El rhodesian ridgeback or rhodesian ridgeback, is characterized by the inverted ridge of hair that shows along the back. It is the only South African breed registered by the FCI, which was previously known as the "lion dog". It is a dog very faithful, but also somewhat reserved.
Before adopting a puppy or adult Rhodesian Crested dog, it will be very important to be adequately informed about the needs of the breed, something very important to take into account, whether it is about care, training or characteristics that it possesses. Find out below in this tab of our site all about the Rhodesian Ridgeback:
Origin of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The origin of the Rhodesian Ridgeback dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when Europeans colonized South Africa It is the only registered breed in Africa from the south. The ancestors of the Rhodesian Ridgeback were dogs from the Cape Colony of South Africa, crossed with pioneer dogs and crested Hottentot hunting dogs.
From these crosses was born the dog known today as the Rhodesian Ridgeback, although the name was first used in the mid-20th century. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was previously known as " liondog". This is due to the fact that during its work as a hunting dog in small packs, it tracked the tracks of prey, such as lions, with great agility.
The breed standard was drawn up by F. R. Barnes, in Bulawayo, Rhodesia, in 1992 and was based on that of the Dalmatian, approved by the South African Kennel Union. Today most Rhodesian Ridgebacks make excellent companion dogs.
Characteristics of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
According to the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) standard, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a balanced dog, strong, muscular, agile and active, symmetrical silhouette. His head should be free of wrinkles at rest and the naso-frontal depression is moderately defined. The nose is black when the eyes are dark, and it is brown when the eyes are amber. The eyes are round, bright and their color harmonizes with the color of the coat. The ears are medium, wide at the base, with rounded ends and set high.
The body is strong and muscular but slender. The back is powerful, while the loin is strong and slightly arched. The chest is very deep, but not very wide. The tail is of medium insertion, thick at the base and of moderate length. The coat of this dog is short, dense, smooth and shiny. Your color can range from light wheat to reddish wheat. Small white spots on the chest and fingers are allowed. Dark ears and muzzle are also supported.
According to the FCI, the measurements of the Rhodesian Ridgeback are:
- Machos: between 63 and 69 centimeters at the withers, weighing 36.5 kilograms.
- Females: between 61 and 66 centimeters at the withers, weighing 32 kilograms.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Character
The Rhodesian Ridgeback owes much of its character to its past as a hunting dog. It is a curious dog, very loyal and energetic, sometimes independent or reserved with strangers. To avoid aggressive behavior or related behavior problems, it will be very important to socialize the puppy, something that we will talk about in the education section.
Generally he is a dog very attached to his family, with whom he creates a very strong bond. Dealing with children is excellent, however due to his level of energy he can be clumsy in dealing with them. Of course, it is a very protective dog.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Care
The Coat care of the Rhodesian Ridgeback does not require much effort on the part of the owners. It will be enough to brush it weekly with a rubber comb (so as not to hurt its skin) and bathe it every 2 or 3 months with specific products for dogs. We can improve your appearance by occasionally offering certain foods, such as salmon oil, olive oil or egg white.
The rhodesian ridgeback requires between 2 and 3 daily walks to maintain its muscles and it is also indicated that at least once a day it can exercitarse Apart from the classic games, such as ball, we can also introduce the dog to agility, running or another type of activity that promotes muscle development. Remember that if the dog's activity level is very high, he will need a diet specially formulated for sports dogs or an increase in his daily amount. It will also be interesting to enrich your daily life with games of intelligence or discrimination, for example.
Finally, it should be noted that this breed tolerates hot or temperate climates well, but it does not adapt to cold climates, so it will be important pay attention to your dermis in the coldest seasons.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Education
The education of the Rhodesian Crested begins in its puppy stage, more specifically in its socialization stage, which ranges from 3 weeks to 3 months of life. During this period it is essential to socialize the puppy with other dogs, people, animals and environments, thus ensuring proper communication and avoiding fears or maladaptive behaviors. It is very important to pay attention to this stage due to the breed's tendency to shyness. Well socialized, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog that can relate well to all kinds of people and animals.
It will also be necessary to educate the puppy so that it learns to urinate in the street once its vaccinations have been administered or to teach it to inhibit biting, for example. At this stage it is important that the puppy enjoys its sleeping hours and that it receives mental stimulation from the owners, through intelligence games and varied activities.
We recommend applying the positive dog training to start working on the basic obedience commands when they are young, which will allow us to squeeze the full potential of this dog. Once the basic commands have been learned, we can start the Rhodesian Ridgeback in other activities that exercise him and provide him with a good dose of enrichment, such as agility or other sports canines that also combine learning.
The most common Behavior problems of the Rhodesian Ridgeback are destructiveness and hyperactivity, generally related to lack of companionship, exercise, and mental stimulation.
Rhodesian Ridgeback He alth
The main characteristic of the rhodesian ridgebac is, precisely, the ridge on its back The truth is that this detail is a coat anomaly: some hairs grow in the opposite direction and offer the appearance of "crest". However, this characteristic makes the breed prone to suffering from spinal dermal sinus, a congenital malformation.
The spinal dermal sinus is present from birth and if the dog suffers from it, it is possible to observe a small dimple in the spine. A lump is usually seen, but vascular lesions and suppuration may also occur. This condition can lead to more serious he alth problems and requires surgical treatment.
Other hereditary diseases of the Rhodesian Ridgeback are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Deafness
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hemophilia
It is recommended to visit the vet every 6 to 12 months to detect any he alth problems quickly and perform basic follow-up tests. It will also be essential to follow the vaccination schedule and regular deworming, both internal and external.
The life expectancy of the Rhodesian Crested is between 10 and 13 years old.
