Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a beautiful, powerful hound. These dogs are affectionate and even-tempered with their owners. But they can also be strong-willed and independent—with a strong instinct to hunt. When trained and socialized, Rhodesian Ridgebacks make excellent companion pets.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback Traits
General Appearance
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a strong, muscular hound with an athletic appearance. The breed has a unique back "ridge" formed by a strip of hair growing opposite of the rest of the coat.
Coat and Coloring
This handsome breed has a short, dense, sleek, glossy coat. Rhodesian Ridgebacks range from light wheaten to red wheaten.
Distinctive Physical Traits
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is named for the characteristic "ridge" along its back. According to the breed standard, this feature should start immediately behind the dog's shoulders and taper as it reaches the hips. It should also contain two identical crowns (or whorls) directly opposite each other—one at each end of the ridge.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament
Originally bred as lion hunters in South African, modern-day Rhodesian Ridgebacks retain their ancestral sense of courage and dedication. As such, the breed makes a wonderful (if somewhat sensitive) companion.
Because Rhodesian Ridgebacks are still true to their roots, they can also be protective and territorial. So, early socialization and training are critical.
Rhodesian Ridgeback History
The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in southern Africa as a cross between the native ridged Khoikhoi dog, Greyhounds, and various terriers. The resulting breed could traverse rugged terrain while hunting and endure harmful insects in the area, such as the tsetse fly.
In the 19th century, the hunter Cornelius van Rooyen from Rhodesia bred Greyhound-like ridged females into his original pack of dogs. And the offspring had a particularly helpful talent: They would find and confront lions, but not kill them. This behavior gave the hunter time to prepare and fire his rifle.
When they weren't hunting, these dogs protected riders from dangerous leopards and baboons. And they would track other game, such as antelope, for their people to eat.
The first Rhodesian Ridgeback standard was written in 1922. But at that time, the South African practice of big-game hunting had begun to fade, and the breed faced extinction. Fortunately, some Rhodesian Ridgebacks came to the United States in the 1930s, and the breed gained American Kennel Club recognition in 1955. As a result, Rhodesian Ridgebacks remain excellent and loyal companion pets to this day.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Care
Nutrition
Rhodesian Ridgebacks thrive on an age-appropriate, high-quality diet. And they can be scavengers. So, be sure to never leave your food unattended.
Some dogs are prone to gaining excess weight as they age. Monitoring how much your Rhodesian Ridgeback eats and reducing their portions, if necessary, is an easy way to prevent this. Your veterinarian can also advise on appropriate nutrition and feeding guidelines.
Grooming
This breed doesn't need much in terms of grooming. Brushing once a week can help clean out loose hair and keep your Rhodesian Ridgeback's coat shiny and healthy. An occasional bath will do the same.
Trimming nails, cleaning ears, and brushing teeth should also be part of every dog's grooming routine, regardless of breed.
Exercise
This active breed requires moderate daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Fairly adaptable, Rhodesian Ridgebacks seem to enjoy walks, runs, and dog sports—such as tracking and agility.
But ultimately, as companion dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks love anything that involves spending time with their people.
Training
The Rhodesian Ridgeback can be strong-willed, independent, and even territorial. So, early socialization and training are essential.
This breed responds best to positive reinforcement techniques. Keep in mind that—even with the proper training—this breed possesses a powerful hunting instinct. So, you should always keep your pup on a leash or in a fenced-in area when they are outdoors. Otherwise, they may chase after other animals.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Genetic Health Conditions
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Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a neurological disorder, usually affecting dogs in their senior years. Loss of hind limb coordination is an early sign of disease, and as the condition progresses the hind limbs of affected dogs become increasingly weak.
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Early-Onset Adult Deafness (Discovered in the Rhodesian Ridgeback)
Early-Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD) is a disorder that causes early hearing loss, with the associated genetic variant identified in the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Dogs with this condition show deafness in both ears within the first 1 to 2 years of life.
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Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy is a specific form of epilepsy first described in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, causing muscle jerks and twitches, that can progress to generalized seizures.
Knowing if your Rhodesian Ridgeback is a carrier or at-risk for these conditions can help you and your veterinarian plan for your pup’s lifelong care. With Wisdom Panel™ Premium, you can get results for over 200 genetic health tests.
Breed Group
Middle Eastern and African
While this ancient group shares many of the characteristics of the Hound Group, their origins, as the name would suggest, are concentrated in Africa and the Middle East unlike the hound group that has no true geographic center.
