Rhodesian Ridgeback

About ridgebacks

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an African breed that is lean and fast. It originated in South Africa, but is credited to Rhodesian breeders who developed and protected the purity of the breed. When the breed was first registered with the Kennel Union of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe was still known as Rhodesia. Zimbabwe and South Africa share a common border.

Early history of dogs

Ridgebacks have a ridge of hair along the top of their backs that seems to grow in the wrong direction. They are short-coated. 

A Rhodesian Ridgeback needs a big garden and lots of exercise. Remember puppies grow quickly! Ridgebacks are hounds and like to hunt. They have been used to hunt lion and have been called, "Lion Dogs."  A hound will go hunting by himself and disappear, so a strong fence is a must. Training is essential as this is a large, strong  dog. 

Colour: light wheaten or red wheaten, sometimes with a touch of white on the feet or chest.

Height: dogs 63 - 39 cms at shoulder, bitches 62 - 66 cms.

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