History The Rhodesian Ridgeback (also known as the "African lion dog" and "Van Rooyen's lion dog" for its ability to hunt lions) was bred in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) and takes its name from the characteristic ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat. In 1700 the European settlers of Rhodesia found a domesticated dog with this characteristic ridge in the native Khoisan tribe and crossed it with larger breeds such as the Bloodhound, the Greyhound, and the Great Dane. The resulting breed could run at great speed, withstand adverse weather conditions, and could be both sight hound and scent hound. The first breed standard for the Rhodesian Ridgeback, based on the Dalmatian, was drawn in 1924, followed by American Kennel Club recognition in 1955. Today the Rhodesian Ridgeback is South Africa's only recognized indigenous breed. It is used as a companion, hunting and show dog. General Appearance The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a well-proportioned, strong, muscular, agile, and active dog, symmetrical in profile and capable of great resistance. The ridge, clearly present from birth, is the true distinctive feature of the breed, it is a growth of the hair that occurs in the opposite direction to that of the rest of the coat, it must be well delineated, tapered and symmetrical, it must start immediately behind the shoulders and continue up to the point of prominence of the hips and contain only two crowns identical and opposite to each other. The caudal part of the crowns must not extend beyond one third of the total length of the ridge, whose average width is 4/5 cm. BREED TRAITS & CHARACTERISTICS 146 6 - HOUNDS AND DOGS FOR BLOOD TRACKS 3 - RELATED BREEDS Zimbabwe Great 10 - 12 years Intelligent, loyal, cheeky, sensitive, strong-willed Male: 63-69 cm / 25-27 inches Female: 61-66 cm / 24-26 inches Male: 36-41 kg / 80-90 pounds Female: 29-34 kg / 64-75 pounds Golden, grey, red, white 6-8 puppies Due to its calm and peaceful nature, the Rhodesian Ridgeback adapts well to living in an apartment, but daily walks should never be neglected to allow it to vent its great energy. Occasional. This breed is alert, thoughtful and caring of children, although adult supervision is always necessary. The Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a strong urge to chase and catch cats or other small animals, so it's better to keep them on a leash. This breed can show distrust and rebelliousness towards other dogs; this is also why socialization is important for puppies. Reserved with strangers and potentially aggressive if it senses danger. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is valued both as a guard dog and as a companion dog. The Rhodesian Ridgeback needs a lot of exercise. Moderately Easy Training: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are quite stubborn, so a consistent approach to training is necessary. Harsh methods are not recommended given its marked sensitivity. Low maintenance: a brushing once a week is sufficient. They are very intelligent dogs and learn quickly, but they are stubborn. It really likes being outdoors, playing, letting off steam, having fun. Hypoallergenic: No. Relatively healthy breed. The pathologies to which it is subject are hip and elbow dysplasia. PRODUCTS MAINTENANCE SEASON CHANGE TREATMENT