Rhodesian Ridgeback - breed description and dog character

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a South African hunting dog breed, unique in its kind. They were bred only in the 19th century, and it is considered the only breed in South Africa that has been recognized. This breed is suitable for those who want to get a faithful friend in the form of a dog, which is distinguished by its energy and independence. But before you get this representative, you should get acquainted with its features, and possible difficulties that may arise in her education.

Breed History

The name of this type of dog came from the area where these animals were bred. Rhodesia was previously an English colony. In order to obtain this type of hunting dogs, representatives of local breeds were crossed.

The main criterion that breeders relied on was that dogs should be excellent hunters as well as home guards. But besides these qualities, the animal must have endurance in order to easily tolerate the changing African climate. Such a trait as courage was also a priority. Courage is needed for these pets in order not to retreat from large animals, hunting.

The newly made breed had all the necessary qualities that made it a universal dog - it performed many roles, and at the same time could also hunt lions. Therefore, this species has an unofficial name - the lionhound. Natives still use this feature to show people shows.

But today this dog has ceased to fulfill its direct duties, as these representatives are brought up as pets, and not as guards. Only a few can still take this pet with them on a hunt. In some countries like New Zealand and Australia, Ridgebacks are used as boar hunters. And, for example, in Tasmania, Ridgebacks hunt kangaroos. But hunting is not limited to, and these animals are used in the competition for dog races.

Breeders of this species have achieved the fact that this dog is quite easy to tolerate changes in temperature. Therefore, living in any climate is suitable for her.

Features of the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed

These dogs may interest not only those breeders who are professionally engaged in their breeding, but also just amateurs. These animals are simply amazing, because they combine different qualities, such as, for example, strength and power, a high level of learning and intelligence, as well as devotion to the owner. Her energy is simply amazing. And with regards to intuition, it is worth highlighting her excellent scent, which helps her on the hunt.

These animals have a special color, which suggests that previously these representatives of the breed lived in the conditions of the savannah. Their fur is very short, but at the same time thick. Its color is both bright red and light wheat. White spots on the chest and a dark mask on the face are also often observed. Dog ears may also be darker. The dog’s eyes can be either black or amber - it depends on the color of the nose and coat color. But the main feature of the external characteristics of the Rhodesian dogs is the presence of a strip of hair, which grows in the opposite direction.

Despite their audacity and strength, Ridgebacks remain faithful companions for proud and strong-willed people. These pets can easily be kept at home, because they are very clean.But nevertheless, the pet will feel best when it runs through the forests and plains, as well as live in its own house.

Physical activities are what Rhodesian animals need so much. Walking such dogs is worth several times a day, and walking, and it is better to run, at least 3 km from the house.

Ridgebacks are not immediately amenable to training, because everything is to blame for their stubborn nature. They should not be punished for nothing, because they are very sensitive to an unfair attitude. In order for the animal to learn the program, it is worth using a reward system.

Pet character

As noted above, these pets are classified as bold and very intelligent categories of dogs. They protect themselves, their offspring, as well as their beloved owners. But for this, the owner must be an imperious person, whom they obeyed implicitly. Also, Rhodesian pets are in great need of attention, so it is worth considering this fact, and not to leave a pet without communication. The timid definitely will not cope with the character of this pet, because they will not perceive them as an authority. Ridgeback periodically needs to be rudely subdued and nipped, because they are able to act like pack leaders, and sometimes be aggressive.

But the nature of the animal also has traits of nobility, as well as intelligence. Making decisions on their own is what this dog can do. In everyday life, she will not show aggression if she does not feel danger. Therefore, sometimes her indifference can be fully justified.

Rhodesian dogs are quite balanced, and therefore do not bark so often, but loudly when they warn the owner about something. But, despite their power, these animals are quite touchy and stubborn. When a pet lives in an apartment, he behaves quite calmly and obediently, loves family members, and especially the owner. This dog treats children with special tenderness and tolerance. If a cat or other pet lives at home, then it will not suffer from bickering, which can not be said about animals that live on the street.

It’s easy to train an animal if you apply your skills to eliminate the ardor of a ridgeback.

These Rhodesian pets do not live relatively long, or rather 10-12 years. But, despite this, they remain in excellent physical shape for a long time. If a person later uses dogs as hunting assistants or bodyguards, it is worth noting that females are considered the best in hunting, and males are good as security guards.

Breed standards

The first standards that these dogs must meet were approved only in 1924.

1. The average height of the Ridgeback males is 63-69 cm, and the females have an average weight of 3 cm less.
2. Their weight is quite large, namely 36.5 kg in males, and 4 kg less in females.
3. The head is neither large nor small; it has proportional parameters.
4. The muzzle is elongated, has an expressive transition from the forehead.
5. Eyes wide set, round, medium size. Color depends on the color and color of the nose. It is dark brown, black, and also amber.
6. The ears are set high, hanging down, at the ends they are narrowed and have roundings. Their size is not large.
7. The chest is not wide, but elongated, because it drops down to the elbow joint of the animal.
8. The back looks strong and muscular.
9. The limbs are also muscular, and the legs are strong, the fingers of which are collected in a kind of lump.
10. The tail is of medium length, has an extension at the base, and tapers towards the end.
11. The hair of the animal is short and thick, and also it lies on the body. It looks shiny, and the reason for this is the fat with which it is covered.
12. The color of the coat is plain: from light wheat to red-red. But there are white spots on the chest and legs.Sometimes a mask with darkened areas is observed, and at the same time, the ears can also be much darker.
13. The comb, or as it is called ridge - this is the main feature of the dog, because of which she was given the name. This ridge has the shape of a cone. Its top begins immediately after the shoulder blades, and ends closer to the tail.

