History: African Lion Hound

Ridgebacks were originally bred by South African farmers who needed well-rounded working dogs that could protect their property and help in hunting large game. They bred the semi-domesticated, "ridged" hunting dogs of the native Hottentot people with several imported European breeds.

The results were brown dogs that were good companions, had the stamina necessary for the long hunt and could bring a lion to bay without getting killed. These hard working dogs were sometimes called "African Lion Hounds". The breed standard was originally created in Rhodesia, a British Colony in central South Africa comprising present day Zambia & Zimbabwe, in 1850 and approved by the American Kennel Club in 1956. The wild dogs of the Hottentots is extinct today but the Rhodesian Ridgeback, and the characteristic ridge, thrives.

Characteristics

The peculiar ridge on the back is a natural, dominate genetic trait that remains the hallmark of this breed. It is formed by hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. The ridge is the most distinctive characteristic and nearly unique among canines.

Ridgebacks are strong, muscular and active dogs, symmetrical and balanced in outline. A mature Ridgeback is a handsome, upstanding and athletic dog, capable of great endurance with a good amount of speed. Of even, dignified temperament, the Ridgeback is devoted and affectionate to his master, but reserved with strangers. They are sometimes described as being aloof.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are clear-thinking farm dogs. They hunt, protect and consider themselves members of their human family. They are not aggressive dogs that will "bite first, ask questions later". They are a reasoning dog in every situation; seeming to asking themselves "how can I get the best result out of this situation and stay alive?" Ronald Duncan described the breed by saying:

Where in this wide world can a person find nobility without pride, friendship without envy or beauty without vanity? Here, where grace is laced with muscle and strength by gentleness confined. He serves without servility, he has fought without enmity. There is nothing so powerful, nothing less violent, there is nothing so quick, nothing more patient.

Ridgebacks as Pets

Ridgebacks make wonderful pets, but they must have human attention and consistency in their training. They are energetic dogs that need regular exercise, but they are also hounds and if properly exercised will be content to sleep most of the day. Decide right away what is acceptable behavior for your companion. Jumping on the couch might be cute when the puppy is eight weeks old, but will it be acceptable when they are grown at 70 to 80 lbs? Be prepared to accept your puppy into your family and into your home for life.

This breed is very tolerant of children and their play. However, adult supervision and instruction is always called for when dealing with any animal.

You will never regret owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback!