A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a medium to large member of the hound group. Well-muscled, energetic and agile. The breed is distinguished by a ridge along his back formed by hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of his coat.

Origin of the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Early settlers in South Africa mated their imported sporting breeds with the small fierce ridged native hunting dogs to produce a dog that could cope with the local environment. This resulted in large ridged dogs that soon established a reputation for hunting lions. Ridgebacks were not used to actually kill a lion, but to track it and keep it at bay until the hunter was present.

However, they were proficient at bringing down lesser game and had the stamina to accompany hunters on long safaris. This instinct to hunt and the capability for great endurance can still be found in the breed today.

The breed standard was written in 1922 in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). It was decided that the coat would be short and dense, sleek and glossy in appearance and would be wheaten in colour. The coat and colour had been proven to be best suited to the environment of the veldt and is often described as being the shades of the lion; light wheaten, wheaten and red wheaten.

Life with a Rhodesian Ridgeback

Ridgebacks have adapted well to modern life and to live with one you should be considerate; affectionate; alert; have a sense of humour, as they have; but most important of all you need to be sensible. If you want a guard dog then a Ridgeback is not for you, for although an impressive looking hound, they are too sensitive and independent.

Highly intelligent, faithful, loving, loyal and devoted to their owners they can be distinctly off-hand with strangers but adore their friends and family. Ridgebacks enjoy company whether it is human, canine or feline and dislike being on their own.

Family Companions

Generally Ridgebacks are a very tolerant, excellent companion for children, and as long as a few guidelines are followed they will become life long companions.

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Owning this wonderful large, intelligent hound should not be undertaken lightly. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not the breed for everyone. They can be strong willed, independent, determined, obstinate and self-assured. They never forget love and understanding, nor do they easily forgive harsh treatment. A Ridgeback owner needs to be fair, firm and consistent to get the best out of them and the odd bit of bribery always helps! With this approach you will have a very special friend to share your life with.