Rhodesian Ridgeback
The ridge along the back is hair growing the wrong way, and it is a breed requirement. Bred in southern Africa to hold a lion at bay until the hunter came up.
Photo by Svenska Mässan, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed in southern Africa from European hounds crossed with the ridged dogs of the Khoikhoi, and its job was to find lion and hold it at bay until the hunter arrived. It did not fight lions, which is a common misconception.
The ridge is a strip of hair growing forward against the rest of the coat along the spine, and it is caused by a duplication that also predisposes to dermoid sinus, a neural tube defect.
Temperament
Confident, independent and reserved. Ridgebacks are affectionate with their families and aloof with strangers, and they are quiet dogs that rarely bark without reason.
They are strong willed and they will test a handler, and they are not conventionally obedient. They can be dog aggressive, particularly with the same sex, and the prey drive is high. They are also sensitive and respond badly to harsh handling.
Care and grooming
A short dense coat, a weekly rub down, moderate shedding. Very easy.
Dermoid sinus is directly linked to the ridge gene and puppies should be checked at birth. Hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and degenerative myelopathy occur, and DM has a DNA test. Bloat is a risk in this deep chested breed.
Ridgeless puppies occur in litters and are healthy dogs that cannot be shown, which makes them worth considering.
Living and exercise
An hour and a half a day with room to run.
A secure fence and consistent training from early on. They are excellent dogs for an experienced owner and a difficult one for someone expecting a biddable large breed. Ten to twelve years.
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