog at home. Though many dogs get along comfortably with children, others may be too rough and knock down small children. They are cunning and intelligent and loyal to their family and will do anything to protect loved ones. This characteristic makes it quite reserved towards strangers and will require proper socialization and firm training while they are still of tender age. Lack of physical and mental exercise can make this breed unmanageable and unruly. Ridgebacks make excellent watch dogs, but not guard dogs. If left on their own for long periods of time they can be very destructive. They make good family dogs but are not for first time dog owners.

Health and Care

The Rhodesian Ridgebacks are strong and adapt well to sudden temperature and climate changes. Like other large breeds, the Ridgeback is susceptible to cysts, dermoid sinus and hip dysplasia. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a low maintenance breed. It can live comfortably well in apartments as long as it receives adequate physical exercise. The dog is fairly inactive indoors and does best in homes with a sizable yard. Though the dogs have excellent stamina and do not tire quickly, they will still require daily jogs or long risk walks. If the breed stays inactive for long periods they may start to display behavioral problems.

Grooming

The Rhodesian ridgeback's smooth, short haired coat is very easy to take care of. All that it requires is to be gently brushed at least once or twice a week and should only be washed if it is necessary.
 

Colors

solid colors of blue, black, red/fawn, or beige for show. also brindle and white for non-show.

Living Area

The two main conditions for the Rhodesian Ridgeback refer to their need for an active life instead of a sedentary lifestyle, and the fact they are excellent outdoor dogs or they can be quite comformable on the couch watching Animal Planet.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC

Pets4You offers listings of Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders with puppies for sale.