The History of the Breed

The Rhodesian Ridgeback owes his heritage to the Dutch Boers who began settling in colonial Southern Africa. A number of different breeds contributed to the gene pool of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The Bloodhound, Greyhound, various Mastiff types, Airedale and Africa's Hottentot Dog and others all played a part. By the 1900s a type had been successfully set, part by accident, part by design, and entirely out of need. The European settlers needed a multi-purpose dog: a truly fearless hunting hound on the African veldt, a watch dog on the farm, and a gentle companion in the home--but he is most famous for being used to hunt lions. He accomplished this through his ability to locate and hold the lion at bay, so the hunter could get close enough to get in a shot. This required amazing courage, agility, tenacity and endurance. He comes in different shades of wheaten, meant to blend in with the surrounding grass and bush of the veldt. Excessive white markings are undesirable. His coat is short and sleek, so as to not become entangled and to allow for easy maintenance and and parasite removal. He is neither too big to be clumsy, nor too small to render him ineffective in hunting large game. He is a swift runner, able to run at thirty miles an hour! With all of his athletic ability and functional purpose the Rhodesian Ridgeback is also beautiful to look at --graceful, regal, and fearless in appearance. The hallmark of this breed is the ridge of hair which runs backwards along his spine; a cowlick that has two whorls (crowns), opposite each other in the upper third of this ridge.

By 1924, the South African Kennel Union registered the first Rhodesian Ridgeback. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1955. The American standard calls for a dog that stands between 25 and 27 inches at the withers and will weigh about 85 labs. Males are usually somewhat larger than females. Females should be 24" to 26" at their withers and weigh about 70 lbs.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is becoming a very popular pet, although he is not a good choice for everyone. Please consider this breed carefully before you take the plunge into ownership. If you are sure that this beautiful, intelligent (but not always obedient) hound is the right choice for you, we welcome you to our breed! Please take more time to learn all you can about the breed. Are you planning to show or breed your Ridgeback? If so, it is imperative that you obtain more detailed information by attending dog shows and visiting as many breeders as possible. When purchasing a Ridgeback of show or breeding caliber, be sure to learn about the various looks and bloodlines. Expecting a financial return on a litter of pups is always a risk, therefore, responsible breeders are involved in breeding for one reason alone: the love, protection and preservation of the breed.

What is the nature of the Rhodesian Ridgeback? The Ridgeback is strong willed, sensitive and independent. This stems from his ability to hunt independently of human direction; a trait that was very valuable in his native land.

He is a "People Dog"--an affectionate dog, who needs the human companionship of his owner, yet is quite aloof with strangers. He tends to bond with one person, however, his love will extend to every family member that treats him well. He responds to positive training methods. Harsh treatment does not work with this breed! This is a Hound and possesses many of the typical Hound characteristics. The adult Ridgeback has a quiet, laid back temperament and rarely barks. He enjoys spending the day with his owner, lounging in front of the fire or curled up in the corner. However, when alerted and in action, he can quickly become a graceful and powerful hunter or guard dog. It is important to understand that as puppies these dogs are not different from other puppies in that A TIRED PUPPY IS A GOOD PUPPY! So realize that a young Ridgeback will not act like an adult and be content to be a "couch potato " all day. Playtime for puppies is also the time when they learn about the world around them. The way puppies learn to see the world around them, is the way that adult Ridgebacks will see and respond to the world. That is why early socialization is important!

The Ridgeback is a one-man dog, but will extend its love to other loving and caring people in his owner's family. He will be devoted to his own family and friends, but aloof and dignified with strangers, although temperaments can range from quiet to clownish. When choosing a Ridgeback be sure to assess the background and temperament of the prospective pet very carefully, and choose a personality that is best suited to your home and lifestyle. Early, positive socialization is an important part of developing a healthy and stable temperament.

Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Intelligent? Some people mistake the Ridgeback's headstrong independence for a lack of intelligence, but he is, indeed, a very clever dog who is sensitive to his owner's moods and emotions.

Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback capable of doing obedience work? The Rhodesian Ridgeback can be taught to obey obedience commands, provided the trainer respects the dog's individual personality and adapts the training accordingly. The Ridgeback can become bored with constant repetition, and tends to "tune out" when he has had enough. Exercises must be kept short, fresh, and interesting, and should always be ended on a high note. Many patient owners have been rewarded with advanced obedience titles, dispelling the myth that a hound will not do obedience.

Must this breed have a fenced in yard and be kept on lead when out of its yard? A fenced yard is good, and a leash and collar is a must! A Ridgeback LOVES to run! His great speed and pure joy of running are exciting to watch, but can sometimes lead to trouble for the unwary owner. The sight of something interesting, such as a cat, a squirrel or another dog, could have him off and away, with no thought of traffic or other danger. The owner of a Ridgeback must understand and be prepared for this trait to avoid possible tragedy. Basic obedience training will help establish a bond of love and respect between the Ridgeback and his owner, but it is not a substitute for common sense. The best way to protect a Ridgeback from harm is to exercise it on a leash or within a well-fenced or protected area.

