Rhodesian Ridgeback

They love life! The maximally lively, active, cheerful African lion hound prefers to spend all its time outdoors. Rhodesian Ridgeback – the owner of high intelligence, attached to people, can get along in any family. Good defenders, they can be trusted to guard the house, fearless, not afraid to attack a detractor larger than themselves.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The African Lion Hound, or Rhodesian Ridgeback, is a breed of hunting dog. The history of the origin of this breed stretches back to ancient times in South Africa. The name comes from the crest of the prominent hair on its back, called a ridge. The homeland of the hound is considered Rhodesia (now the territory of Zimbabwe).

Breeding of the breed is attributed to the Boers (immigrants), who were in dire need of a versatile dog. Endurance in hot weather, ability to stay long without drinking water, excellent guarding, watchdog, and hunting qualities – all this describes the Rhodesian Ridgeback Ridgeback. At one time, they became indispensable helpers for hunters in Africa. The natives respected the Rhodesian Ridgeback Ridgeback and respectfully called it a lion dog for its ability to kill a lion and survive in an uneven fight. It was not until 1870 that breeders began to breed the breed purposefully. Ridgebacks were long compared to Dalmatians, being officially recognized only in 1924.

Appearance

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is famous for its slender posture and stylish appearance with a strongly developed musculature. The main feature of the lion dog is the hair on the Rhodesian Ridgeback, which grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the hair on the back of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, it thins from the shoulder blades to the tail, the length of such a Rhodesian Ridgeback can reach five centimeters.

Cheeks retracted, eyes rounded, neck long enough without suspension, thorax reaches elbows. Hind is well outlined, paws long and powerful. Smooth, shortened coat, the color can be absolutely any shade of red. They can grow to 70 cm tall and weigh up to 34 kg.

Character

They love life! The maximally lively, active, cheerful African lion hound prefers to spend all its time outdoors.

Rhodesian Ridgeback – the owner of high intelligence, attached to people, can get along in any family. Good defenders, they can be trusted to guard the house, fearless, not afraid to attack a detractor larger than themselves.

Care

When getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback as a pet, every owner must remember that the dog badly needs space to run around. A large yard or the opportunity to often walk in the park without a leash is an important detail that should not be neglected for optimal maintenance of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Grooming for a short coat is minimal; for a healthy and shiny look, it is advisable to bathe once a month with special care products: shampoo, oil, and brush. Rhodesian Ridgeback’s peculiarity is a rough skin on elbows, which must be moisturized with creams.

Training

When training the Rhodesian Ridgeback, have patience, persistence, and consistency. He is susceptible to training, but his innate stubbornness spoils everything. Be smarter than your dog! Keep an eye on your pet’s condition during practice, and try to distract and play more often.

Common Diseases

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of dog with good health. Diseases are only possible with improper and negligent care of the pet. The owner may encounter such diseases of the pet:

• intestinal or bloating;
• hip dysplasia;
• dermoid sinus;
• thyroid disorders;
• degenerative myelopathy;
• gastritis;
• osteochondrosis;
• cataract;
• deafness;
• entropion.

Dogs can also become obese and allergic if they are fed incorrectly. Infectious diseases can develop. It is important not to forget to give your timely pet vaccinations and preventive measures against parasites and worms.

Nutrition

The main thing that owners of Rhodesian Ridgebacks need to remember about nutrition is to overfeed the pet! It is a breed designed to stay active and get exactly as many calories as they can spend. Products that are always included in the diet of the Rhodesian Ridgeback: raw or boiled beef or veal, raw cartilage, fish, offal, eggs, dairy products. When planning what to feed Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies recently brought home, remember, the baby’s diet differs from that of an adult dog. It is possible to give milk to a growing individual and include more caloric foods that contain the calcium needed during a period of active growth. Feed a growing dog several times a day, gradually reducing the number of meals. Try to stick to fixed feeding times so that your dog develops a daily routine from childhood.