Bhuvan Kennels

Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed

The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is one of only two dog breeds with a ridge of fur down the spine. It was once used to stand down lions in its native South Africa . Today, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are considered gentle and good pets.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback's Behaviour

Recommended for: pet, working dog
The Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed was bred to attract the attention of lions so they could be hunted. But that doesn't mean Rhodesian Ridgebacks are too wild to be good pets. They are known as gentle. They are also thought not to bark often. Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback's Physical Characteristics

Here are some of the characteristics of the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed as determined by the American kennel Club's published breed standard.

Size: males: 25-27 inches, 85 pounds; females: 24-26 inches, 70 pounds

Coat: short, dense, sleek, glossy

Colour: light to red wheaten

Eyes: round, colour matching the colour of the coat

Ears: high-set, medium-sized, wide at the based, tapered to a rounded point, carried close to the head

Muzzle: long and deep

Nose: black, brown, or liver-colour, matching the dog colour

Tail: tapered

The Rhodesian Ridgeback's Origins and History

Country/Region of Origin: South Africa
Original purpose: hunting lions
Name: nickname: Lion Dog.
Historical notes: The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed has roots going back to the early 18th century. The colonists of South Africa took a breed developed by the Khoisan peoples that had a furry-ridged spine. The colonists inter-bred that breed with another breed dog of the Hottentots. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are the only breed aside from the Thai Ridgeback with a ridge of fur along the spine.

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