The Rhodesian Ridgeback's roots trace back to South Africa.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of hunting dog developed in Africa to hunt big game animals. Brought to the United States in 1950 and recognized by the American Kennel Club by 1955, the Rhodesian Ridgeback takes its name from a distinct ridge of hairs that runs the length of its back, notes Dog Breed Info. This breed is a good fit with older children and it is an athletic dog that enjoys exercise.
Size
Male Rhodesian Ridgebacks average between 25 and 27 inches tall at the shoulders. A healthy weight for the average male specimen is approximately 80 to 85 lbs. Females are slightly smaller at the shoulder, measuring from 24 to 26 inches. They weigh less than the males do, averaging between 65 and 70 lbs.
Appearance
Big and muscular describes the Rhodesian Ridgeback's appearance, with the head featuring a broad look, flattened between the ears. The dog's eyes typically are brown and its nose may be black, brown or liver-colored. The ears are medium-sized, with a wide base but rounded ends. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a long muzzle and its coat comes in what the American Kennel Club calls a "light wheaten to red wheaten" shade. Some white on the chest or on the toes is not uncommon with this breed.
History
Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred in South Africa to be hunting dogs, guard dogs and retrievers. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are the result of crosses between dogs featuring ridged backs that were native to the region and breeds such as the mastiff and deerhound. In 1877, they were introduced into Rhodesia, and hunters quickly saw that they had great value as hunting dogs. Packs of Rhodesian Ridgebacks hunted animals as fearsome and large as lions, giving rise to the breed's nickname of lion hounds.
More Facts
Huge temperature changes do not affect the Rhodesian Ridgeback, and the dog has a great deal of stamina, meaning you can take it for long walks and jogs. The average life expectancy for the breed falls between 10 and 12 years. The dog is loyal and smart, but may tend to be a bit too rough as a companion for very small children. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are an extremely healthy breed of canine, but one problem they may encounter is hip dysplasia.
Related posts
A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog bred for hunting in Africa.Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large dogs that were bred in African to help with hunting. Because of their size, Ridgebacks require a lot...
Strong hunters with plenty of endurance, Rhodesian ridgebacks make good dogs for athletic, outdoorsy families.Rhodesian ridgebacks require lots of space, fencing and plenty of exercise. Rhodesian...
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are the perfect dogs for participating in endurance trials. To compete, you must either run or bike with your dog for twelve miles, with a short break every four miles. Since...
Pitbulls vs. Boxer DogsBoth boxers and American pit bull terriers (pitbulls) are popular pets in America. They both have short coats that are easy to care for -- and short faces that trigger aggre...
The Redbone Coonhound is often recognized for its appearance in "Where the Red Fern Grows."The Redbone Coonhound is a member of the American Kennel Club Hound Group since 2009. The breed...
