What is a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

History

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a relatively young breed and was developed from the native African hunting dogs and European breeds brought in with European settlers.  The breed originated in Southern Africa.

The original ridged dog in Africa is believed to be the Hottentot dog, also known as the Khoikhoi dog.  Europeans first recorded its existence in the 16th-17th century. It was a small dog - about 18 inches high with prick ears and a ridge of hair "turned forward".  They were used by the native Hottentot people for hunting and protection from carnivores.  The Europeans came to value these dogs and used their skills along with the dogs they brought with them when they immigrated.

It is difficult after so many centuries to be accurate on the variety of breeds which went into the building of the unique breed now called Rhodesian Ridgeback.  Europeans first settled and brought dogs with them 300 years before.  We know for sure that the Hottentot dog donated the ridge.  Historians are fairly sure that greyhounds, bulldogs, pointers, collies, deerhounds, and terriers went into the mix along with other breeds.  Each breed had its own merits and contributed both good and bad into the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed.

It wasn't until the late 19th century that the Ridged African dogs began to be recognized as a "breed".  Van Rooyen's pack was well known and used for both hunting and protection.  Pioneer families valued these dogs with their courage and endurance.

In the early 20th century there was still a lot of big game in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and the original Boer stock (such as Van Rooyen's) was used to build the current breed.  They were known as superlative lion hunters as well as wonderful guardians and family dogs.

Appearance

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a strong upstanding dog.  According to the AKC standard, it should stand from 25 to 28 inches at the withers and be 60 - 85 lbs in weight.  In practice, it is not uncommon to see dogs both larger and smaller than standard - anywhere from 50 lbs to 95 lbs.  Many people believe the Ridgeback should be a very large dog - topping 100 lbs.  This has never been the case although occasional specimens are seen at 120+ lbs.  Throughout its history the Ridgeback has been a large dog, but not oversized.  

The Ridgeback has a well-proportioned head with an equal amount of muzzle and skull.  The muzzle should have a good length, and there is a well-defined stop at the base of the muzzle.  The lips fit close to the jaws.  The Ridgeback has an intelligent expression which comes from the eyes.  The eyes are set well apart and the color harmonizes with nose color.  A dark-nosed dog should have dark eyes, a brown- or liver-nose accompanied by amber eyes.  The ears are set high and medium length - wide at the base and tapering to a rounded point.  They are held close to the head.

The Ridgeback is characterized by a dense, short coat that is clean and easy to care for.  Colors range from light wheaten to deep red wheaten.  Wheaten represents the banded colors on the hair.

The Ridgeback is generally well-proportioned with a good length of loin and leg.  It should gait easily and represent a balance between power and elegance.  There should be good reach and drive.  The chest should be deep and capacious, but not too wide or barrel-chested (representing lack of speed).

You can review the entire AKC standard and fuller elaboration of the standard on the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United State's website along with a great deal of other useful breed information.

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