Origin and History

The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in Southern Africa, with its development rooted in the ridged hunting and guardian dogs of the Khoikhoi people. The breed was formalized in 1922 by F. R. Barnes in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and was later approved by the South African Kennel Union in 1927. The breed's ancestors included the Khoikhoi dogs, European hunting dogs such as Greyhounds and Bloodhounds, and the extinct Dogo Cubano, a breed used for dogfighting and guarding.

By the early 1800s, European colonists had introduced a variety of European dog breeds to the region, including Greyhounds, Mastiffs, Great Danes, and Bloodhounds. The Rhodesian Ridgeback's genetic makeup shows a significant contribution from the Great Dane, as evidenced by genetic analysis that places both breeds within the same genetic clade. The Rev. Charles Helm brought two ridged dog bitches from the Cape Colony to Southern Rhodesia in 1879, which were later bred with local dogs by Cornelius van Rooyen, a big-game hunter.

The breed was initially used for hunting lions, boars, and clearing farmlands of wild pigs and baboons. The original breed standard was based on the Dalmatian and emphasized the breed's ability to bay lions, harass them until the hunter could shoot, and also to guard property. The Ridgeback's reputation for bravery and loyalty was solidified during World War I, where they served as messengers and guards.

Physical Description

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, muscular, and athletic dog, known for its distinctive ridge of hair running along its back. The ridge, which is the breed's most distinguishing feature, consists of a fan-like area formed by two whorls of hair called "crowns" and tapers from behind the shoulders to the hips. The ridge is typically about 2 inches wide at its widest point.

Male Rhodesian Ridgebacks stand at 64-69 cm at the withers and weigh around 36-41 kg, while females are 61-66 cm tall and weigh 29-34 kg. The breed has a short, dense, sleek, and glossy coat that comes in a light wheaten to red wheaten color. White is acceptable on the chest and toes, but excessive white is considered a fault. The eyes should be round and reflect the dog's color, with a black nose for dark eyes and a liver nose for amber eyes.

The breed's coat is short and dense, and it sheds at a medium level. The Ridgeback's coat can be prone to a condition called "ridge alopecia," where the hair around the ridge may prematurely fall out, which is a genetic issue that can be a concern for breeders and owners alike.

Temperament and Personality

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their loyal, intelligent, and confident nature. They are typically even-tempered and affectionate, but can be somewhat aloof with strangers. This breed requires consistent training and socialization to ensure they are well-behaved and not overly aggressive. The socialization process should begin early and continue throughout the dog's life to manage their natural suspicion of unfamiliar people and animals.

Despite their imposing appearance, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a sensitive side and should be treated with kindness and respect. They accept correction as long as it is fair and justified, and from someone they trust. This breed is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners or families with young children due to their strong prey drive and need for structured training. The Ridgeback's protective nature makes them excellent guard dogs, but this also requires careful handling to prevent over-protectiveness.

The breed's intelligence and trainability make them suitable for various activities, including obedience training and agility. They excel in competitive sports and activities that challenge their minds and bodies, which can be a great way to bond and maintain their physical and mental well-being.

Health Considerations

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, which can cause pain and mobility issues. Dermoid sinus is another common health issue, a congenital neural-tube defect that can lead to recurrent infections if not treated, often presenting as a skin tag-like growth near the ridge.

The breed also ranks number six in terms of most affected breeds for thyroid problems, and degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease of the spinal cord, is more common in this breed. Hypothyroidism is a growing problem, leading to symptoms such as weight gain and hair loss. Gastric dilatation volvulus, commonly known as bloat, is a potential risk for deep-chested breeds like the Rhodesian Ridgeback, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States provides resources and recommendations for breed-specific health issues and ongoing research.

Genetics and Ridge Mutation

The ridge in the Rhodesian Ridgeback is caused by an autosomal dominant mutation, with near-complete penetrance, meaning that 95% of heterozygous dogs will have a ridged back. The genetic test that distinguishes dominant homozygotes (R/R - two ridge genes) from heterozygotes (R/r - one ridge gene) is available through Genocan. eu.

Contemporary breeders are increasingly opting for surgical sterilization of ridgeless puppies to prevent them from being bred, as traditional culling practices have been reconsidered. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Great Britain's code of ethics was revised to state that no healthy puppy will be culled, reflecting a shift in ethical practices within the breed. This change has been met with support from many breeders and enthusiasts who value the health and well-being of all dogs.

The genetic analysis of ancient dog genomes indicates that the southern African Rhodesian Ridgeback retains 4% pre-colonial ancestry, highlighting the breed's unique genetic heritage.

Buying a Rhodesian Ridgeback

Look for breeders who perform health screenings and provide clear information about the breed's potential health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid function, and degenerative myelopathy. A good breeder will be transparent about the health history of the parents and will encourage you to visit their facility to see the dogs living in a healthy and happy environment.

Be prepared for the costs associated with owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback, which can include veterinary care, grooming, and food. The breed may require more frequent grooming due to its short, dense coat, which can become matted if not properly cared for. Additionally, the Ridgeback's high activity level means they will need a diet rich in nutrients to support their energy and muscle mass.

Ensure that your home and lifestyle are suitable for a large, active dog with a strong prey drive. If you live in a home with a secure yard, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be an excellent choice for outdoor activities and adventures.

• Research the breed thoroughly to understand their needs and characteristics.
• Find a reputable breeder with a good reputation for health and temperament.
• Prepare for the costs of ownership, including veterinary care and grooming.
• Ensure your home and lifestyle can accommodate a large, active dog.