When the Europeans first arrived in the Cape Peninsula, in Africa, they noticed that the natives’ farms were protected by, as first described, “some ugly dogs” - the ancestors of what is known now as the Rhodesian Ridgeback. One other thing they immediately noticed was the viciousness with which these dogs protected their owners and territory.
These dogs were not used only as guard dogs for farms or families, but for hunting as well. More than a half of century after the first encounter with this breed, the Europeans were using them themselves.
Multiple crossings between the dogs that the native tribes used and some European breeds - like the Mastiff or Deerhound - created the appearance that people are familiar to in present day.
The male Rhodesian Ridgeback measures 25-27 inches at the withers while the female is a little smaller, measuring 24-26 inches. The weight varies from 70-85 lbs. Their body is large and muscular, with a massive, flat head nested between the ears. The muzzle is deep and long and sometimes with a black mask. One particular thing about this breed is that the tongue can sometimes be colored black.
The dog has a penetrating glare and the eyes are usually round and brown, usually in concordance with the dog’s shade. The ears are medium-sized and set high, with the rounded tips pointing down.
The African Lion Dogs, how they are also called, have a short haired coat, so it won’t be very difficult to groom. The breed’s particularity is the ridge of hairs growing in the opposite direction, on the middle of the dog’s back. The color is usually red, sometimes with a little bit of white on the toes and chest.
With its impressive background as a lion fighter, this dog will be vicious when hunting, but at home it is gentle, obedient and calm. Despite the imposing exterior, these are sensitive dogs and they must be treated as such. They will accept and respond to correction, as long as it is justified and not too harsh.
They are intelligent and loyal, and need constant physical and mental stimulation, so they won’t become unresponsive. When trained, they learn very quickly, but the owner must be both gentle and firm at the same time.
Like other dogs of its kind, it can live well in an apartment if it gets the right amount of exercise, although it would be best for it to live in an open space.
These hounds’ most common health problems are hip dysplasia, dermoid sinus and sometimes thyroid problems. These diseases are kept under control with health screenings, including tests for hips, elbows, thyroid and eyes. Optional tests include the ones for cardiac disease and hearing problems.
