Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Lion Dog
The Lion Dog
The Rhodesian Ridgeback, or African Lion Dog, originates from southern Africa. Originally bred to hunt lions in packs of two to five dogs, they would harass the big cat until their master could make a kill. The female Rhodesian Ridgebacks were prized more than the males, as they tended to be more agile.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large, muscular, active, hounds capable of endurance with speed. The Ridgeback’s most distinctive feature is, of course, the ridge of hair on his back running in the opposite direction of the rest of their short, dense coat. Males stand about 25-27 inches at the withers, and females between 24-26 inches. An average weight for males is 85 pounds, although there have been cases of them weighing in at as much as 160 pounds. Females weigh on average 70 pounds. They are light to red wheaten in color and black guard hairs are allowed. Excessive black hairs throughout the coat are frowned upon, although white on the chest and toes are acceptable for the Rhodesian Ridgeback standards.
In the 1800s the Rhodesian Ridgeback began development by crossing native hunting dogs kept by the African Hottentots with European breeds. Some of the breeds included in the crosses were possibly Mastiffs, Deerhounds, and Great Danes. The standard for the breed was written in 1922 in Rhodesia, which is now Zimbabwe, and has seen little change since. The only other recognized breed that shares the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s unique coat is the Thai Ridgeback of Thailand. There are two other breeds that remain unrecognized, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback of Vietnam and Combai of India.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are intelligent and gentle, and get along well with children, although they can be a bit too much dog for toddlers. Traditionally, as well as hunting, they were used to watch after children and as guard dogs. They do not bark unless there is a true reason to and although aloof toward strangers they are not aggressive toward them. Some dogs can be a bit independent and stubborn, making training more difficult if not started at a young age. If there are cats and other pets in the household this could pose a problem as they were bred to be hunters, however if introduced to cats since puppy hood they should have few difficulties getting along. Rhodesian Ridgebacks normally do well in a multi-dog household, but males are at times dominant toward other males.
The average lifespan of the Rhodesian Ridgebacks normal lifespan is about 12 years. Generally a healthy breed, however genetic diseases include hip dysplasia, dermoid sinus, deafness, degenerative myelopathy, cysts, and hypothyroidism.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can live in an apartment if they are regularly exercised. They should be taken on long daily walks, with or without a yard. If not sufficiently stimulated they can turn destructive.
