African ridgeback dog: breed description and photo

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

One of the most unusual, smart and beautiful dogs is the African Ridgeback. This breed is better known as the Rhodesian Ridgeback - after the name of the area where its breeding was started. The Ridgeback is the only dog from Africa recognized by the International Canine Association. In Europe, it appeared only in the 20th century, but has already become very popular.

History of the breed

African Ridgebacks are bred from hunting dogs that have long been used by local African tribes in hunting lions. Such crested dogs have been known in the region since the beginning of our era. But only at the end of the 18th century, the features of these animals were noticed by immigrants from Europe. They began to cross with other dogs and were actively used for hunting and protecting homes. So the breeding of a new breed began. African dogs were crossed with a greyhound, a great dane, a terrier, a mastiff. And in the 20s of the 20th century, a new breed appeared, which was called the Rhodesian Ridgeback. In 1924, she was recognized and became the only African dog inInternational Breed Classification.

For her fearlessness and ability to help hunt lions, she is also called the African Lionhound. Because of this, she was very popular in Africa. But now most often the African Ridgeback is used as a companion, since this breed is easy to keep in a country house and even in a city apartment. These dogs live 12-15 years and remain active until old age.

In Russia, the African Ridgeback breed became known only in the 90s of the 20th century, and their breeding began in 1993. But even then they became very popular. Mind, calmness and devotion to the owner have become the hallmark of these dogs. Therefore, they are turned on by many rich and famous people. This breed is not always available to ordinary lovers, as it is quite expensive - at least 60 thousand rubles.

Interesting facts and features

The Ridgeback is also called the African Lion Dog because it can be used to hunt lions. This is one of the most amazing breeds. This is a very active, hardy and strong dog. She is brave and not aggressive, very smart and playful. Its distinctive feature is the presence on the back of a comb of wool growing in a different direction. It's called "ridge". In addition, this breed is distinguished by character traits. This is an extremely intelligent and active dog. She is highly trainable and very loyal.

Features of the breed are explained by the purpose of its breeding. We needed a dog that would tolerate temperature changes well, adapt todifficult conditions and protected the dwelling from predators. In addition, it was required that she be fearless, devoted to the owner and able to participate in the hunt. The African Ridgeback dog has all of these traits. She is hardy, brave and smart, fearlessly chasing a lion and protecting her master from any danger.

The peculiarities of dogs of this breed also include the fact that they rarely bark, despite the fact that they have a loud voice, courage and determination. But these dogs are quite silent and reserved. And what can be said about the content of the African Ridgeback at home? According to the owners, these are rather calm and lazy dogs. They love children, become attached to other pets, but on the condition that they grew up with them. But on the street they are very active and can be aggressive towards other animals, especially cats.

Appearance of the African Ridgeback

The photo of this dog shows how beautiful and unusual she is. Therefore, it is popular not only among professional breeders, but also among ordinary amateurs. The main distinguishing feature of the African Ridgeback dog breed is its coat. Short and thick, it is shiny, but should not be soft or silky. In addition, its color can indicate the origin of the dog. It usually ranges from light wheaten to golden in color. They are also bright red. But there may be a dark mask on the muzzle, there is also blackness on the ears. A white spot on the chest is also acceptable. The ridgeback coat also has one distinguishing feature that onlyrepresentatives of this breed: Ridge. This is a strip that runs along the ridge. It starts between the shoulder blades and ends at the hips. The ridge should be symmetrical and have two whorls at the shoulder blades. Its width is about 5 cm, and the edges are clearly defined.

The breed standard was approved in 1924. It is noted there that these dogs should weigh from 32 to 36 kg, and their height is 60-69 cm. Also in the description of the African Ridgeback breed there are such standards:

• a head with a flat, wide skull, with a slight but pronounced transition to the forehead, in a calm state it should not have wrinkles;
• muzzle long, with powerful jaws and scissor bite, eyes round and widely spaced, dark, nose also black or dark brown;
• ears are set high, hanging and close to the head, they are of medium size and taper towards the end;
• back strong, slightly convex in the lower back, powerful;
• tail not docked, tapering down, never curled, only slightly raised;
• legs straight, rather muscular, toes compact, free gait.

Character of Ridgebacks

These dogs are distinguished by intelligence, endurance and good trainability. They are self-confident and have an independent character. African Ridgebacks, if there is no danger to the owners, are indifferent to the surrounding people. But in the event of a threat, they fearlessly rush to the defense of the owner. Although by nature representatives of this breed are completely non-aggressive.

It is believedthat the character of an African Ridgeback dog breed is complex. She is self-willed and proud. Therefore, only a strong-willed, strict owner can contain it. Weak and weak-willed, she simply will not obey. These are very independent dogs. They are able to subtly feel the mood of a person. In addition, they are touchy and stubborn. Therefore, it is very important to properly educate them from puppyhood.

But there are also a lot of positive qualities in the characteristics of the African Ridgeback. This is an intelligent, intelligent and well-mannered dog. They have self-esteem and are able to make independent decisions in a difficult situation. Ridgeback is loyal to his master, becomes attached to him and is not aggressive towards strangers. Usually these dogs have a balanced character and high intelligence. They understand everything and have the instinct of a guard. They can cheer up the owner in a difficult period of life. Although they do not bother with their society. These dogs get along well with children, are not bloodthirsty or vicious, they allow the child a lot.

