The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a medium sized dog of the Hound group. A line of hair shaped like the blade of a broadsword runs in the reverse direction along the back, with its widest part at the shoulder and the point towards the tail. This is the ridge for which the breed is named, and is a distinct marking found in a very few breeds of dog.

The breed originated in South Africa, and they were originally bred to hunt lion. They are of quiet temperament and rarely barking, they enjoy spending many hours of the day lazily curled up in the corner of a room, or stretched out on the ground in the summer sun. They have an extremly affectionate disposition and a desire for human companionship and attention. This love of affection has made them particularly desirable as pets for families with children.

Possessing superior intelligence, Ridgebacks are anxious to please and are readily trained to their masters' commands. Their famous reputation as fearless, but wary, hunters was first established in Africa where, either in packs or individually, they could bay a lion and survive. In Africa, their endurance and an inborn zest for hunting enabled them to follow and bring down wounded game. There are also reports of their excellance in treeing leopards, and , from South America, for hunting jaguars. In the United States and Canada, Ridgebacks have been used to hunt deer, bear, mountain lion, lynx, bobcat, and wild pigs, as well as retrieve waterfowl. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have successfully used Ridgebacks in trailing humans during the summer months. They have been used as guard dogs in their native country, and by the police in many countries throughout the world.

The coloring of the Ridgeback range from light wheaten to red wheaten. A little white on the chest and toes. Sizes about 65 to 75 pounds, with a very deep and capacious chest.

For More information check out these great sites:

-The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, Inc.

-Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue

-More information from Yahoo!

 
                          










Source: Rhodesian Ridgebacks by Frank C. Lutman, MD
©Copyright 2001 Julie Ross
Unauthorized duplication strictly prohibited

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