Tangle Ridges

HISTORY AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK

November 1955, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is admitted to the AKC Stud Book as the 112th breed. Listed in the Hound Group, this breed has increased in recognition throughout the United States. The Ridgeback has excellent sight and a superb nose. They are quiet, of a gentle temperament and rarely bark for any reason. They love lying around in the hot summer sun or on a bed in the winter. A Ridgeback can be instantly alert if a stranger should appear. Don't be fooled by that impression of a big, lazy lap dog.  They offer an awesome presence. As a watchdog, they are not only developed to hunt, but also make an excellent family protector. Their very affectionate disposition makes them an extremely trustworthy companion for children of all ages.

When European Boer settlers arrived in South Africa in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, they brought with them hunting and guard dogs.  These dogs included such breeds as the Mastiff, Great Dane, Bloodhound, Pointer, Staghound, and Greyhound, among others.  By breeding their European dogs with native Hottentots tribal hunting dogs (which were distinguished by a ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction along the top of their back) they produced a dog that could withstand both hot and cold temperatures, limited water, and rough bush, while performing the duties of guard dog and hunting dog.   These dogs hunted by both sight and scent and were devoted protectors of the entire family.  In the 1870s, several of these dogs were taken to Rhodesia to hunt lions.  By chasing the lions and keeping them at bay, the hunters were able to catch up and kill the lions.  The dogs were so successful that the "Lion Dogs" became popular, their distinctive ridge becoming a trademark of quality.  By the 1920s, so many different types of ridged Lion Dogs existed in Rhodesia that a meeting was held to clarify the most desirable points of the breed, which became the basis for the current standard.  Dogs meeting the standard criteria were known as Rhodesian Ridgebacks (the dog's former designation as Lion Dogs was deemed to sound too savage).  Today it is among the more popular hounds, undoubtedly because it combines the abilities of hunter, protector, and companion in a sleek handsome body.

TEMPERMENT:

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is the Hound Group's answer to a somewhat protective dog.  Not only is it a clever and versatile hunter, but is a loyal guardian.  It is good with children and especially protective of those in its family. It can be a strong-willed and powerful.  Some females can be domineering as well.  The females are known for being the leaders.  At Tangle Ridges, we recommend a good training course for the dog and the family.  You can often find an inexpensive class at your local pet store.  A trained Ridgeback is a great asset to any family. They are very easily trained and they love to learn on a continuing basis.  They are a thinking breed.  When given opportunities to work through problems, they can often seem quite human.  The Rhodesian Ridgeback is usually reserved with strangers and can be very protective toward strange dogs and other animals.  Typically when raised with other animals they are very adaptable and usually accepting of those other animals.  Caution should be used when introducing an adult Ridgeback into a new home that has cats or kittens.  Often natural instincts will kick in and the cat could become the Ridgebacks prey.

CARE:

Very little bathing is needed because of their short coat.  Ridgebacks shed very little. Brushing them once a week, trimming their nails and keeping their ears clean is all that is needed to keep them well groomed, clean and odor free.  To avoid frustration and boredom, give your Ridgeback daily mental and physical exercise.  They love to run.  Ridgebacks can make wonderful hiking companions, or accompany you on your morning jog.   Though your Ridgeback will live in warm outdoor climates, they prefer to cuddle inside with you on the couch or in your bed.  Life span of a Rhodesian Ridgeback is 10-13 years, though some have been known to live 18 years.  So with proper care you can expect to have your Ridgeback with you for many years to come.