Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback (pronunciation: roe-DEE-zhuhn-RIHJ-bak) is a breed of large, muscular hounds known for its distinct ridge of hairs running along its back. Aside from being a versatile hunter, the Ridgeback makes a formidable guard dog and is a powerful athlete. It comes with a moderate size head, round, bright eyes with intelligent expression, medium-sized, high set ears, long, deep muzzle, brown, black, or liver nose, fairly long neck, sloping, clean, muscular shoulders, straight and strong forelegs, and a smooth tail tapering towards the tip.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Pictures

History

During the mid-1600s, Dutch traders set up a colony and shipping hub at the Cape of Good Hope. Although the colony flourished, the settlers wanted to start over as farmers. These people of German and Dutch ancestry came to be known as Boers (a Dutch word meaning “farmers” or “husbandmen”). Several large dogs of European origin, including mastiffs, and hounds like the Great Dane (considered to be the closest cousin of this breed as per genetic analysis), were brought by these people for guarding property and tracking big game. However, the climate, terrain, and wildlife of Africa called for a large, fearless, versatile, and quick dog. The Boers crossed their European stock with the indigenous hunting dogs used by the Khoikhoi people to create the ancestors of modern Ridgebacks.

When the Boers moved to Rhodesia, their dogs which worked in packs were agile and courageous enough to combat an animal as big as the lion.  In fact, their efficiency in hunting members of the big cat family earned them the nickname African Lion Dog and Rhodesian Lion Dog. They were a versatile breed that could be used for hunting, watching, guarding, herding, and as a docile family pet.

The first breed standard for the Ridgebacks was drawn up in 1922 by Francis Richard Barnes who founded the first Ridgeback Club. The Ridgebacks were officially acknowledged by the Kennel Club in England in 1954 while they gained recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1955.

Temperament and Behavioral Traits

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a quiet, gentle family companion who is always willing to protect its people and territory from any danger. It can be independent, strong-willed, and occasionally domineering, making it difficult to handle for timid or first-time owners.

Because of its natural hunting instincts, it may chase small furry animals including cats, squirrels, and hamsters. Although the Ridgeback may get along with other pets if raised with them, it can be aggressive toward unfamiliar animals outside its family even if it is well-trained and socialized. Male Ridgebacks can show aggression toward other males, particularly if not neutered.

It is a dignified breed and can be reserved toward strangers. Although it is friendly with older children, the Ridgeback can be too boisterous for young kids and can accidentally knock them over. Always teach your little ones how to approach or touch your dog, and make sure to supervise the interactions between your kids and the Ridgeback.

Click here for the popular Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes as they are crossed with other purebreds.

Attacks

Although it is not banned, restrictions on owning a Ridgeback are imposed in Ireland and Ukraine. A tragic incident of a Rhodesian Ridgeback attacking a six-year-old schoolboy from Cardiff, U.K. was reported in 2012.

Training

Training a Rhodesian Ridgeback can be a challenge if you do not start early. For training it successfully, you should be firm, fair, and consistent in your approach.

Socialization
To help get over its anxiety towards strangers or unknown people, imparting socialization training to the Ridgeback puppies is a mandate. Taking your puppy out on a short leash to a public place will help it become more comfortable with the unknown people around it. You may also tell your friends to come over to your place and have them stand with a treat. Let your pup go towards them first, and make sure your friends pet your dog on its chest and under its chin. Also, allow your leashed Ridgeback to interact with friendly dogs at a young age.

Obedience
To deal with an aggressive, stubborn or strong-willed Rhodesian Ridgeback, you need to encourage its obedience and respect. Teach your pet to respond to commands like sit, come, stay, go, and heel. Speak in a commanding tone and be firm with these commands so that your pup cannot deviate from the expected behaviors.

Feeding

Give your Rhodesian Ridgeback 2 3/4 – 4 3/8 cups of quality dog food suitable for its age and activity level. Counter surfing is a common behavior problem for Ridgebacks, and so human foods should not be left unattended.

Comparison between Rhodesian Ridgeback and Other Breeds

Characteristics	Rhodesian Ridgeback	Vizsla	Belgian Malinois	Redbone Coonhound	Great Dane
Adaptability	High	Very High	Very High	Very High	Moderate
Affection Level	Very High	Very High	High	Very High	Moderate
Apartment Friendliness	Moderate	Low	Low	Very Low	Very High
Barking Tendencies	Very Low	Moderate	Very High	Very High	Low
Cat Friendliness	Low	Moderate	Low	Low	Moderate
Child Friendliness	Very High	Moderate	Moderate	Very High	Moderate
Dog Friendliness	Low to Moderate	Moderate	Low	Very High	Moderate
Exercise Needs	High	Very High	Very High	Very High	Low
Grooming	Very Low	Very Low	Very Low	Very Low	Very Low
Intelligence	Very High	Very High	Very High	Moderate	Moderate
Playfulness	High	Very High	Very High	High	Low
Health Problems	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Less	Many
Shedding Level	Moderate	Low	High	Very Low	Moderate
Stranger Friendliness	Low	Moderate	Low	High	Moderate
Trainability	High	Very High	Very High	Moderate	Moderate
Territorial Instinct	Low	Moderate	Very High	Very Low	Very High
Watchdog Ability	Low	Moderate	Very High	Very Low	Very High