Education and training

Training the African Ridgeback should start as early as possible. It is important that the owner has plenty of time to train and walk the puppy. If the owner does not have experience in keeping such headstrong and stubborn dogs, it is better to do this under the guidance of an experienced dog handler. In education, it is important to show firmness and consistency. But harshness and physical punishment are unacceptable. These dogs are vindictive and keenly feel injustice. Undeserved, from their point of view, punishment canremember for a long time.

If such a smart and stubborn dog falls into the hands of an inexperienced, weak owner, the African Ridgeback can get the better of him and will do whatever he wants. In this case, the dog will behave like the leader of the pack. Therefore, it is not recommended to start African Ridgebacks for timid and gentle people. Such a dog should immediately understand who is the boss in the house. She needs a firm hand and determination in education.

These dogs are easy to train and usually learn all the commands the first time. But they don't always do it - it's hard to get a Ridgeback to do something he doesn't want to. To achieve his master can only caress and patience. These dogs are very intelligent, with the right approach, they are able to remember many, even unusual commands. In addition, it is very important not to leave your pet alone for a long time. Ridgebacks are constantly in need of companionship, and due to loneliness, they can show signs of destructive behavior.

Features of the use of the breed

The history of Ridgebacks comes from hunting dogs. Their local tribes used to hunt lions and guard their homes. Therefore, now the dogs of this breed are fearless and strong. They are great as a guard or watchman. Due to its endurance and ability to adapt to different climatic conditions, the African Ridgeback can be started by people who lead an active lifestyle. The dog will become an excellent partner and companion for such a person.

The representatives of this breed have a very good sense of smell and eyesight, they are able to easily pick up the trail,long chase prey. Thanks to these qualities, African Ridgeback dogs are often used not only in hunting. They spread all over the world and became popular. They are used by the police to catch criminals. Moreover, females are more suitable for hunting and search service, and males are used as guards.

In addition, as already mentioned, the African Ridgeback dog can be a great companion for an active person. She is extremely active and often participates in various sports and entertainment shows. And thanks to its cleanliness and unpretentiousness, it is easy to keep even in a city apartment.

How to choose

Buying an African Ridgeback is only for those people who can give their pet the opportunity to move a lot. These animals need to run in the wild, as they are descended from hunting dogs. The animal is perfect for a city apartment and especially for a country house. Keeping an African Ridgeback at home does not cause any difficulties. This dog is compact, clean, well-mannered. But before buying a puppy of this breed, you should think carefully. Children and the elderly simply cannot cope with such a dog; it does not suit weak-willed or mild-mannered people either. In addition, despite the fact that Ridgebacks love to run and adapt well to different conditions, it is undesirable to keep them in an open-air cage on the street. These dogs are very important constant communication with the owner. In addition, it is very important to provide the pet with sufficientexercise rather than keep on the chain.

If a person definitely decided to get an African Ridgeback dog, you need to carefully consider the choice of a puppy. You need to visit exhibitions, meet breeders, choose a dog breeding club. Ridgebacks are still a rare breed in our country, but they are bred, and representatives of domestic clubs often take first places at international exhibitions. Therefore, you can choose the parents of a puppy with a good pedigree. When buying a dog, you need to pay attention to the conditions of the animals, their he alth. A puppy is bought at the age of at least one and a half months. He should be he althy, with strong bones, a slightly elongated body. If you need to exhibit an animal, it is important to pay attention to the presence of the correct ridge.

African Ridgeback: how to care

These dogs require minimal grooming. Due to the short dense coat without undercoat, they are odorless. You can bathe them once every 2 months or as they become dirty. It is enough just to comb out the coat with a special brush or mitten 1-2 times a month. Bathing a Ridgeback is easy and dries quickly. Therefore, it is okay to let your dog bathe in safe pools during the summer.

In addition to hair care, you need to pay attention to the care of your pet's teeth, claws and ears. You need to regularly trim your nails, examine and clean your ears, brush your teeth every week. In cold weather, it is better to wear insulated overalls on your pet, as Ridgebacks do not have a warm undercoat.

In addition, when keeping a dog at homeconditions, it is very important to maintain its physical shape. To do this, you need to walk your pet every day, allowing him to run for at least 30 minutes. Regularly it is desirable to take the dog to nature, where she can frolic in the wild. Ridgebacks can run for a long time, so the owner can make joint marathons or bike rides with the pet.

Dog food

Proper nutrition is very important for maintaining he alth and fitness. Many inexperienced owners make mistakes in keeping an African Ridgeback. What to feed such a dog, they do not find out, as a result, the pet develops various he alth disorders.

When feeding animals with natural food, it is very important to balance the diet so that the dog receives all the necessary nutrients. It is necessary to give her natural meat, offal, fish. It is not recommended to give bones to an adult dog. It is important that cereals, vegetables, dairy products are present in the diet. Do not give your pet sweets, fried foods, onions, legumes, chocolate.

An alternative to natural foods are ready-made dry and wet foods. But you need to choose food only of high quality, so that it is balanced and does not contain harmful chemical components. Choose a product according to the age and preferences of the pet, but it must be premium.

Ridgeback he alth

Dogs of this breed have strong immunity. They are usually he althy, but in modern urban conditions, even such hardy animals can get sick. Ridgebacks sometimesthere is hip dysplasia or osteochondrosis of the spine, cataracts. Often they are prone to obesity and allergic reactions. Therefore, it is very important to properly feed the pet, take regular check-ups to the veterinarian and vaccinate on time. Then the African Ridgeback will please the owner for a long time with his mind, cheerful and active disposition.