Dog Breeds - Rhodesian Ridgeback

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed displays towards family members and people they know well can vary. Certain breeds may exhibit aloofness towards individuals other than their owner, while others tend to treat everyone they know as their closest friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
When it comes to a breed's tolerance and patience with children's behavior, as well as their overall family-friendly nature dogs should always be supervised, especially around young children or children who have little exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
It is important to supervise and carefully introduce dogs to one another when it comes to interactions with other dogs. However, certain breeds tend to have a more innate inclination towards getting along with other dogs both within their own household and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed is an important factor to consider. Breeds that experience high shedding may necessitate more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering certain allergies and may require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to manage the hair.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance tasks varies among breeds. It is essential to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you have for grooming when selecting a breed. Additionally all breeds require regular nail trimming as part of their grooming routine.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool can be an important factor to consider especially for individuals who prefer cleanliness. If you value a neat environment and are concerned about dogs leaving ropes of slobber on your arm or creating big wet spots on your clothes you may want to avoid breeds that are known to be prone to drooling.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The propensity of a breed to drool is an important consideration, particularly for those who prioritize cleanliness. If maintaining a tidy environment is crucial to you and you have concerns about dealing with excessive slobber on your arm or noticeable wet spots on your clothes it may be wise to steer clear of breeds known for their tendency to drool.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed has for play can vary. While some breeds continue to enjoy activities like tug-of-war or fetch even past puppyhood and into their adult years others may be content with more relaxed activities and enjoy spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with their owners. It's important to consider the activity level and play preferences of a breed to ensure it aligns with your own lifestyle and expectations.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The degree of a breed's tendency to alert you of the presence of strangers is an important trait to consider. Some breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds generally remain vigilant and alert to their surroundings. However, with proper socialization and acceptance by the family they can warm up to strangers who enter the house.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The ability of a breed to handle change can vary between different breeds. Some breeds are more adaptable and find it easier to handle changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. On the other hand, certain breeds may be more sensitive or resistant to change, requiring more time and patience to adjust to new circumstances. When considering a breed it is important to assess its adaptability and determine if it aligns with your lifestyle and the potential changes it may entail.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things can vary between breeds. Some breeds have a natural inclination towards learning and strive to make their owners proud. They are often responsive to training and enjoy the mental stimulation it provides.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires can vary greatly. High-energy breeds typically have a strong desire for physical activity and mental stimulation. They are often ready to go on adventures, engage in running, jumping and playing throughout the day. These breeds thrive with regular exercise and activities that challenge their minds. BARKING LEVEL
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization can vary between breeds. Some breeds tend to vocalize more frequently, barking or howling at every passer-by or even at birds outside the window. On the other hand other breeds may only vocalize in specific situations or when they have a particular reason to do so.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The mental stimulation requirements of a breed can vary significantly. Purpose-bred dogs that have been developed for specific tasks often possess qualities such as decision-making, problem-solving and concentration. These breeds generally thrive when they have opportunities for mental exercise and engagement.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed displays towards family members and people they know well can vary. Certain breeds may exhibit aloofness towards individuals other than their owner, while others tend to treat everyone they know as their closest friend.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

When it comes to a breed's tolerance and patience with children's behavior, as well as their overall family-friendly nature dogs should always be supervised, especially around young children or children who have little exposure to dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

It is important to supervise and carefully introduce dogs to one another when it comes to interactions with other dogs. However, certain breeds tend to have a more innate inclination towards getting along with other dogs both within their own household and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed is an important factor to consider. Breeds that experience high shedding may necessitate more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering certain allergies and may require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to manage the hair.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance tasks varies among breeds. It is essential to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you have for grooming when selecting a breed. Additionally all breeds require regular nail trimming as part of their grooming routine.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool can be an important factor to consider especially for individuals who prefer cleanliness. If you value a neat environment and are concerned about dogs leaving ropes of slobber on your arm or creating big wet spots on your clothes you may want to avoid breeds that are known to be prone to drooling.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The propensity of a breed to drool is an important consideration, particularly for those who prioritize cleanliness. If maintaining a tidy environment is crucial to you and you have concerns about dealing with excessive slobber on your arm or noticeable wet spots on your clothes it may be wise to steer clear of breeds known for their tendency to drool.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed has for play can vary. While some breeds continue to enjoy activities like tug-of-war or fetch even past puppyhood and into their adult years others may be content with more relaxed activities and enjoy spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with their owners. It's important to consider the activity level and play preferences of a breed to ensure it aligns with your own lifestyle and expectations.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The degree of a breed's tendency to alert you of the presence of strangers is an important trait to consider. Some breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds generally remain vigilant and alert to their surroundings. However, with proper socialization and acceptance by the family they can warm up to strangers who enter the house.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The ability of a breed to handle change can vary between different breeds. Some breeds are more adaptable and find it easier to handle changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. On the other hand, certain breeds may be more sensitive or resistant to change, requiring more time and patience to adjust to new circumstances. When considering a breed it is important to assess its adaptability and determine if it aligns with your lifestyle and the potential changes it may entail.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things can vary between breeds. Some breeds have a natural inclination towards learning and strive to make their owners proud. They are often responsive to training and enjoy the mental stimulation it provides.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires can vary greatly. High-energy breeds typically have a strong desire for physical activity and mental stimulation. They are often ready to go on adventures, engage in running, jumping and playing throughout the day. These breeds thrive with regular exercise and activities that challenge their minds. BARKING LEVEL

