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Rescue
a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Puppies for Sale
Rhodesian Ridgeback
(Ridgeback) (Lion Dog) (African Lion Hound)
Bryaba Says Whatchamacallit, but he goes
by "Shisma" - a liver-nosed, red wheaten Rhodesian Ridgeback at 3 years old.
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Pronunciation |
Rhodesian
Ridgeback |
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Description |
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is
a large, handsome, muscular hound. Its name describes its most unique
characteristic, a clearly defined symmetrical ridge running the length of its
back, formed by hair that grows in the opposite direction from the rest of its
coat. The short, sleek coat comes in light to dark wheaten, sometimes with small
white markings on the chest and feet. The head is long, the skull is flat and
broad with extremely powerful muzzle and jaw. Ridgebacks have well developed
teeth, and a marked stop. The bright, sparkling eyes are round with an
intelligent expression. The nose color should be either black or brown,
depending on the color of the coat. The front legs should be very straight and
strong, with heavy bone. The strong tapered tail is fairly long and curves
slightly upward. |
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Temperament |
A fine hunter, the
Rhodesian Ridgeback is ferocious in the hunt, but in the home it is a calm,
gentle, obedient, good dog. Good-natured, but some do not do well with
small children because they may play too roughly and knock them down. They
are intelligent, cunning but straight-forward dogs that are loyal to the family,
have something of a mind of their own, are brave, vigilant, reserved toward
strangers, and possess considerable stamina. Without enough mental and physical exercise they can become high strung and unmanageable. This breed needs a firm, confident, consistent pack leader who can provide rules the dog must follow and limits to what it can and cannot do. Meek and/or passive owners, or owners who treat the dog like a human rather than a canine will have a hard time controlling this breed and they may also become combative with other dogs. They need thorough obedience
training, socialization with people and other dogs, and firm owner leadership to
become the excellent companion he can be. Ridgeback's react best to an extremely
consistent and equable approach to training. They are intelligent and learn
quickly, but they are also strong and a bit stubborn. Training should be gentle, but firm
and should start young while the dog is still small enough to manage. They are
also very good watch dogs, but not suggested for guard dogs. They are very
protective of owners. This has to be addressed during their early training. This
breed can be more destructive than a Lab if not given enough exercise and is not convinced the humans are his authority figure. Do not overfeed
this breed. Provided this dog meets cats
and other pets when it is young, any potential problem will be prevented.
Ridgebacks make excellent jogging companions. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 25-27
inches (63-69cm) Bitches 24-26 inches (61-66cm)
Weight: Dogs 80-90 pounds (36-41kg) Bitches 65-75 pounds (29-34kg) |
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Health Problems |
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a
hardy breed, able to withstand dramatic changes of temperature, however they are
susceptible to hip dysplasia, dermoid sinus, and cysts. |
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Living Conditions |
Rhodesian Ridgebacks
will dog okay in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise. They are
relatively inactive indoors and do best with a large yard. |
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Exercise |
These dogs have great
stamina and you will tire long before they do. They need to be taken on
daily, long, brisk walks or
jogs. In addition, it needs plenty of opportunity to run,
preferably off the leash in a safe area. If these dogs are
allowed to get bored, and are not walked or jogged daily, they can become destructive
and start to display a wide array of behavioral problems. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 10-12 years. |
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Grooming |
The smooth, short-haired
coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when
necessary. This breed is an average shedder. |
Origin |
The Rhodesian Ridgeback
resulted from crosses between ridgebacked dogs originally kept by native tribes
in South Africa and other breeds, such as the
Khoikhoi dog, Mastiff, Deerhound and
some breeds that are not known. It was the native
Khoikhoi dog that gave the
Ridgeback his distinctive reverse-hair coat marking, a dominant characteristic
that today makes him unique among dog breeds. The ridgebacks were imported by Boer settlers in the 16th
and 17th centuries. Its standard, fixed in Rhodesia, dates from 1922. The
Rhodesian Ridgeback was used for many purposes. This impressive, protective
hound could hunt game, retrieve, take care of children, and guard property.
South African hunters discovered that the Ridgeback, used in packs, was very
effective against lions, hence the breed's other name, the African Lion Hound.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is well adapted to the harsh African environment. He can
withstand very high temperatures and the damp cold of night. It is insensitive
to insect bites and can go without food and water for over 24 hours. The breed
was recognized by the AKC in 1959. Its country of origin is Zimbabwe. |
| Group |
Southern, AKC Hounds |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, KCGB, CKC,
ANKC, NKC, NZKC, RRCUSI, APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
RRCUSI = The
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club Of The United States, Inc.
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Riana, the Rhodesian Ridgeback at about 3 years old
Riana, the Rhodesian Ridgeback at about 3 years old
Zuri (Swahili for beautiful) the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy at 8 weeks old
Notice the ridge of hair going down the back.
This strip of hair is going in the opposite direction
than the rest of the hair.
This is Kito a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy.
Photo Courtesy of Rose Bednarski
Four month old Rhodesian Ridgeback
puppies Leo (at front) and Lucy (at back)
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Rhodesian Ridgeback Pictures 1
Rhodesian Ridgeback Pictures 2
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