Rhodesian RidgebackCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says it is the only registered breed native to southern Africa. Its ancestors can be traced back to the Cape Colony, where the dogs of the early settlers were crossed with the semi-domesticated, ridged hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi people. Hunting in groups of two or three, the “lion dog” tracked game, especially lions, and kept it at bay with great agility until the hunter arrived.

The first standard was written by F. R. Barnes in Bulawayo, Rhodesia, in 1922, based on that of the Dalmatian, and was approved by the South African Kennel Union. The AKC says it was famous for tracking lions and keeping them at bay by barking, without killing them.

How the breed developed

• Cape Colony – The settlers' dogs are crossed with the dogs of the Khoikhoi.
• 1922 – F. R. Barnes writes the first standard, in Bulawayo.
• 1926–1927 – The standard is approved by the South African Kennel Union.
• 21 February 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC says that beneath the distinctive ridge there is “a lot of hound”: a fast, powerful athlete of about 32–39 kg or even more. It is balanced, strong, muscular and agile.

General appearance

The ridge on the back is formed by hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat and is the hallmark of the breed. It must be clearly defined and symmetrical, start just behind the shoulders and continue to the hips; its average width is 5 cm. The coat is short, dense, smooth and glossy.

The colour is wheaten, from light to red. A little white on the chest and toes is permitted. A dark muzzle and ears are permitted. The AKC says there is only one colour, wheaten, in all the shades of a field of wheat.

The standard describes it as dignified, intelligent and aloof with strangers, without aggression or shyness.

The AKC says it can be strong-willed, independent and sometimes domineering, so it must be guided from puppyhood with a firm but patient hand. It is a devoted companion that should live indoors with the family.

Tips for effective training

• Be firm but patient. It can be strong-willed and domineering.
• Let it off the lead only in an enclosed area. It has a very strong prey drive.
• Do not leave food on the table. The AKC says it is a notorious “counter surfer”.
• Socialise it from puppyhood. It is aloof with strangers.

The AKC says it is a strong, athletic dog that needs moderate exercise and adapts well if it gets long walks and play every day. It loves to run.

Tips for a balanced life

• Keep it indoors, with the family.
• The fence must be high.
• Do not leave food within reach.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it sheds little and grooming is minimal: a weekly brush and an occasional bath. The nails should be trimmed often if they do not wear down on their own.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is generally healthy, but the following can occur:

Other care

• Trim the nails often.
• Check the ears regularly.
• Brush its teeth regularly.

The AKC says some dogs put on weight easily and that the breed is known for “stealing” food from the counter, so food must not be left unattended.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The “lion dog”. It kept lions at bay until the hunter arrived.
• It did not kill lions. The AKC says it tracked and held them at bay, without killing them.
• The reverse ridge. The hair on its back grows in the opposite direction.
• A standard based on the Dalmatian. The first standard was modelled on that of the Dalmatian.
• The only one from southern Africa. The standard says it is the only registered breed from southern Africa.

What is the “ridge”?

A stripe of hair growing in the opposite direction along the back.

How big does it get?

Males measure 63–69 cm and weigh 36.5 kg; females measure 61–66 cm and weigh 32 kg.

Is it good with children?

The AKC gives it the top score for compatibility with children.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 10–12 years.