Rhodesian Ridgeback

Type: Hound

Family: Sighthound, and Scenthound

Origin: South Africa

Height: 24 to 27 inches 

Weight: 70 pounds to 85 pounds

Date of origin: 1800’s

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Image: The African Lion Hound 

Rhodesian Ridgeback is a common breed of sporting dog originally bred in Zimbabwe. This breed of dog is also referred to as African Lion Hound. A Ridgeback dog is so named because it has a distinct ridge of hair on its back, against its fur coat. The two whorls of hair grow right behind the shoulder of Ridgeback and taper down to its hipbones, hence the ridge on their back is so clearly defined. These dogs are popular for their endurance, and speed.

Since Ridgebacks were originally bred to keep lions at bay, they naturally have a good speed. They are fast enough for the lions to catch them. Also, they have a sleek fur coat that requires minimal shedding and barely any odour. These dogs are very faithful when trained and taken care of properly.

Physical Description of a Rhodesian Ridgeback

The ridgeback dogs have a longer stature as compared to their height, and have a kind of athletic build. The dogs of this breed live for 10-12 years of age. They are known for their running speed as they have a long and efficient stride. Since these dogs are found in Africa, their physical characteristics are well adapted for the equatorial climate. Being a mix-breed of European and African dog breeds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are tolerant towards the cooler climate of the United States as well.

Their coats are short and glassy and help them withstand the scorching temperature. In general, the Ridgeback dogs weigh nearly around 80 pounds to 85 pounds, with certain exceptions of even more weight. These dogs have a pale wheaten skin colour, variations can be from light flaxen to burnt red colour of a ripe crop. Very few tan and black Rhodesian ridgeback dogs are found. These dogs usually have a little black nose, however, in some individuals, the colour of the nose can vary to brown. A healthy Ridgeback has pale pink ear canals with almost odourless wax.

Habitat and geographic range of the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian dogs are the mixed breeds of African tribal hunting dogs Hottentot and the European breeds like Mastiff, Greyhound, Great Dane, Staghound, Bloodhound, Pointer, etc. The early settlers from Europe brought in these breeds in the British settlements of South Africa, during the 16th and 17th centuries. They required a breed of dog that could withstand the extreme equatorial climate as well as the cool temperate climate and could carry out hunting for them. Hence, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a hunting dog that came into existence by the mixed breeding of the European and South African dogs.

These dogs were initially bred in South Africa and were eventually taken to Rhodesia to save the families from lions, in the 1870s. When these dogs could keep the lions at bay, they gained popularity as the lion hounds in South African settlements. However, there were several other breeds of the ridgeback dogs by the 1920s. The highly desirable traits for the Ridgeback breed were decided in a meeting and only the dogs who would meet these criteria came to be known as the Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs.

Thereafter, in the 1930s the Rhodesian ridgeback dogs were introduced to the settlements in England and America. Later, in the 1980s the ridgeback dogs were recognized as the sighthounds and were permitted to participate in the free trails of sighthounds. Presently, this breed of dogs is recognized as African lion hounds or hunting dogs with an athletic sleek body.

Behavioural Features of Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Ridgebacks are highly skilled hunting dogs, which can hunt down their prey by smell or sight. Also, these dogs were used to protect the human settlements during the night in the 16th and 17th centuries. Hence, they are quite reserved with new people or visitors.

These dogs are quite amicable towards kids and have a protective instinct as well. They have highly playful and energetic and come across as cheerful and noisy while playing. Rhodesian ridgebacks can be described as an assertive dog and can be highly domineering at times. They have an innate sense of strong willpower and are highly instinctive. Unlike most other dog breeds, ridgebacks can gel along peacefully with cats and other dogs, but a little supervision is required to avoid any aggression.

Upkeep of Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a short hair coat, hence brushing is not required on a regular basis. Occasional brushing is required for removing the loose dead hair and bathing them once a week maintains their coat shine. One of the grooming habits that these dogs tend to be uncomfortable with is nail-trimming. They tend to grow quite big nails and if not groomed every week, they may develop a habit of tapping their nails on the floor. Also, Ridgebacks are susceptible to mites in their ear canals. The wax in their ear canals may catch hold of mites or any other foreign particulate matter. Hence, regular checking and cleaning of ear canals are necessary.

Also, it is beneficial to keep a Rhodesian Ridgeback busy with physical and mental exercises to keep them healthy. It is important to maintain a proper diet for the optimum growth of ridgebacks. The amount of dog food to be fed to a Rhodesian ridgeback depends upon its age, size, build, and metabolism. In general, an adult Ridgeback can be fed 2 and a 3/4th cup to 4 and a 3/8th cup of quality dog food in a day.

Health Concerns of Rhodesian Ridgebacks

In general, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not have serious health concerns, however, few symptoms of deafness or dermoid sinus can be observed among the dogs of this breed. Other health concerns include elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and CHD. The recommended tests for these dogs include hip, thyroid, elbow, and dermoid sinus. The tests for elbow and hips are commonly suggested for Rhodesian Ridgebacks by the vets. Also, some dog clubs suggest testing these dogs for any eye or heart issues. Dermoid sinus is one of the health conditions common among Rhodesian Ridgebacks, which requires surgery. A few pups develop dermoid sinus at the time of their birth.

Interesting Facts About Rhodesian Ridgeback

With the gene of African hounds, ridgebacks can make fun of pets and melt their owners with affection and faithfulness. Though the hair ridge growing backwards is the trademark for these dogs, there are several other interesting facts about Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Here’s the list of fun facts about ridgebacks that makes it fun to be around them.

• Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very fast and love to chase.

• They have certain unique characteristics as they are mixed-bred among European and African dog breeds. In colloquial diction of Africa, they may be popular as Rodizio Ridgeback dogs.

• Being trained to track lions, ridgebacks are highly skilled hunting hounds. However, they track their prey but never kill it. Ridgebacks are said to have helped people to hunt lions in the Savannah. Some call these dogs Rhodesian Ridgeback lions.

• Ridgebacks are called an athletic breed because they have a sleek stature and they love to run.

• They make highly protective family guardians. Also, they are very devoted to their master and family. Since Ridgebacks are quite energetic, they are good at hiking or morning jogs.

• It is very easy to spot a ridgeback since they come only in a wheaten colour. 

• Errol Flynn, a Hollywood star, was among the first few people to breed a Rhodesian Ridgeback in the U.S. Among the other stars who petted ridgebacks are Blake Griffin, Grace Kelly, Prince Rainer, and Patrick Swayze.

Rhodesian ridgebacks are not loud barkers, they seldom bark when at home. They are very intelligent and are said to have a strong-willed nature. Even though these dogs have an athletic stature, it doesn’t diminish their love for food. So, a check has to be maintained on their food intake. Ridgebacks make lovely playmates with kids and even at times with cats. They are not very fond of strangers and being around other dogs, if not under supervision, it is a ‘stranger danger’ game for Ridgebacks. Conclusively, a well-trained Rhodesian Ridgeback keeps strangers at bay.