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

When Necessary

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The mental stimulation requirements of a breed can vary significantly. Purpose-bred dogs that have been developed for specific tasks often possess qualities such as decision-making, problem-solving and concentration. These breeds generally thrive when they have opportunities for mental exercise and engagement.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Light Wheaten	120
Lt Whtn Blk Nose	467
Lt Whtn Brn Nose	468
Red Wheaten	156
Rd Whtn Blk Nose	469
Rd Whtn Brn Nose	470
Wheaten	224
Wheaten Blk Nose	471
Wheaten Brn Nose	472

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black Mask	004
White Markings	014

About The Breed

The Rhodesian ridgeback is a versatile breed known for its distinct ridge of backward-growing hair on its back. Originally bred for tracking and baying lions without actually killing them Ridgebacks are now beloved family dogs. However, prospective owners should be prepared to handle their independence and strong prey drive. Beneath their unique ridge Ridgebacks possess the characteristics of a hound breed. They are fast, powerful athletes that typically weigh between 70 and 85 pounds or more. Ridgebacks come in various shades of wheaten color ranging from pale flaxen to the rich red of a maturing wheat crop. They may also have either black or brown noses. Ridgebacks can display a strong-willed and independent nature sometimes exhibiting dominant behaviors. Early and consistent training with a firm yet fair approach is necessary from their puppyhood. While they are loyal and protective of their loved ones, showing great affection to those they trust Ridgebacks may be overwhelming for novice dog owners due to their hound characteristics.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Rhodesian Ridgeback: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known to be generally healthy dogs, and reputable breeders take measures to ensure the health of their dogs. This includes screening for common health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid function abnormalities and eye anomalies. By performing these screenings breeders can help reduce the risk of passing on these conditions to offspring. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Thyroid Evaluation Hips: X-rays evaluated by OFA or Penn Hip Elbows: X-rays evaluated by OFA Caer Eye Examination Cardiac Evaluation

Grooming

	Rhodesian Ridgebacks have relatively low grooming needs. While they do shed to some extent regular weekly brushing can help remove loose hair and maintain a glossy coat. Occasional baths are also beneficial for keeping the Ridgeback clean and ensuring they look their best. It is important to regularly trim the dog's nails to prevent them from becoming too long. Overly long nails can cause discomfort and hinder the dog's ability to walk and run properly. While some Ridgebacks may resist nail clipping many of them respond better to a nail grinder which can be a more comfortable and less stressful option for both the dog and the owner.

Exercise

	Rhodesian Ridgebacks are strong and athletic dogs that benefit from a moderate amount of exercise. They can adapt well to different living situations as long as they receive their daily outings and physical activity. Engaging in activities such as long walks play sessions and runs with their owner helps keep them healthy and content. Ridgebacks have a natural love for running and regular exercise is important to meet their physical needs and ensure their overall well-being. In addition to physical exercise these dogs also thrive when provided with mental stimulation. Canine sports like tracking, agility and other activities that involve problem-solving and teamwork can be great ways to exercise their minds and bodies while strengthening the bond between the dog and owner.

Training

	Given their highly pronounced drive to pursue prey, it is of utmost importance to ensure Rhodesian Ridgebacks are always in a safely enclosed space when not on a leash. These remarkable dogs greatly value their connection with human companions and thrive when living indoors with their families. They display a strong sense of self and can sometimes exhibit assertiveness, emphasizing the necessity for firm and patient guidance from a young age. Early socialization and engaging in puppy training classes that utilize positive reinforcement techniques come highly recommended, as they contribute significantly to the dog's overall emotional well-being and courteous demeanor.

Nutrition

	A Rhodesian Ridgeback should thrive on a high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of a veterinarian. It is essential to select a diet that aligns with the dog's specific life stage, whether they are a puppy, adult or senior. Due to their reputation as "counter surfers," it is important to never leave human food unattended in their presence. These dogs may be prone to weight gain, so monitoring their calorie intake and maintaining an appropriate weight level is crucial. While treats play a significant role in training, it is essential to refrain from excessive indulgence to prevent obesity. It is advisable to educate oneself on which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided. If any concerns arise regarding your dog's weight or diet consulting a veterinarian is always recommended. Lastly, ensure that your Rhodesian ridgeback has access to clean and fresh water at all times.

Historiography

The Rhodesian Ridgeback represents a remarkable fusion of southern African origins born from the intermingling of the indigenous ridged Khoikhoi dog and European breeds introduced by Dutch colonizers. Among these European breeds were Greyhounds and various Terriers. The infusion of native Khoi lineage not only endowed subsequent generations with resilience against local pests like the tsetse fly but also instilled an innate understanding of how to navigate the African environment and outsmart its formidable predators. In the late 19th century, prominent Rhodesian big-game hunter, Cornelius van Rooyen integrated two ridged Greyhound-like females into his pack of lion dogs. He discovered that their offspring, characterized by distinctive ridges along their backs excelled in confronting and bewildering the king of beasts, thereby affording the hunter vital time to aim accurately and successfully hunt down his prey. These ridged dogs also showcased their exceptional abilities in defending against other perilous creatures such as leopards and baboons. They effortlessly trotted alongside equestrian riders throughout the day veering off to chase nimble game like antelope, thus providing sustenance for their human counterparts. Additionally, they steadfastly protected homesteads from any and all intruders. Their unwavering loyalty to their families, coupled with their affectionate and tolerant nature towards children, solidified their reputation then, as it does now. In 1922, a significant gathering convened, aimed at establishing the initial Rhodesian Ridgeback standard. By this time, the era of big-game hunting had gradually waned in South Africa, and the breed itself faced the imminent threat of extinction. The dogs represented at this assembly exhibited diverse sizes and appearances, ranging from Bull Terriers to Great Danes. Drawing inspiration from the Dalmatian standard, these dedicated individuals used it as a framework to craft the standardized vision of the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed that endures to this day.