ADDITIONAL RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK PICTURES
Family: Sighthound
Breed Group: Southern, AKC Hounds
Origin: South Africa
Date of Origin: 19th century
Originally used for: Big game hunting
Used today: Companion, lure coursing, agility
Other Name(s): African lion hound, African lion dog
History of the Breed:
This breed originated in South Africa as a hunting dog. In the 16th and 17th centuries settlers from Europe brought with them their native
dogs. The Hottentots a native South African tribe had a hunting dog that was crossed with a wild dog to produce a breed with a unique ridge
on its back. This ridge was formed by the hair growing forward. Interbreeding between the settler's dogs and the Hottentots hunting dogs
established the foundation stock of the present day Ridgeback.
In 1877 Rev. Helm introduced two Ridgebacks into Rhodesia where big game hunters found them to be excellent lion hunting dogs.
The dogs would work in packs to keep a lion at bay while the hunters moved in for the kill.
The breed standard was developed in 1922. The breed was registered by the AKC in 1955.
General Appearance: A large athletic hound like dog with a head that is broad between the ears with a long, deep and powerful muzzle.
The dark or amber colored eyes are round and set well apart. The medium sized ears are set high on the head and are wide at the base and tapering
to a rounded point and are carried close to the head. The chest is deep with well sprung ribs. The back is powerful and firm with strong loins
which are muscular and slightly arched. The tail tapers towards the end and carried with a slight curve upwards. The body is covered in a short
and smooth wheaten colored coat with a strip of hair that runs in the opposite direction along the back.
Height & Weight:
Height 24-27 Inches
Weight 70-85 Pounds
Coat: Short, dense, and smooth with a strip of hair that runs in the opposite direction along the back
Color: Light wheaten to red wheaten
Grooming needs: Low
Temperament of Breed: Loyal to the family, brave, reserved toward strangers, gentle temperament however, they can be over protective.
Friendly with children: Yes
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, with proper socialization starting at an early age. Males can be dominant around other male dogs.
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: Medium
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts
Minor: Dermoid sinus, obesity
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 54
First Registered by the AKC: 1955
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the U.S., Inc. (RRCUS)
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Scotland
The National Rhodesian Ridgeback Council (Australia)
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