The Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of dog indigenous to Southern Africa. Its European forebears can be traced to the early pioneers of the Cape Colony of southern Africa, who crossed their dogs with the semi-domesticated, ridged hunting dogs of the Khoisan people (referred to by the colonists as “Hottentots”).

The breed's long history dates back to early in the 18th century when the first European settlers found with the Khoisan tribes a domesticated dog with the hair on his spine being turned forward. Later, to fill specific needs of the big game hunters of the late 19th century for a serviceable hunting dog, tough, resistant to disease, intelligent enough to avoid crocodiles and snakes, with tick repellent smooth coat, tight paw pads to protect against thorns and rough terrain, brave and muscular enough to face a lion or any other big game, but fast enough to stay out of harm's way of horns, claws and teeth. The main person behind this development was Cornelius Van Rooyen of Plumtree, Rhodesia.

The history of the breed is disputed. What is commonly accepted is that Van Rooyen used two ridged, rough-coated bitches from the Swellendam district brought to him by the Rev. Charles Helm in 1879. Van Rooyen crossed these bitches with members of his pack, noting that their ridged progeny excelled at lion hunting.

The Breed Standard is loosely based on that of a slightly enlarged Dalmation and was first registered by the South African Kennel Club, SAKU (now KUSA) in 1924. At that time KUSA was the only Kennel Club in the territory.

As hunters, Ridgebacks were sent out in packs of two or more to track down, then corner and wear down a lion by taunting and goading it into confusion, this is known as keeping the lion “at bay”. The dogs, working in revolving groups, kept the lion at bay until the hunter arrived to dispatch the occupied lion with a well placed rifle shot from relatively close range.

Characteristics and Temperament

The Breed Standard states that Rhodesian Ridgebacks should be "dignified, intelligent, aloof with strangers, but showing no aggression or shyness", and this sums up the Ridgeback temperament. Their intelligence and understanding is awesome but they have an independent spirit, and this should be respected. Ridgebacks love to please; they will be your friend and equal, but never your slave; they are too clever for that. This is a dog that can think for itself and it may be quite stubborn in exerting its will. Ridgeback strength of character comes across in their impressive dignified demeanor. They are not noisy dogs that bark continuously but they have a deep resounding bark, and they use it when there is something that needs to be investigated. For this reason they make formidable protectors; they will warn you if there is anything amiss, but if you welcome a stranger into your home, they will accept your evaluation and respond accordingly.

Ridgebacks become particularly attached to their owners and family, and as protector of the home and property the Ridgeback has proven invaluable. Reserved with strangers, although not aggressive or treacherous, their friendship once given, is for life.

Ridgebacks, like any dog of their size, need some exercise. They are very receptive to long runs in the country, jogging, bicycle exercise, wagon or cart pulling, agility, fly-ball, retrieving, lure coursing and obedience work but will be just as content to lie quietly while indoors or snoozing outside in the sun. A Ridgeback is tremendously adaptable and can be a loyal one-person dog or a perfect family pet.

Ridgebacks are an extremely tolerant, excellent companion for children. However, no child should be left unsupervised around any dog, as either may hurt the other, even unintentionally.