Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an indigenous race of southern Africa resulting from crosses between pioneer dogs and semi-domesticated hunting and flock-guarding dogs (against lions, among others) with a dorsal ridge of the Khoikhoi. The dorsal ridge, typical of the breed, is found in only one other breed recognized by the FCI, the Thai Ridgeback Dog. One hypothesis to explain the presence of this anatomical feature is perhaps the trace of ancient slave trade between Siam and Southern Rhodesia. Another hypothesis would be that the Khoikhoi dog results from a cross between African wild dog and hyena, hence the dorsal ridge. The origin is rather due to very ancient exchanges between East Africa and the Middle East, from which also comes the Musenji, a hunting dog of the Pygmies, for example. There are no such dogs in the Mozambique region, which was in contact with slave traders, as well as Sumatra, arguments that should have supported this hypothesis, but which do not withstand verification. Possibly originating from Asia, but more likely from indigenous African dogs, these ridged dogs gave the Rhodesian Ridgeback its characteristic dorsal ridge. These primitive-type dogs were commensal with the San and Khoikhoi peoples, living and moving through these southern African lands, but could also guard flocks and assist in hunting. Originally these were minimally specialized breeds. The breeds present in the "genealogy" of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, through population movements and animal imports to South Africa, are Bantu dogs and related types such as the Hottentot Hunting Dog, sighthounds such as the Scottish Deerhound and English Greyhound, mastiffs, notably the English Bulldog and Great Dane, terriers particularly the Irish Terrier and Bull Terrier, and herding dogs, with Collies being regularly imported. It was these dogs that randomly crossed with the indigenous dogs, known as the "Hottentots." In 1875, the pioneering missionary Charles Helm brought two ridged dogs to Matabeleland in Southern Rhodesia from Swellendam, a province of the Cape in South Africa. It is almost certain that modern Rhodesian Ridgebacks descend from these two dogs. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is used to pursue large game, particularly lions, and to corner them until the hunter arrives. The first standard was written in 1922 by F. R. Barnes, in Bulawayo in Rhodesia and approved by the Union Cynologique du Sud de l'Afrique in 1926. Note that all references to a Rhodesian Ridgeback breed prior to these dates are merely anachronisms. The Rhodesian Ridgeback does not become established until 1910. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is primarily appreciated as a companion and guard dog, as stated in the FCI and KUSA breed standard. The breed is fairly rare in Europe.

The behavioral definition of a breed is always delicate. According to countries, the variability of mentalities, breeding practices, and the individual itself, requires some caution. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is described in the International Cynological Federation standard as a dignified and intelligent dog, aloof from strangers without being aggressive or fearful. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is described in the World Encyclopedia of Dogs as a playful, courageous breed, loyal to its master and those around it. Training the Rhodesian Ridgeback requires much perseverance and consistency, and an experienced master is preferable. Strength and violence must be avoided, as well as solitude. Maturity is reached after age two. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very athletic dog that requires much physical exercise. Long walks two to three times daily are essential to maintain its balance.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog related to scent hounds, with balanced, strong and agile construction. Active, it is capable of great endurance and good speed. Males measure 63 to 69 cm at the withers for an average weight of 38 kg and females 61 to 66 cm for about 32 kg. Although morphologically the Rhodesian Ridgeback resembles the scent hound, it is classified in the sixth group of the FCI, with the Dalmatian, without a hunting trial requirement, its character expressing a true versatile farm dog. The neck is moderately long and fairly strong, leading to a body slightly longer than the height at the withers (dimension between the breastbone point and hip point, with a ratio of 110% admitted). The chest will be moderately broad but deep, extending down to the elbows. The ribs are moderately curved, denoting racing aptitude, never barrel-shaped. The limbs are long and strongly framed, with round and strong feet. The pasterns will be slightly sloped, the hocks well bent and dropped. Thick at birth, the tail tapers toward the end. Medium in length, it is neither coarse nor attached too high or too low. It is carried forming a slight upward curve without being curled. According to the Handbook of the South-African Rhodesian Ridgeback Club, the ideal head of the Rhodesian Ridgeback should be of good length, built on three dimensions sensibly equal: from the tip of the nose to the stop, from the stop to the occipital bone and between the ears. The skull is flat and rather broad. The muzzle is long, deep and powerful with strong jaws: it ends in a relatively square manner and is not arched. A slight black mask is allowed, but must not extend above the eyes. The stop is well-defined, not in a straight line from nose to occipital bone. The eyes, placed relatively well apart, are round and lively. The eye color harmonizes with that of the coat. The ears are medium length and drooping, attached high, broad at the base and tapering to form a rounded shape. When the dog is not alert, the head will be free of wrinkles and ears held close to the head. The coat is short, dense, fine and glossy. About 5 centimeters in width, the dorsal ridge is formed by hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. Clearly defined and symmetrical, it begins behind the shoulders and extends to the point of the hip, tapering toward the croup. It comprises two identical and symmetrical crowns or escutcheons, whose rear edge must not exceed one third of the ridge length. A slight offset between the crowns is admitted. The coat is fawn-colored, ranging from light wheat to red-wheat. A little white on the chest and toes is admitted, and bite force averages 250 to 300 psi, or about 17kg/cm² to 21.1kg/cm².