A native of South Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred by the Boer farmers to fill their specific need for a serviceable hunting dog in the wilds. In 1877 Reverend Helm introduced two Ridgebacks into Rhodesia where big game hunters found them outstanding in the sport of hunting lions on horseback. They raised and bred these dogs with an appreciation for their exceptional hunting qualities, the ridge on their back becoming a unique trademark. In 1950 outstanding specimens were imported to the United States and the breed was admitted to registration by the AKC in 1955.
They are a short coated dog with a ridge of hair growing the "wrong way" down the middle of their back. We use a horse brush to clean our dogs prior to entering the show ring. That's it...
Ridgebacks are extremely loyal to their bonded family and you should keep this in mind if you are interested in this breed. They are great with their family but may be more alert and protective around strangers. Males in particular can be pretty powerful weighing anywhere from 85 to 110 pounds. Even our Lila, at 67 pounds, has been known to pull me flat on my back when heading to the Lure Coursing starting line.
For more information about Rhodesian Ridgebacks
- AKC about Rhodesian Ridgebacks http://www.akc.org/breeds/rhodesian_ridgeback/index.cfm
- RRCUS http://www.rrcus.org/
Lila on her way to the Lure Coursing starting line.