History

The Rhodesian Ridgeback can claim its origins in South Africa although the very early history is a bit sketchy. It has been fairly well demonstrated that the forerunner of the Ridgeback we know today evolved from interbreeding the half wild ridged Hunting Dogs of South West Africa, much appreciated by the native Khoi khoi tribesmen, along with the European Settlers sporting breeds. Cornelius Van Rooyen, a big game hunter, spent time developing a dog from these “mixes”, ending up with an animal having excellent instinctive hunting abilities, and an abundance of courage, ideal for use as lion hunting dogs. The dogs worked in unison with 2 -3 members of the pack by harassing the lion, using persistent and diabolically devised feint attacks that held the lion at bay giving the hunter an easy hunting advantage with the technologically inferior hunting weaponry of the day - a deliberate shot at close range. To do this effectively a dog of extraordinary courage, agility, endurance and instinctive skills was demanded.

The Rhodesian Parent Parent Club was formed after a meeting headed by Francis Barnes, which resulted in a standard being formulated during the annual Bulawayo Kennel Club Show in 1922 and the Rhodesian Ridgeback was recognised by the South African Kennel Union two years later.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks were first seen in the United States in the 1940’s, and in the later part of that decade, Margaret Lowthian Cook and Gene Freeland began working together to use selective breeding to ferret out problems in the breed. In 1954 Both Mrs Cook and Gene Freeland were accepted to the standards committee and the AKC breed standard was formed.

Ridgebacks Today

The Rhodesian Ridgeback, so called because of the ridge on the back formed by hair growing in the opposite direction to the remainder of the coat, and should be considered the identifying mark of the breed. It is a handsome, strong, muscular and active dog, magnificent to see in the show ring or running free, but not generally recommended for first time dog owners. If you are considering ownership of a Ridgeback - some people would comment saying “being owned by a Ridgeback” - then you should give consideration to the fact that this breed will assuredly change your lifestyle,

If, in the early weeks of its life, through adolescence, a focus is taken to socialize and acquaint it with people, other animals, traffic, strange noises, wearing a collar and lead; in a secure and loving environment, owners will be rewarded with a loyal companion for many years. It is important to start from day one with firm, but fair and consistent discipline; they are a powerful dog, but can be quite sensitive emotionally and harsh treatment will not result in a favorable outcome, but could manifest in other problems. They need a training program that varies from lesson to lesson to keep them interested. Short sessions are all that are required with this highly intelligent dog and they can pick up on what is expected of them very quickly. They are responsive and trainable, but like all hounds are independent thinkers, and thus, some early basic obedience training and socialisation is highly recommended to keep such a large dog under proper control.

They make devoted family companions and to some extent guard dogs, but are not instinctively aggressive and thus limited in guard type applications. They make excellent watchdogs, usually not barking without good reason and although Rhodesian Ridgebacks tend to be “couch hogs” enjoying laying around, they do require a reasonable amount of exercise. A quick trot around the block is not sufficient, but rather a 45 minute to one hour a day is recommended to keep them in good condition. When exercising them it is necessary to be aware that on a lead they can easily pull you off balance if excited and when running “off leash” they can have a surprising change of speed; It is important to establish an alpha role, as they enjoy chasing leaves, papers, other animals and the occasional jogger!

They are athletic so it is important to have a properly high fenced garden or yard, preferably large and you should remember that like all breeds of dog if left alone for long periods of time they will, if bored, become destructive. Therefore if you are away from the house for long periods of time then quite definitely the Ridgeback is not for you.

With this said they are a pleasure to have around the house, although be warned they will choose the sofa in preference to their own bed. Their coats are easily kept in tip top condition, although they have short hair they do need grooming regularly. This is a good way of keeping in touch with his health and welfare, it also helps to keep hairs off your clothes and the furniture.

They are clean of habit, dignified, intelligent, affectionate and faithful; they are not unfriendly but are aloof with strangers, preferring to be introduced. Ridgebacks as a rule are very good with children, they love well-behaved children but as with any dog, children must be taught not to tease and pester them, both children and dogs must be taught to respect one another. It is important to provide the dog with his own bed in a quiet place. As they love human company, travelling is rarely a problem, they are happy just to be in your company.

Activities

Rhodesian Ridgebacks love any activity, free running being a favourite. A number of Hound Societies organise Lure Coursing and a group of Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiasts organise occasional race meetings, where some Ridgebacks soon realise they can catch the hare much quicker if they go the wrong way round or across the middle of the track. Some discover the “hare” is not real and it is beneath their dignity to chase a plastic bag.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks usually prefer running to showing but they do this reluctantly to please the human pack members. All General Championship Shows and many Canine Society Open Shows have classes for Rhodesian Ridgebacks. The breed clubs organise a total of 8 shows per year just for Rhodesian Ridgebacks, match meetings, educational seminars and fundays, all of which serve as social occasions for owners. Many long-standing friendships have been developed due to their common interest in this charismatic breed.

What to do if a Ridgeback is for you

If you have decided that you would like to share your life with a Rhodesian Ridgeback make the appropriate preparations before buying. Read all you can about the breed; there have been a number of books written about the Rhodesian Ridgeback, the most well known being “The Rhodesian Ridgeback, The Origin, History and Standard” by T. C. Hawley. This is available from all Rhodesian Ridgeback Clubs who will give advice on available literature. Visit some of the many shows, talk at length to Exhibitors; arrange to visit Ridgebacks in their home environment, most owners will be happy to have you visit their homes and be only too happy to talk “Ridgeback”. Find a breeder whose dogs you like and find out as much as you can about how to feed and raise your puppy into a well behaved and liked member of society. Some questions to ask breeders are:- Have the parents had their hips x-rayed! Have the puppies been checked by someone knowledgeable for the hereditary condition, Dermoid Sinus? Also enquire if the puppies have been bred within the Kennel Club and the Breed Clubs Code of Ethics.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Welfare

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Welfare Charity and Club Rescues exist to look after Ridgebacks found abandoned or whose owners are unable to keep them and need to find them new homes. This is why you will find that great care is taken by reputable Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders when selling their puppies. You may be subjected to “the third degree”. If you feel you could offer a new start to one of these Rhodesian Ridgebacks the Rescue Officers from all clubs would be happy to hear from you.

If not put off after all this perhaps you should have a Rhodesian Ridgeback

For further information and advice contact the breed clubs.