Rhodesian ridgeback – character, disposition, price

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The rhodesian ridgeback, also known as the African lion dog, is a breed of dog with a unique history, unique appearance and personality. The breed’s name comes from its distinctive back, where the hair grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat, forming what is known as a ridge (ridge). But this is not the only feature that distinguishes the Rhodesian ridgeback from other breeds. We invite you to explore a deeper understanding of this remarkable breed.

Rhodesian ridgeback – description and appearance of the breed

Rhodesian ridgeback is a dog with a strong build, medium-sized, with a long, slightly rounded torso. The head is proportionate to the rest of the body, with a pronounced foot. The eyes are round, light to dark honey-colored, and the ears are medium-sized, drooping. The appearance of the Rhodesian ridgeback is elegant yet wild, reflecting their African roots.

However, the most distinctive feature of the breed is the back – in the area from the shoulders to the hips the hair grows in the opposite direction, which creates a clearly marked “comb”. The color of the coat is various shades of red.

Character of the Rhodesian ridgeback dog breed

Skills – what should you know?

Rhodesian ridgeback is an extremely versatile breed. It was used for hunting, and also as a guard and companion dog. Its intelligence and strength make the Rhodesian ridgeback a great dog for training in various disciplines, such as agility and obedience.

What kind of personality does it have?

The Rhodesian ridgeback is a breed with a determined, independent character. They are loyal dogs, full of dignity, but also extremely sensitive. They require consistency and clear boundaries, but at the same time gentle treatment. They are known for the deep bond they form with their owner.

Rhodesian ridgeback – how to train and raise?

Training a Rhodesian ridgeback requires patience and consistency. They require a strong leader, but at the same time, reward-based methods work best. Ridgebacks are intelligent dogs that learn new commands quickly, but they can also show some stubbornness.

For whom is the Rhodesian ridgeback suitable?

Rhodesian ridgeback is a breed for active people who are able to give their dog enough exercise. They are not dogs for people who are away from home most of the day, as they may feel lonely and unhappy. Also, for people with young children, they may not be the best choice, due to their independent nature and strong body structure.

Rhodesian ridgeback – price

The price of a Rhodesian ridgeback can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the dog’s origin, pedigree, and age. The average price of a puppy from a Kennel Club-registered kennel is about 4000-5000 zloty. Remember that the cost of maintaining a dog is not only the purchase price, but also the regular costs associated with food, vet, or accessories.

Advantages and disadvantages

Disadvantages

Rhodesian ridgeback, like any breed, has its disadvantages. They are dogs with a strong hunting instinct, which can be a problem if there are other small animals in the house. They can also be somewhat stubborn during training. In addition, due to their ancestry, ridgebacks do not tolerate the cold and require proper clothing or shelter in the colder months.

Advantages

The advantages of the Rhodesian ridgeback are primarily its versatility – it works well as both a family dog and a working dog. It is an intelligent, loyal and courageous breed with a strong protective instinct. Ridgebacks are also known for their great endurance and ability to run for long periods of time, making them an excellent companion for outdoor activities.

Rhodesian ridgeback – Health, diseases and care

Nutrition

The rhodesian ridgeback, like any dog, requires a balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients. However, this breed is prone to hip dysplasia, so it is especially important to pay attention to the right amount and quality of protein in the diet.

Grooming

Grooming the Rhodesian ridgeback is relatively easy thanks to its short coat. Regular brushing is sufficient to keep the coat in good condition. It is also important to check ears, claws and teeth regularly.

Diseases

The rhodesian ridgeback is generally a healthy breed, but, like any dog, it can be prone to certain health problems. Among the most common diseases found in this breed are hip dysplasia, skin diseases, allergies, and heart problems.

Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?

When preparing to welcome a Rhodesian ridgeback into your home, it is worth investing in a good quality leash and collar, a comfortable bed, food and water bowls, as well as toys for chewing and interactive play. It’s also important to provide your dog with access to a large, safe area to run and play.

History of the Rhodesian ridgeback dog

Origins

We can find the first traces of the Rhodesian Ridgeback as far back as ancient times. Stone Age cave paintings, which date to around 6000-8000 BC, show images of dogs with a ridge on their backs. These dogs were likely the ancestors of today’s ridgebacks.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback as we know it today, however, is the result of cross-breeding between different breeds of dogs that settlers from Europe brought to South Africa. In the 17th century, Dutch, German and Huguenot settlers arrived in what is now South Africa. They brought with them their dogs, including mastiffs, greyhounds, greyhounds, terriers and German hounds, which they used for hunting and protection. These dogs were crossed with semi-wild, indigenous African dogs, which were characterized by the presence of a crest on their backs.

