Rhodesian Ridgeback: Origin, Personality, Training

Group: AKC Hound, KCGB Hound

AKC Ranking: 54

Also Known As: Ridgeback

About Rhodesian Ridgeback Origin and History of the Breed The Rhodesian Ridgeback, the only known breed to have originated in South Africa, is said to have descended from native ridged dogs crossed to various continental breeds. They combined Danes, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, Terriers, and other breeds with the half-wild Hottentot hunting breed to create the Ridgeback. Its standard, fixed in Rhodesia, dates from 1922.

It is not known definitely when this dog was first introduced into the United States. A few were imported prior to 1940, possibly as early as 1912. However, after World War II (between 1946 and 1955 -- when the breed was recognized by AKC), quite a large number of these dogs were imported, not only into the United States, but also into England and Canada.

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A General Appearance of the Dog

A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, tenacious, muscular, active dog, symmetrical in outline, and capable of great endurance. This tall, strong breed is solid in color with some dark grey or black shading on the muzzle and ears in some dogs. Their head is wide at the ears with a proportionately long muzzle. Their ears are large and soft and hang down. The tail is long and balances the height of the dog. Eyes are expressive and keenly aware of slight movements both near and far.

The ridge on his back is his trademark. It should be clearly defined by the hairs growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat.

Coat Color

Solid light or red wheaten body with same color nose, or black or brown nose. There is some dark grey or black shading on the muzzle and ears in some dogs.

Coat Type

This dog’s coat is short, dense, sleek and glossy.

Height

Males 25-27”
Females 24-26”

Weight

Males 80-90Lbs.
Females 65-75Lbs.

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

This breeds are clean dogs, easily kept, and never noisy or quarrelsome. Their general good nature, desire to please and liking for children have made them a fine choice for watchdog and family pet. They have a pack instinct and need the closeness of family or other large pets to keep them happy. They can be very obedient if training is started early and reinforced. If, on the other hand, this large dog is not trained, he can become difficult and oblivious to your call.

As puppies they can be come quite destructive with their chewing and need to have special toys offered to keep them satisfied until this passes. Crate training is highly recommended to keep both the dog and its surroundings safe until it matures.

They have a high regard for their home and territory and will keep it well patrolled and safe.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

Large yards are best for this breed but apartment living is not out of the question since they are quiet indoors. Regular walks on lead will be required if no yard is available and joggers would be delighted by their stamina.

The Ridgeback is an extremely clean dog with little odor and minimal shedding. Its short, dense coat sheds little. In general, a Ridgeback kept indoors sheds a little all year round, whereas an outside one will experience seasonal shedding. They do not drool, except in anticipation of food. They are generally easy to housetrain and are not overactive in the house. They will take over the furniture unless their owners discourage this habit from puppy hood. A happily wagging tail will easily clear a low coffee table of its contents.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

Intelligent, loyal and loving, make this a great pet for families with children. Their protective instincts make them good watchdogs but can leave them distant to strangers.
They can be good with cats if brought up with them, but fiercely effective in defending their territory from stray dogs and cats. The Ridgeback is an excellent natural watchdog and family protector, requiring only that the owner has control over it.

Due to its large size, younger and more excitable Ridgebacks may knock over smaller children by accident.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

These dogs have great stamina and you will tire long before they do. They need to be taken on daily, long and brisk walks or jogs. In addition, the breed needs plenty of opportunity to run, preferably off the leash in a safe, well-fenced area. If these dogs are allowed to get bored, and are not walked or jogged daily, they can become destructive and start to display a wide array of behavioral problems.

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

When going through teething periods, at 6 weeks to about 4-½ months and again at around 8 to 10 months. Ridgebacks can be quite destructive if not provided with things that you want them to chew on, such as safe and fun toys, bones, a Kong® etc. Crate training may be essential in order to keep unsupervised, adolescent Ridgebacks in check.

Like any medium-large dog, Ridgebacks need exercise -- a daily romp in the back yard or park and a couple of longer trips to the park per week should be sufficient. More would be better, but Ridgebacks do adapt to their people.

Grooming

The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. A chamois will keep the coat glossy. Keep the nails clipped every two weeks if the dog is not walking on pavement. This breed is an average shedder, depending if it is outside most of the time or alternating from inside to outside.

Professional bathing may be required because of their size and weight and should be done when necessary.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

The dog can withstand very high temperatures and the damp cold of night. They are insensitive to insect bites and can go without food and water for over 24 hours. Despite these strengths, the breed does suffer from Hip Dysplasia and Dermoid Sinus cysts.

Breeding the Dog and any Cautions

Consult with your breeder to determine the best breeding mate for your pet. Generally the breed is an easy and consistent whelper.

Litter Size: 5-10 puppies.

Life Span: 10-12 years

National Breed Clubs

British – Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Great Britain
US – Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States - www.rrcus.org

Other Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, RRCUSI, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link:  www.ridgebackrescue.org/