A versatile and comprehensive hunter, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is very alert, bold and aggressive hunter when on field. It is equally a perfect hunter and a guardian. They are possessive towards their families and have greater concern regarding their safety. The Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are very loyal and devoted with all members, they play and amuse the family, make them feel happy. The dog is high energetic, powerful and confident, capable of working for extended durations. The breed is said to be the self sufficient, high will-powered and sensible dog, quite aloof of unknown peoples and have violent attitude towards other dogs sometime. To keep other animals with Rhodesian Ridgeback dog, socialization is mandatory during puppyhood age.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are one compact breed having exceptional stamina, speed and strength. Quite athlete, this breed is courageous to chase the lions and horses without being tired. The dog appears to form a rectangle, slightly less in height than in length. They are the furious hunting dogs and are able to stand against the lions and other larger game. Its pace is effortless, easy with long stepping quite good terrain grasp and approach. The coat is cut down short and shiny suitable for working in hot summers as well. Most prominent visual distinction is a ridge with two clusters of hairs beginning just below the shoulders, which reduces gradually till a point exactly in the mid of hipbones. Combined appearance results in a study, alert and amiable dog.

Rhodesian Ridgeback had worked as a hunter, guardian of children, and retriever in Zimbabwe for several hundred years. The breed is said to be developed from cross fertilization of Ridgeback dogs with some Koikhoidog, Mastiff, Deerhound and Great Dane breeds. The Ridgebacked dogs were brought in Zimbabwe during 16th century by white South African nationals descended from Dutch settlers. The native tribes of the area used this breed extensively for hunting as well as for watchdog for their families, properties and crops. Two dogs of Ridgeback breed were brought to Rhodesia by Reverend Helm in 1877. This breed won the heart of native hunters, they thought an idea of hunting with this dog in pack form, idea proved accurate, the furious dog made lions and horses disable from escaping. The breed was named “African Lion Hound”. The dog was proved compatible with climate of Africa. The breed was standardized in Rhodesia during year 1922. Thereafter the breed was named Rhodesian Ridgeback hounds and were recognized by American Kennel Club during 1955. Some of the important applications of the dog are big game hunter, guardian and outdoor companion.

Temperament

The breed is extremely brave, steadfast and vigilant. Rhodesian Ridgeback are hunting hounds without match. They have the freedom of stamina, courage and power, they can make horses and lions treed in corners. Weather borne these can survive in extremely hot and freezing cold climates.