Categories: Pets

Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed History and Characteristics

Another name for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the African Lion Hound. That name may be intimidating, but it does tell you a lot about this powerful, incredibly loyal hound. As their nickname suggests, they were bred to hunt lions. But they also make super guard dogs and excellent companions.

General Appearance

These are big, lean dogs as lightly but strongly muscled as an Olympian middle distance runner. They are generally sandy-brown (wheaten) or chestnut red with black or dark brown muzzles. They are allowed to have white markings on the paws, chest or belly. Their bodies and heads are like a typical hound’s, with floppy ears, a medium long nose and a long, slightly curving tail. Males weigh up to 90 pounds, while females average 75 pounds.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are mostly a short-haired breed, but they get their name from the stripe of ling hair that goes down their backbone, similar to a dorsal stripe on a horse or donkey. This stripe is usually the same color as the dog, but sometimes it can be a shade lighter or a shade darker. When the dog is angered or upset, he can raise this stripe to a startling effect. Not all purebred Ridgebacks will have this ridge.

Brief History

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are said to descend from one short-haired stud dog that was found living in the Hottentot tribe that had the characteristic stripe of longer hair. European settlers in the sixteenth century were enamored with this dog and the local African Khoikhoi dogs reportedly crossed him with Mastiffs and Deerhounds, creating a dog that could withstand the harsh climate of Africa, but that could be an effective guard and hunting dog.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks were developed in Zimbabwe, but gradually won enthusiastic admirers in the last century. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1952. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be found in North America, Europe, Australia and its native Africa.

Temperament

Despite the rarity of the breed, there are many Rhodesian Ridgebacks that are abandoned by their owners because the owners did not realize what they were getting themselves into. Rhodesian Ridgebacks usually are given up through no fault of their own. Some are abandoned because of the health problems usually associated with big dogs, such as hip dysplasia.

This is a dog that needs exercise every day, because he is full of energy. Since he is highly intelligent, if he gets bored and has a lot of pent-up energy from not being exercised, then he can be destructive. Neutering or spaying the Rhodesian Ridgeback can make the dog more prone to pay attention to training.

This breed has a very good reputation with families, but (like all dogs) needs to be closely supervised whenever he’s around small children. They still make excellent guard dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks began to get a bad name when an irresponsible owner in New Jersey let his dogs roam the neighborhood. Keep these dogs in a fenced yard.

Additional References

ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs.” Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD. Chronicle Books; 1999.
Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.” D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. Barron’s; 2005.
“The Howell Book of Dogs.” Liz Palika. Howell Book House; 2007.
DogBreedInfo.com