There are a good many things to know before you start sifting through litters of Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies in your search to acquire one. Prior to deciding to get a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, it is helpful to look at the various traits that this breed has. One very useful bit of information to help decide if a Rhodesian Ridgeback pup is right for you, is to understand the history and makeup of the breed.  This bit of information will assist you – and your breeder – to decide if this dog is a good match for you and your family.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback dog is a breed native to Southern Africa, It became more fully refined in Rhodesia in the early 1900s and attained official breed status by being accepted to the Kennel Union of South Africa in 1922. Its European ancestors can be traced to the early colonial pioneers of southern Africa, who interbred their dogs with the partially domesticated, ridged hunting dogs of the Khoisan tribes-people (coined by the early colonials as the Hottentots). The settlers decided to cross  this “half wild hottentot dog” with their own canines in order to impart certain attributes needed in a lion-hunting dog. It is certain that early colonialists whelped many Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies in order to perfect the breed we have today.

Casual observation of the Rhodesian Ridgeback will quickly disclose a distinguishing oddity on its back where there is a symmetrically shaped ridge of hair running in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat. The ridge is touted as the hallmark of the breed, and indeed no other canine can boast of this peculiarity.  Some people ask if this trait is apparent on Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies,  or if it grows as they get older.  You can rest assured that the ridge is apparent the moment they are born, and if the puppy doesn’t have one at birth, it never will.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a strong, muscular, agile and active dog, symmetrical in outline and capable of great endurance with a good amount of speed.  Once a puppy matures – the Rhodesian Ridgeback will become a handsome and upstanding animal,  athletic in musculature and  austere in demeanor.

Historically as hunters,  Ridgebacks were sent out in groups,  usually two,  three and often more,  to wear a lion down by taunting and goading it into confusion. The exercise was basically one where the prey would be teased and harassed to such a degree that it would fall into a state of perplexity, unaware that the final resolution – the kill – would be made by a pursuing hunter.  The historic and modern hunting uses of Rhodesian Ridgebacks have included everything from upland game birds to larger more formidable prey.  It has also been commissioned as a herding and guard dog. Because of the hunting and working versatility of the breed, it has caused much confusion and contention among Ridgeback fanciers about what these dogs are, and are not, as companions.

It is important to understand these traits are variable, and can be enhanced, or squelched in selective breeding programs. Often inexperienced breeders do not have a grasp of these various traits, and therefore do no realize the implications of the breeding consequence. For this reason and others, it is important to select a knowledgeable person,  familiar with these various challenges from which to obtain a Ridgeback Puppy.

In general, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do well with other dogs, cats or other animals, if they’re well trained and socialized as puppies, continuing the training though adolescence.  Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal, intelligent, gentle, and very independent.  They may not make a good first dog if you do not have a strong personality yourself, though the same traits that seem to make them difficult often appeal to more experienced dog owners. The Ridgeback is also a very good watch dog, but not suggested for guard dog use. Despite their athletic, sometimes imposing exterior, one of  the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s most endearing traits is it’s sensitivite nature.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is often said to be obstinate and stubborn. This malignment may have served to protect this breed from over-population, but the stigma is unfounded. The issue is really one of instinctive intelligence. It probably helps for a prospective owner to have a little bit of an appreciation for being an outdoorsman.  If you do, you won’t have a single complaint about this dogs obedience response.  The Ridgeback accepts correction as long as it is fair and justified, and as long as it comes from someone he knows and trusts. This last attribute is the secret of a lasting and close relationship with this breed, and the trust relationship must begin when they are still puppies.

It responds quickly to civil obedience, but they are not dogs that enjoy repetitive tasks, such as retrieving or fetching, and although they can learn such circus tricks, they are too intelligent to continuously engage in these antics and will soon bore of them.

The Ridgeback loves the outdoors, and it thrives on daily mental and physical exercise, which helps to keep it from becoming frustrated.  However, exercise requirements are not excessive – A few romps each week, preferably off-leash, and daily walks are sufficient to keep them happy.

When selecting a Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy, take care to find breeders that take an active interest in this dog. The best and safest people from which to obtain this animal are those who actively participate in canine events, such as conformation, showing, agility, or lure coursing. Breeders engaging in conformation showing are a very good source from which to find a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog, since it is incumbent upon them to breed a specimen that meets – or exceeds the standard. Furthermore, the nature of showing forces breeders to perform proper health testing,  establish proper bone and musculature, to focus on acceptable temperament and to breed according to a code of ethics established by the governing club for the breed.