How high must my fence be? Of sufficient height to keep him from jumping over the fence. A Ridgeback can easily clear a 4 foot fence and has even been seen jumping a 5 foot fence without a running start! However, if not left in your yard for long periods of time to become bored, he should not attempt to jump over the fence. Boredom does create "escape artists!"

I jog--can I run with my Rhodesian Ridgeback? Only if he is at a minimum of a year and a half old, and only if you build up his endurance gradually, starting with a short run and increasing it, slowly, each day. Remember that in hot weather your dog should not be made to run, so no jogging with him for long distances in the heat of the day. Remember, both you and your Ridgeback need lots of water when running. Your dog will enjoy running along side of you, on lead, for short periods. When he is younger than 18 months, a good brisk walk, on lead at your side, is good for him and for you!

Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback live in a city apartment? This breed adapts well to city life and apartment living, because of their relaxed disposition. The adult dog enjoys lounging in front of the fireplace, or curled up at your side. He is an affectionate dog that wants to be in the company of his owner. He does require exercise and a puppy requires more exercise than a grown dog. Again, A TIRED PUPPY IS A GOOD PUPPY!

How much exercise does an adult Rhodesian Ridgeback need? A long walk on lead is always good. If you are lucky enough to live near a park with a protected area where you can turn him loose for a while--great! Ideally, a city dog needs several walks a day and occasional hard exercise, where he can stretch his legs, running off-lead, in a protected area (after he has completed basic obedience training and will come to you, when he is called. Remember, this breed has been clocked at 30 miles an hour!) An obese Ridgeback is an unhealthy Ridgeback--diet and exercise are important to your dogs health!

What about Lure Coursing? Lure Coursing is an organized sporting competition many Ridgebacks and their owners enjoy. It allows the Hound to run and chase an artificial lure in a simulation of actual rabbit hunting. Dogs are judged on their enthusiasm, speed, agility and endurance; points are awarded towards field championships. Lure Coursing is great exercise and it helps to burn off energy in a positive way. All Hounds that do not have breed disqualifications, show quality or not, may compete.

Does the Ridgeback have breed disqualifications? Sometimes a puppy is born that does not have a ridge. This is the only disqualification of this breed.

Can I leave a Rhodesian Ridgeback in my fenced in yard all day? If you leave your Ridgeback in your fenced in yard all day, by himself, I promise that one or all of the following things will occur: 1. He will "howl his head off" for you to come out to be with him or for you to let him in the house to be with you. (This will make you quite unpopular with your neighbors.) 2. He will tear down the siding on your house, or ruin your back door by scratching to come in the house to be with you! 3. He will dig holes all over your yard, because he is bored. 4. He will jump over or dig under the fence and escape and get killed by the first car that drives down the street. Even if you live on a country road that has little traffic, it only takes ONE car! (This breed is really stupid about streets and automobiles and because of this, automobiles are among the primary reasons of death to a Ridgeback!) Even if none of the above ever happens (unlikely) your dog will not train itself or housebreak itself or socialize itself kept in your yard all day!

Can I chain him up, outside, if I do not have a fenced in back yard? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!! Not even for five minutes! This is one of the easiest way to ruin a dogs temperament!

Can he live in the yard in a Dog House? This dog only does well as a house pet. Ridgebacks have short hair and should have very little body fat. They were not bred to live in cold areas. This is in addition to all of the other reasons listed above. Your Ridgeback will love being with you when you are outside, but when you go inside--he wants to go in too!

Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good with other dogs? Yes, one of the original functions of the Rhodesian Ridgeback was to hunt lions, and they did this by hunting in packs. They were bred to get along with other dogs. This doesn't mean that you can just turn a new dog loose with the dog or dogs you already have. ALL of the animals must be introduced to one another slowly, and under human supervision until everyone becomes one big happy family.

Can Ridgebacks live in the same house with a cat? Yes. When the cat stops running, the dog will stop chasing. If the cat still has its claws, the dog will quickly learn to respect it! If the cat has been de-clawed, it might take a bit longer. The pets owner must supervise both closely at first until both cat and Ridgeback learn to share and live with one another. But since a Ridgeback is territorial, he will still chase cats or other animals that are not part of his household when they come into "his" territory.

Are Ridgebacks good with children? Some are and some are not. A lot depends upon the kind of relationship developed by the parents and the example set by them. Youngsters can be taught to be gentle with dogs, and told that a dog's only defense is biting. In any case, very small children should NEVER be left alone with a dog, no matter how good they are with each other. If the child and the Ridgeback live together and develop a bond, the Ridgeback will become the child's best friend and steadfast guardian. For more information on Ridgebacks and children, please see my page on Ridgebacks and Children.

Do they shed? Yes, but if you brush them weekly, you will reduce this shedding of dead hairs to a minimum. Ridgeback hair is very small and fine. Even though they shed, it's not like the shedding that you find with many longer-haired breeds.

