Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed

Please consider adopting a dog, cat or any other pet from the numerous rescue sites available to everyone on the Internet.  I mention only 2 of the hundreds of websites that will certainly have the pet of your choosing. You can insert the word rescue in your browser and bring up several sites to choose from for adopting a pet.  Please research, so you are dealing with a reputable company.  I have found these two to be honest sites.   ”RED” stands for rescue every dog and can be located at:  http://www.rescueeverydog.org   another is http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com.

A special thank you to wikipedia and The American Kennel Club for supplying me with some information to bring this summary of the Rhodesian Ridgeback to you. 

Many times a dog is chosen for specific characteristics.  The Rhodesian Ridgeback will certainly announce a unique breed, perhaps one you have never heard of in the past.  The traits of this canine are truly amazing.

8 month old Ridgeback photo is courtesy wikipedia

Even at a young age of this breed, you will observe the bravery of the  Rhodesian Ridgeback.  Originating in South Africa, they were bred to hunt lions.  Alone, that speaks loudly of the willingness to take on anything, doesn’t it?  The  other names for this dog breed can easily be accepted from the heritage of this gun dog  and hound group animal.  The Rhodesian Ridgeback has been called African Lion Dog, African Lion Hound,  Van Rooyen’s Lion Dog and Lion Hunter.

Weight of this splendid animal ranges from 70 to 85 pounds, certainly informing us of the agility at that weight.  Height is generally 24 to 27 inches tall, representing a strong muscular dog.  Endurance, speed and fearlessness  come in abundance when this dog is allowed to be their active self.  They make excellent guard dogs, while they remain a trustworthy companion to children of all ages.

Part of the name, Ridgeback,  refers to the unusual appearance of hair on the back of this canine,  being in an opposite direction from the regular flow of hair growth.  The short, sleek hair on this large dog requires weekly brushing and an occasional bath.  With that said,  it should be mentioned there is very little shedding from the Rhodesian Ridgeback.  Some mixed breeds will actually show a curly ridge on the back, however this is not a full breed quality.

Exercise is needed everyday for your pet to remain healthy.  They play well with children and are very good companions to pet owners, yet reserved with strangers.  You will probably have them seeking your company if they will be permitted to join you on the couch.

Other than the ridge, the unusual ears are smooth, taper to a rounded point while they hang just below the  side of the head.  The eyes are round with a bright, intelligent look while they sparkle.  Nose is either black, brown or liver depending on the hair color.

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Adult Rhodesian Ridgeback photo courtesy wikipedia.

Handsome, muscular along with symmetrical only describe this pet somewhat for pet owners to consider in this canine breed.   Thick paw pads allow thorns and rough terrain not to annoy or impede the Ridgeback’s role in hunting or playing.  The strong, smooth tail is rather slim coming to a blunt point at the end.

Hair color can be light wheaten to red wheaten.  Some white on the chest and toes is desirable in show dogs, but excessive white remains undesirable for award winning Ridgebacks.  Truly an elegant  and powerful dog, it remains a valued family pet.  The mild temperament of this great dog needs gentle lesson teaching because they are a sensitive breed.