Rhodesian Ridgeback

Description: A Rhodesian Ridgebacks uniqueness is the ridge on the back, formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a strong, muscular and active dog, symmetrical in outline and capable of great endurance with speed.

Other Names: African Lion Hound

Type: Sighhound and Pariah

Height: 24 – 27 inches Weight: 65 – 85 lbs.

Colors: Light wheaten to red wheaten. Coat: Short, dense, sleek and glossy.

Temperament: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are friendly, obedient With Children: Yes, as long as they are not pestered. With Pets: Needs socialization when young to accept cats, dogs and other pets. Special Skills: Hunting dog, watch dog and family pet.

Watch-dog: Very High Guard-dog: Very High

Care and Exercise: Minimal grooming of the Rhodesian Ridgebacks short coat is required. Brush with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. Rhodesian Ridgebacks need a great amount of exercise as they have tremendous stamina. Loves to swim. Training: Rhodesian Ridgebacks need a consistent and equable approach to training. Intelligent but stubborn. Start training when they are young and easy to manage. Learning Rate: High, Obedience – Low, Problem Solving – High

Activity: Indoors – Low, Outdoors – Very High Living Environment: A fenced yard is essential for the Rhodesian Ridgeback in an urban environment. Rhodesian Ridgebacks thrives in a large property where they can patrol theirs home ground. The owner of a Rhodesian Ridgeback should be able to control a large, independent, athletic dog.

Health Issues: Hip irregularities, sinus problems, osteochondrosis.

Life Span: 12 years Litter Size: 7 – 8

Country of Origin: Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) History: Named after the country of Rhodesia which is now Zimbabwe they were once called the Lion Dog as they would hunt lions and other big game in packs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks were developed from crossing the local dog (the African Hottentot Hunting Dog) who had a distinctive ridge of hair growing in the reverse direction along their back to the Pointer, Mastiff, Greyhound and Bulldog.

First Registered by the AKC: 1955 AKC Group: Hound Group Class: Hound Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 6), KC (GB), UKC