Development of the breed

In the 19th century, when settlers from South Africa arrived in what is now Zimbabwe, including Cornelius van Rooyen, a well-known hunter, they began to develop a breed of dog ideally suited to the harsh conditions of the African bush. Van Rooyen crossed the dogs used by the Khoikhoi tribe, which had a crest on their backs, with the dogs he himself used for hunting. The resulting dogs were brave, hardy, tolerated the heat well and were excellent trackers.

The proper development of the breed, however, began in the early 20th century. In 1922, in Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia), Francis Richard Barnes founded the first Rhodesian Ridgeback breeding club. It was Barnes who developed the first breed standard, which was accepted by the South African Kennel Union (now Kusa) in 1926.

Currently

Today, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a popular breed around the world, although it is still relatively rare in Poland. These dogs are prized for their endurance, courage, loyalty and hunting abilities. They are also readily used as assistance and therapy dogs. Because of their unique appearance and history, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are in demand by dog lovers, and their popularity continues to grow.

Rhodesian ridgeback dog breed standard

The Rhodesian ridgeback, according to the FCI breed standard, is a dog with a strong, muscular build, although it should not be heavily built. It is a medium-sized dog – according to the standard, the height at the withers for males is 63 to 69 cm, while for females it is 61 to 66 cm. The body weight usually ranges from 29 to 41 kg.

The head of a dog of this breed is quite long, with a broad and flat forehead. The nose is always black, and the eyes – in shades from light to dark brown. The ear is of medium size, set high and carried drooping.

The silhouette of the Rhodesian ridgeback is harmonious, with clearly defined muscles. Dogs of this breed have a deep chest and a strong and straight back. The tail is usually carried downward, but during excitement or movement it rises and curls slightly.

A special characteristic of this breed, from which it derives its name, is the ridge (ridge) on the back. This is an area of hair that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. The ridge should begin just behind the shoulder blades and end at hip level. It should consist of two parallel hairlines and contain two swirls – “inverted crowns” – located directly opposite the direction of the comb.

The Rhodesian ridgeback’s coat is short and dense, and its color can range from light fawn to wheat red. A small white spot on the chest and white toes are acceptable but undesirable.

Endurance and agility are also characteristic features of this breed. The Rhodesian ridgeback should move with ease, and its movements should be smooth and energetic. This is important to remember that originally dogs of this breed were used to hunt large animals, including lions, which required them not only strength, but also speed, agility and endurance.

Rhodesian ridgeback – interesting facts about the breed

Rhodesian ridgeback is a dog breed rich in curiosities. Here are some of them that may be of interest to both current and future owners of these remarkable dogs.

  1. Unique Ridgeback: The Ridgeback is the only dog breed that has a “comb” on its back – a distinctive strip of hair that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. Interestingly, not every dog of this breed has such a comb, and the lack of it does not affect the health or character of the dog.
  2. Lion Guard Dog: Ridgebacks are one of the few dog breeds that have been used to hunt lions. Not so much to kill them, but to distract them, allowing the hunter to take the shot. Hence their other name – “Lion Guard”.
  3. Endurance: Dogs of this breed are extremely sturdy. They are able to run even tens of kilometers without significant fatigue. This characteristic makes them ideal companions for active people who enjoy long walks or jogging.
  4. Number of nipples: Most dogs have eight to ten nipples, but the Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of the few exceptions. Dogs of this breed have between six and eight nipples.
  5. Age: Dogs of this breed are long-lived. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 and 14 years, but some dogs of this breed live up to 16 years.
  6. Movie dogs: Rhodesian ridgebacks have also become famous as movie dogs. For example, in the movie “Hotel for Dogs,” one of the four-legged actors was a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Georgia.
  7. Origin of the name: “Rhodesian” in the breed’s name comes from the former Zimbabwean name Rhodesia, while “ridgeback” is the literal translation of the English word “ridge.” The dogs were originally called “Van Rooyen’s lion dogs,” in honor of Cornelius Van Rooyen, who contributed to their breeding.
  8. Witty dogs: Owners often describe their ridgebacks as dogs with a sense of humor. They are known for their ability to make their owners laugh with their funny faces and tricks.

Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.

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