Pet Profile

 

Type of animal

Rhodesian Ridgeback or

Lion dog.

 

 

 

The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in south Africa.  It was bred by the Dutch Boers, Germans and Huguenots who migrated to southern Africa in the early 16th century.  Their European breeds of dog such as Bloodhounds, Deerhounds, Boarhounds, Bulldogs, Mastiffs and various terriers interbred  with the local half-wild African Hottentot Hunting dogs (now extinct) - to create the breed we know today as the Rhodesian Ridgeback.  A distinct characteristic of the Hottentot dog was a line of hair growing in the reverse direction along the vertebral column, this feature - the ridge - has become the ‘hallmark’ of the Ridgeback breed.

 

Ridgebacks have tremendous stamina and can be used in packs to hunt leopard, buffalo, boar and antelope, and can pursue and bay a lion with such success that the breed is also called a Rhodesian Lion dog.

 

The breed is a multi-purpose hound: hunter, companion and guard.

 

They  are social, pack, animals and happiest with others.  They adore human company and are sharp-witted, friendly, companions who hardly ever bark, they are excellent with children but formidable fighters when roused.

 

A healthy diet for a pet is dog food + biscuits, (normal) but some are fussy and won’t eat that so you have to give them something like top quality fresh meat, eggs, fish, or cat food, but don’t give them chocolate (unless specially made for dogs), sugar or table scraps.

 

Ridgebacks are able to cope with the extreme temperature changes of the African bush and are physically hardy.

Their normal accommodation is a kennel or they would prefer to live in your house, where given a choice they will sleep in your bed not their own.

Appearance. Known as the dog with a ‘snake’ on its back, because of the unique and distinctive dagger shaped line of hair running along its back, growing in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat.

 

It is a medium sized hound, with a short, smooth coat, normally wheaten or red wheaten.  It is common for them to have a black mussel or mask, dark brown eyes with black rims, and darker brown ears.  A little white on toes and chest is also common. 

 

Male and female look the same although the dog is usually larger and heavier.  Dogs 25-27” Bitches 24-26”

 

A shapely hound, with a deep chest, long legs and distinctly muscular body, with a good tuck.  The head is long and well jawed.  Ears are of medium length, placed high and carried close to the head.  The tail is fairly long, tapering and strong.

 

Agile and fast, a natural athlete and an indomitable hunter which uses both sight and scent, the Ridgeback on the move is beautiful to watch.

 

Their padded, webbed, feet and tremendous endurance permit them to run all day over rough terrain, they can sprint at great speed and go for 24 hours without water.

 

Their temperament is fearless, they  posses superior intelligence and give loyalty and affection to all members of the family.  A Ridgebacks brow is smooth except when it is puzzled or concerned when it becomes furrowed.

 

They are most active in the daytime and love sunshine and comfort.

 

Equally at home as a couch potato or working hunting dog, the Ridgeback adapts and fits in with its people.

 

They  reproductive cycle  is twice a year in Spring  and Autumn, the average number of puppies is around  ten.

 

They  rarely  bark, have a blood curdling growl and use a variety of whimpers to “talk”.

 

You need to provide them with a lead, collar and a name tag, dog toys, bed and bedding, bath, towel and shampoo, a brush and feeding bowls.  Most important is love and masses of exercise, although two really good runs a week will do.  Ridgebacks require little grooming and a weekly brush is enough to keep them looking good.

 

In addition to normal dog illnesses the breed suffers from a genetic fault, the condition is called a dermoid sinus - dogs with this condition are usually destroyed.

The normal life span of a Ridgeback is about twelve years.

 

 

References:

The Complete Rhodesian Ridgeback.  Peter Nicholson and Janet Parker.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks.  Frank C. Lutman.

The Ultimate Dog Book.  David Taylor.

The Complete Book of Dog Care.  Jane Oliver.