Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of Africa's most distinctive and capable hunting and working breeds, a powerful, athletic and versatile South African dog developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries by European settlers in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) from crosses involving the semi-domesticated hunting dogs of the indigenous Khoikhoi people - who carried the distinctive reversed spinal ridge that is the hallmark of the breed - with various European dogs brought by settlers, including Great Danes, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds and Terriers. The result was a multipurpose farm and hunting dog capable of tracking and harassing large game including lions - earning the breed the popular name the Lion Dog - guarding homesteads in a demanding environment, and adapting to the extreme heat and demanding conditions of the African bush. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is registered by the Kennel Club in the Hound Group.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, muscular and symmetrically built dog of striking physical presence. The coat is short, dense and glossy in wheaten shades ranging from light wheaten to red wheaten, with or without a small white mark on the chest or toes. The defining feature of the breed is the ridge of hair along the spine that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat, forming a clear, symmetrical pattern with two crowns at the shoulders. This ridge is unique to the breed and is the source of both the name and the breed's historical associations with the Khoikhoi. Adults typically stand 61 to 69 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 29 to 41 kilograms.

The character is loyal, dignified and deeply devoted to its own family, combining a powerful physical presence with genuine affection for those it trusts. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is not the instantly sociable, easy-going companion of some other large breeds - it is reserved rather than open with strangers, confident in its own assessment of situations, and possessed of the independence that was essential in a dog required to work in challenging conditions at considerable distance from human direction. This independence, combined with the breed's considerable size and strength, makes experienced, consistent handling from an early age not a preference but a necessity.

The prey drive is strong and cohabitation with small animals requires management. Recall requires thorough, early training. The breed has remarkable stamina and requires genuine daily exercise.

Health considerations include Hip and Elbow Dysplasia testing and Dermoid Sinus testing of breeding stock. Bloat is a risk given the deep chest.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £1,000 to £2,500. Monthly running costs average £100 to £180. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Great Britain is the primary resource for breed information, health testing requirements, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

Loyal, dignified and deeply devoted to its own family. Reserved rather than openly sociable with strangers - watchful and confident rather than aggressive. Strong prey drive toward smaller animals. Affectionate and gentle with its own household. The combination of power, intelligence and independence makes the breed deeply rewarding for the right owner.

Highly intelligent but independently-minded. Requires confident, consistent, positive training from puppyhood. The breed responds to respect and clarity rather than force. Recall requires thorough training given the prey drive. Early socialisation with people, children and other animals is important. Experienced owners who invest in training from day one find a highly capable and rewarding companion.

Needs at least 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. The breed was developed for sustained hunting work across difficult terrain in extreme conditions and has remarkable stamina and athletic capability. Off-lead exercise in secure areas is important given the prey drive. Suitable for running, cycling and demanding outdoor activities.

Hip Dysplasia testing of both parents is strongly recommended. Elbow Dysplasia testing is also recommended. Dermoid Sinus, a hereditary neural tube defect, is documented in the breed and testing of breeding stock is recommended. Hypothyroidism and bloat are documented. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Great Britain maintains comprehensive health testing requirements.

Feed a high-quality complete food for a large active breed. Large breed puppy food is important during growth. Two meals daily to reduce bloat risk. Monitor weight - the breed should be lean and muscular, not overweight.

The short, dense, sleek coat requires minimal maintenance - a weekly wipe-down or brief brush is all that is needed. The coat is easy to manage and the breed is generally clean. Nails require regular trimming.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder: £1,000 to £2,500. Monthly running costs: £100 to £180.

Suits experienced, active owners who can provide strong, consistent leadership and substantial daily exercise. Good with children in its own family but the size, strength and independence make it unsuitable for inexperienced owners. Not suited to households with small animals given the hunting drive. Confident handling from early puppyhood is essential.