How often must I bathe my Rhodesian Ridgeback? These dogs have a dirt resistant coat and frequent bathing is unnecessary. Wiping their feet and using a hound brush on them regularly, should keep them clean and odor free. If you show your dog, a bath the night before, using a mild baby shampoo (diluted with water) followed by a conditioner (to keep his coat from drying out) will have him looking his best. Although Ridgebacks are very "low maintenance" dogs, but they do need their nails kept neatly trimmed.

How can I have a happy, well adjusted Ridgeback? First of all, be consistent in all things, so that your dog learns what he may or may not do. Nothing confuses a dog more than beling alloed to do something one day, and punished for it the next! Be sure that your Ridgeback has a crate or pen somewhere inside your house where he may sleep, or to which he may retire when he wants to be alone. It is important that your dog be trained to stay in this crate when you aren't around. Never put him in it for punishment, however. If he goes into his "refuge" when you are away, he will be safe from harm (like chewing on electrical cords) and your home and furnishings will be safe from destruction. And always socialize, socialize, socialize!

Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback make a good pet? If you want a dog who will be your slave, don't get a Ridgeback. If you admire the beauty of the breed and appreciate an independent spirit, the Ridgeback may be for you.

How can I find a good Rhodesian Ridgeback? There are many ways. Go to a Dog Show in your area and talk to the people showing Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Contact the RRCUS (Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the U.S.)or the Secretary of The RRCUS , Dawn Sajadea at (708) 773-281-5569, or look at the AKC's homepage to find upcoming shows. Please remember that the owners and dogs are very busy before they go in the show ring, but most will be very happy to meet you and talk to you after they are through showing off in the ring.

*If you are interested in finding an older dog, contact Ridgeback Rescue of the U.S. The National Rescue Coordinator is Barbara Sawyer-Brown who can be reached at (773)281-5569 or through electronic mail at kwetureg@ameritech.net.

What should I expect of a breeder who sells me a puppy? The breeder should be willing to help you in all phases of the care of your Ridgeback throughout its entire life. He should furnish AKC 'papers' consisting of either a blue slip or registration certificate. He should be able to show you the original copies of the OFA certifications declaring that neither sire or dam showed any signs of hip dysplasia. The puppies should have been examined by a veterinarian, who has given each puppy a health certificate. He should have health records of the inoculations and results of stool checks to ensure that the puppy is free from worms. He should be eager to show you the sire* and dam and other puppies in the litter and where the litter was raised. In short, the breeder's knowledge comes with the dog. And you should be prepared to answer a multitude of questions about the home and care you will be giving the puppy. You, in turn, should receive a health guarantee on the puppy. Be prepared to sign a legally binding contract, as most reputable breeders expect a contract assuring them that you will take proper care of this puppy. Most reputable breeders have membership in a breed club and they have breed interests other than producing litters. Reputable breeders sell puppies on how good their puppies are and not on how bad that other breeder's puppies are.

* The sire may not be on the premises because he may live in another city, however there should be a photo and a copy of his hip certification (either OFA or PennHip) for you to view.

How do I pick a puppy? Look at as many puppies as you can before making up your mind. Read all about the Ridgeback (ask the local club for a list of publications) A lot depends on what you are looking for--a show dog or a family pet. Don't buy on impulse! Remember, all puppies are cute. You are selecting a companion for a lot of years, so be judicious. Be sure to visit reputable breeders who will show you some of their other dogs as well as the puppies. Let the breeder guide you on which puppy will be right for you. Temperaments vary within a litter. There are the "rambunctious" puppies and the "quieter" ones. You are seeing them for short periods. The "quiet" puppy may have been very active all morning! The breeder is LIVING with the puppies and can better judge their activity level, and after talking to you, help determine which puppy will fit your lifestyle.

What about price? Prices vary and it is a case of "Let the Buyer Beware." An older show quality puppy (6 months to a year) will cost you more than an eight week old show potential baby. Responsible breeders do not make extravagant guarantees about the quality of an eight week old puppy. Use the same judgment you would in making any long term purchase. Remember, you are buying a breeder along with the puppy! A breeder who has many years of breed experience will charge more than a breeder who has, say, one or two years of experience with the breed. A breeder who has bred many champions will charge more than a person who does not show his dogs. A breeder who is involved in AKC competition and has club affiliations will charge more. In some areas, Ridgebacks cost more than they do in another area. Responsible breeders do not make a living breeding Ridgebacks, but as in all things, quality and experience cost more.

What about the show records of the parents? There should be Conformation (show) champions in the pedigree and ideally, at least one of the parents should be titled, however keep in mind, if the word "temperament" never comes up GET THEE TO ANOTHER BREEDER!! because, no matter how beautiful a dog is or how impressive his show record is, if you cannot live with him, what good is he? A breeder should breed a dog that is at least as good as the sire and dam he started with, or ideally, better or he has done nothing for the breed. The only thing a breeder should not breed to improve is temperament. If a dog has bad or questionable temperament it should NEVER be bred!!!

There are many questions to be answered when adding a Ridgeback to your family. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, and does not take the place of conversations with an experienced, reputable breeder. These questions and answers are here only to give the reader an overview of this remarkable breed.