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Hound breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback
Origin
The Boer farmers of South Africa bred the Rhodesian Ridgeback as a hunting dog. The Ridgeback is also known as the African Lion Hound. The Hottentots, natives living in South Africa, had half-wild hunting dogs with a ridges down their backs. These dogs were interbred with the danes, mastiffs, greyhounds, bloodhounds, terriers and other breeds that the Dutch, German and Huguenot immigrants brought with them. This interbreeding established the foundation stock of the modern Ridgeback.
The Boer farmer needed a hunting dog that could flush partridge, pull down a wounded buck and guard the farm from animals and prowlers. The dog needed to withstand the rigors of the African bush and tolerate drastic changes in temperature, from very hot days to freezing nights, and go without water for 24 hours or more. The dog needed to have a short coat for tick control. He had to be faithful, staying by the farmer's side during the night while he slept in the bush, and he had to be a devoted guardian of wife and children.
In 1922, the first standard for the breed was written and remains virtually unchanged today. Several Ridgebacks were imported to the United States in 1950, and the breed was admitted to the AKC registry in 1955.
General description
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 65-75 pounds
Color: The ridge is the most distinctive and characteristic feature of the breed. The ridge is formed down the back by hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. It should be clearly defined, tapering and symmetrical, beginning behind the shoulders and continuing to a point between the prominence of the hips and have two identical crowns opposite one another. The coat should be short and dense, sleek and glossy, but never wooly or silky. The color is light wheaten to red wheaten. A little white on the chest and toes is allowed. Too much white there or white anywhere else is undesirable.
Grooming requirements
Grooming this breed requires little more than a sisal brush, spray conditioner and some time. Regular ear cleaning and nail clipping are necessary.
Health considerations
The Ridgeback is prone to hip dysplasia. He can have skin problems relating to the ridge creating possible inflammations, cysts, and infections.
Breed characteristics and personality
The Ridgeback can live indoors, outside, or in a kennel. Active small children can easily irritate him. He makes a good watchdog and guard dog and can be trained for defense. He is quiet and clean. Training can be difficult, as he is easily distracted. Slow, gentle training methods are necessary. He has a high prey drive and should be watched with small animals.
The Ridgeback is ferocious in the hunt but tranquil and obedient in the home. He's clean and never noisy or quarrelsome.
The Ridgeback has a great desire to please his master and has a general good nature and liking for well-behaved children. He makes a good companion dog and pet.
Uses
He was bred to hunt lions, pumas and wild boar. He is becoming appreciated as a companion dog.
Web links
AKC Rhodesian Ridgeback page
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
Rhodesian Ridgeback Links
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Web Ring
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