The Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback comes from deepest darkest Africa, or maybe not, the Rhodesian Ridgeback actually comes from South Africa (no darkness there).

Back in the 18th century, European settlers went to South Africa to make it their home. Along with them went several dog breed such as mastiffs, hounds and so on; when the settlers arrived and began to settle in they noticed that the villagers (Khoisan tribes) had a half domesticated half wild dog that had the oddest thing about him: the animal had a ridge of fur going up the length of his back in the opposite direction that fur would normally grow.

Well the Settler’s dogs and the Khoisan’s dogs started to have babies together and the result was the original breeding stock that would later on become the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Now the Settlers had to hunt for most of their food and to hunt you need a good hunting dog, they found exactly that in the Rhodesian Ridgeback, this dog could not only track but he could even hold a lion at bay, that is something!

Time passed and Rev. Charles Helm brought two of these dogs to Cornilius Van Rooyen of Rhodesia, it was Van Rooyen that first started selectively breeding the Rhodesian Ridgeback. As the dog became more and more popular it was noticed that more and more Ridgebacks were showing up that had absolutely nothing in common with the original breeding stock, because of this an official standard was set up (in 1921) by a small group of breeders; a standard that is very close to that of the Dalmation’s and believe it or not, that standard has changed very little to this day.

Because of the breed’s ability to not only be a hunter that could avoid injury but to also protect his home and guard the children, the Rhodesian Ridgeback became a favorite in South Africa. In the 1950’s the Rhodesian Ridgeback was recognized as a breed by the AKC; now many years later the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed known to the whole world and used in the whole world as a hunting dog…he may not be hunting lions anymore but that is all right because hunting lions is mostly illegal anyway.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a big dog that will protect his home and his family, that is why early socialization needs to be done, at least when the dog is a manageable size. This dog can and will be aloof with strangers, it is not recommended that you leave your guests alone with the Rhodesian Ridgeback, you never know what can happen. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is good for an apartment IF you are willing to give him a lot of exercise, he makes an excellent jogging companion, many times outlasting the jogger.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an animal that should be 24 to 27 inches high at the shoulder and they should weigh up to 80 pounds, but it has been reported that the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be well over one hundred pounds, I guess it depends on the animal. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed that is well put together and he is pretty solid despite his sleek shape.

When you are looking for a puppy, always look for a breeder that has a good reputation, even if you have to look in another town or state to find one. A good breeder will be able to show you proof that the puppy has received all of his vaccines and veterinary health checks. Take a look at the parents of the puppy are they friendly, do they come right up to you or are they nervous and showing signs of aggression, remember the phrase, "Like father like son." that is usually true in the dog world as well.

Try not to look for a puppy at a puppy mill or a backyard breeder because these puppies can be unstable in their temperament, they can have health problems that are common to the breed, problems that will cost you in vet bills later, if they don’t take the life of your pet.

The Rhodesian Ridgback is a perfectly lovable animal that will make a great dog to anyone, if you have invested some time into training him.