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Rhodesian Ridgeback

 

 




The dog has an enviable mind; it remembers the nice things in life and quickly blots out the nasty." 
- Barbara Woodhouse, Irish author and dog trainer


Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy

Lionhounds Tor of Shambaridge
"Tor"

 

Rhodesian Ridgeback adult

Shumbatsvuku Kimba
"Ki"

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a unique dog. He is the only breed to hail from South Africa. Cornelius van Rooyen, a big-game hunter, developed the Rhodesian Ridgeback to hunt lions in the late 1800s. 

Typically working in pairs, the dogs would harass and goad a lion to keep it off balance until hunters arrive with their rifles.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is also one of only two breeds to have a ridge of hair along his backbone from shoulder to hip that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of his coat. 

He takes his name from this distinctive feature and the country of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). 

The Rhodesian Ridgeback stands up to 27 inches at the shoulder and has a short, sleek wheaten-coloured coat that requires minimal grooming. This is a powerful and muscular dog with great endurance tenacity, and speed. His incredible eyesight is matched only by his incredible nose! Both are used to great effect when he is on the hunt.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a super watch and guard dog. He is alert, bold, loyal, and fearless. However, he also makes a great family pet and companion as he bonds strongly with his family. His owner should be a strong leader who will be able to control a large, independent, active dog.

Smart, and responsive, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is very trainable. However, like many of the hounds, he is an independent thinker and can be stubborn! Training should therefore begin early and be firm and consistent. Puppies should be socialized to other family pets. 

As a stalker of big game, this breed is used to being active and requires daily vigorous exercise. Surprisingly, he loves to swim! A rural environment is best, and a fenced yard is mandatory.

 

 
Resources


Buying a Puppy

Dog Titles 

Disaster Proofing

 

 
Clubs and Organizations

 

Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Canada

Association of Rhodesian Ridgeback Fanciers
 
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Eastern Canada

 

 

 

List Me! Button

 
Maple Leaf   CanaDogs.com Breeders Maple Leaf

CKC Rodesian Ridgeback Breed Standard


Photos displayed above courtesy of:
Teri Hyde, Shambaridge Reg'd
British Columbia




 

British Columbia

Kennel/Website

Teri J Hyde
13101 Cameron Road
Ladysmith, BC  V9G 1M1
(250) 245-8979
Email:
shambaridge@shaw.ca

Shambaridge Reg'd



 

Ontario

Kennel/Website

Brendon and Lisa Conley
2471 County Road 4, RR#3
Demorestville, ON   K0K 1W0
(613) 476-3574
Email: 
conleybl@kos.net

FoxTrot Reg'd


Gail Morris and Kasimir Paszko
870 Conc. 3
St. Eugene, ON  K0B 1P0
(613) 674-3087
Email:
vikela@vikela.on.ca

Vikela Reg'd

 

 
Ask An Expert

 
Rescue

 

Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
Carole Bradley-Kennedy
National Coordinator

(905) 812-0568

 

Did you know?


In general Ridgebacks pursue prey by sight,
and if the prey is not in sight, Ridgebacks track by scent.

This has led to a debate
on whether the Ridgeback
is a sight hound or a scent hound.

 

 
   

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