Dog care and maintenance

This dog can live both in the apartment and in the house. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are among the most convenient for keeping breeds in an apartment. And all the blame for the ease of care for them, as well as their innate cleanliness. And because of this, these representatives have no smell at all. Therefore, it does not create uncomfortable sensations, and does not require frequent combing - it will be needed only once a month to bring their hair in order. This breed sheds as well as others, twice a year. At this time, you can comb out not with a special brush, but with a mitten. Perform this procedure is on the street.

Ridgeback can only be washed when it is very dirty. It is recommended to add a little conditioner to the water, so that the animal’s hair acquires a natural shine and becomes more smooth.

In addition to the above procedures, the dog should periodically brush its teeth and ears, as well as cut its nails.

If the dog lives in an apartment, then she should organize physical activity and frequent walks. If you fulfill this requirement, the ridgeback will feel much better. This breed requires a longer walk than 5 minutes. Rhodesian pets need an active holiday, so you can arrange jogging with them, as well as take them with you to nature. They are quite hardy, because their real purpose is associated with hunting.

This breed should be chosen by active people, because for older people, walking with this dog will be a difficult task.

Having space is what the ridgeback needs, because it allows him to run into plenty. But these animals can not be kept in the aviary. The first reason for this is due to the fact that the onset of cold weather will negatively affect the condition of the animal. After all, their hair is very short and unsuitable for life in a cold climate. And the second reason is that ridgebacks are very psychologically dependent on their master. Therefore, a pet should live exclusively in a house with people.

Nutrition is almost the most important factor in good health. Moreover, this dog should maintain its physical shape. You can feed your pet with dry food, and natural food. If the owner decided to feed the dog with natural food, then he should think about ensuring that the diet of the adult, as well as the puppy, is balanced.

But, if the owner can not independently solve this problem, then the easiest option will be feeding with dry food, which is already quite balanced. Of course, any food is not suitable for such a dog. Ridgeback is best served exclusively with premium feed.

Ridgeback Training

A Taukyu dog as a Rhodesian Ridgeback is very easy to train, because its intelligence is quite high, and the dog is very talented. But for the pet to listen and execute all the commands, the owner must be firm and confident, otherwise the dog will feel weakness and will not listen to it. For the animal, the owner must be in charge, and his requests must be immediately fulfilled.

The owner will have to devote a lot of time to raising this dog. Therefore, this type is suitable only for experienced dog breeders who can cope with it. These animals cannot be left alone for a long time, because they will feel abandoned and may begin to show their bad sides.

Training your pet should start as early as possible, so that he begins to get used to the execution of commands.Moreover, Ridgebacks are wayward dogs that make decisions on their own. But to work on them in order to get a result, you need to be careful, because they are quite sensitive.

To achieve the desired effect, it is worth making an effort and be patient. It is impossible to force this dog to execute commands, because she herself must show interest in this. But still, they learn a lot, because they are pretty smart animals.

The accuracy and intelligence of a dog is manifested even in small things. In rainy weather, the pet will not run straight, but will prefer to run from one shelter to another.

How to choose a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy

Before deciding to buy a puppy of this breed, it is worth solving the eternal dilemma of whether the owner can provide the animal with a decent life, where it will eat balanced and receive the necessary physical activity. But an important aspect is the attention paid to the dog. If the owners are rarely at home, then you should abandon the idea to buy such a dog. Indeed, for this representative to grow up physically and mentally healthy, it is necessary to work on it.

If a person nevertheless decided to take on such responsibility, then it is worth learning about where it is better to get a puppy of this breed. Experts recommend buying babies in special nurseries, where they are provided with the necessary conditions for life and constant care and feeding are carried out.

The priority is to attend exhibitions with these dogs. After talking with experienced dog breeders, you can find out what you should pay attention to and where it is better to buy a puppy.

You can purchase an animal starting from a month and a half. Moreover, at this time they acquire a harmonious look. But at an older age, the dog's body can become inharmonious and disproportionate. The reason is that the ridgeback is growing unevenly.

Do not be shy to look at the puppy and check whether his ears and eyes are clean, what kind of coat is to the touch. The baby had to be vaccinated and deworm before selling.

Animals of this breed are very sensitive to the state of their master. And if the owner has a stressful state, the ridgeback will help him relieve stress. This is a very important criterion for those who work in constant tension and stress. These animals are very friendly and love their master, so they can help him relax and cheer up.

Puppies cost

The price for an ordinary Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy can reach $ 350. Its initial cost is $ 70. But this is how representatives unsuitable for the exhibition stand, or those who have a color that is not characteristic of the breed.

Those kids who are suitable for breeding by all criteria, have a pedigree and all the necessary documents, can cost from 600 to 1200 dollars. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the presence of the listed criteria.

Video: Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed