Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Breed History
| "Grace" |
| "Grace" and "Allie" |
History
In November 1955 the American Kennel Club admitted the
Rhodesian Ridgeback to its Stud Book as the 112th breed to
be accorded AKC registration facilities. The Rhodesian
Ridgeback is shown in the Hound Group (Group 2). Since this
recognition of the Rhodesian Ridgeback by the American
Kennel Club, intense and greater interest has developed in the
breed in this country.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a native of South Africa. The
breed's long history dates back to early in the 16th century
when the first European men explored the interior on the Cape
of Good Hope and found with the Hottentot tribes a
domesticated dog with the hair on his spine being turned
forward. This is the condition which we now refer to as the
"ridge." The only other known dog which has the peculiarity of
such a ridge is found on the island of Phu Quoc in the Gulf of
Siam. It has never been definitely determined whether the
peculiarity of this ridge originated in South Africa or on the
island of Phu Quoc, but the evidence available seems to
indicate that it originated in South Africa and that specimens of
dogs with ridges were transported from South Africa to the
island of Phu Quoc.
It is not known where the Hottentots first obtained these dogs. It
is common knowledge that the Hottentot had pronounced
Asiatic features and that his ancestors probably hailed from the
East. If this is so, it may be assumed that the ridged dog
accompanied him on his peregrination until he finally reached
Africa.
Hunter, Guard and Companion
The foundation stock of the Rhodesian Ridgeback was
developed by the first European settlers in South Africa to fill
their specific needs for a serviceable hunting dog in the wilds.
The Dutch, Germans and Huguenots who migrated to South
Africa in the 16th and 17th centuries brought with them Danes,
Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Salukis, Bloodhounds and other breeds.
However, for more than 100 years from 1707, European
immigration was closed; consequently, the importation of
additional dogs of these or other breeds was not possible.
Good hunting dogs, therefore, became hard to come by and
their value was high. The settlers needed a dog that could flush
a few partridge, pull down a wounded stag, or guard the farm
from marauding animals and prowlers at night. They also
needed a dog that could withstand the rigors of the African
bush, hold up under drastic changes in temperature, from the
heat of the day to nights below freezing, and go a full 24 hours
or more without water if need be. They required a short-haired
dog that would not be eaten alive by ticks. In addition, the settler
needed a companion that would stay by him while he slept in
the bush and that would be devoted to his wife and children.
Out of necessity, therefore, these settlers developed, by
selective breeding between dogs which they had brought with
them from home countries and the half-wild ridged dog of the
Hottentot tribes, a distinct breed of the African veldt, which has
come to be known as the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The Hottentot
dogs played the most important part in the development and
ultimate characteristics of the new breed. Throughout all of the
interbreeding and crossbreeding between these native dogs
and those of the settlers, the ridge of the Hottentot dog was
respected and retained. In due course, the Hottentot dog
established the foundation stock of our present day Rhodesian
Ridgeback.
There is no doubt the Rhodesians (now people of the country
known as Zimbabwe) have developed the breed as we know it
today from the original stock. In the year 1875, the intrepid
missionary, Rev. Charles Helm, undertook a journey from his
home in Swellendam in the Cape Province of South Africa to
Rhodesia. He was accompanied by two of these dogs. While
the Rev. Helm was in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) Cornelius von
Rooyen, the big-game hunter and early authority on the South
African wildlife, borrowed the two dogs to take along on a hunt.
Von Rooyen soon concluded that they possessed excellent
instinctive hunting qualities and thereupon pioneered the
breeding of a pack of the species as hunters of big game for
his own use. They have since been bred on an extensive scale
in Rhodesia and were given the name of that country.
In 1922 the first Ridgeback Club was founded at a show in
Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia, and a standard of points for the
breed was set, which differs little from the prevailing standard
today. In 1924 the Ridgeback was also recognized by the South
African Kennel Union as a distinct breed and the organization
recognized its first registered dog. Only two dogs were
registered with the SAKU in that year, followed by four in 1925,
and not less than eleven in 1926. Today, the Rhodesian
Ridgeback is one of the most popular dogs in South Africa.
Breed Recognized by AKC
It is not known definitely when the Rhodesian Ridgeback was
first brought into the United States. A few were imported prior to
1940, possibly as early as 1912. However, after World War II
(between 1946 and 1955 -- when the breed was recognized by
AKC), quite a large number of Rhodesian Ridgebacks were
imported, not only into the United States, but also into England
and Canada. Their hunting characteristics have also proved to
be useful in hunting native game in other parts of the world.
Intelligent and ever alert, their heads are held high with pride
and, with a set of feet that will carry them over any sort of
country, they are the only breed of dog in the world that can
keep a lion at bay for the hunter to kill....and live! The
Rhodesian Ridgeback has also been used very successfully
for hunting bobcat, mountain lion, bear, coyote, deer, wild boar
and raccoon in the United States, Canada and Mexico. There
have also been reports of Rhodesian Ridgebacks having been
trained to point upland game and retrieve game and fowl.
Breed Characteristics
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has the advantage of having keen
sight, and a good nose for scent. Due to the wide-open terrain
of the southern African veldt, coupled with the habits of the
game to be hunted and the techniques required to hunt such
game in that terrain, the Ridgeback was developed as a silent
trailer, characteristic of its sight hound ancestry. When the
terrain becomes more varied, where baying is desirable to
keep track of the hunting pack (such as in areas of the United
States where these dogs have been used), supplementation
with baying hounds (more typical of scent hounds) has been
done.
Possessing many of the characteristics generally associated
with hounds, the Ridgeback has a quiet, gentle temperament,
rarely barking. While able to enjoy lazing around in a patch of
sun, or in front of a winter fireplace, a Ridgeback can be
instantly alert if a stranger should appear or he is in pursuit of
legitimate prey. Where he gave the impression of a big, lazy,
slow-moving animal, the Ridgeback can be a threatening
presence as a watchdog. Developed not only to hunt, but also
as a family protector, his affectionate disposition makes him a
trustworthy companion for a small child. He is easily trained,
being, more than many hounds, of above-average tractability.
However, because of this intelligence, an untrained Ridgeback
can become a terrible nuisance! Trained, he is a pleasure as a
companion, a hunting partner, or as a show dog or obedience
competitor. Because of his innate abilities to protect his family,
a Ridgeback should not be trained as a guard dog but rather
the natural protective qualities should be supplemented with
elementary obedience training for control.
U.S. Clubs Form
In 1948 a group of enthusiastic Rhodesian Ridgeback owners
in the United States organized the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club
of America, for the primary purpose of accumulating the data
and preparing the documents and pedigrees of dogs in the
United States as required obtaining recognition of the breed by
the American Kennel Club. Their activities were rewarded in
1955 when AKC conferred official recognition upon the breed.
After this recognition, which made possible the showing of
Rhodesian Ridgebacks in shows for championship points,
there was organized by owners and breeders throughout the
U.S., the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, for
the purpose of sponsoring AKC sanctioned matches and
licensed shows. Both of these organizations were actively
engaged in promoting the breed through national advertising.
Many Rhodesian Ridgeback owners and breeders were
members of and supported both of these clubs. In order to
combine the activities of the two clubs, they were, on March 6,
1959, combined into one organization under the name of the
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States. The program
of the combined clubs incorporated the promotion of the breed
with publicizing and popularizing of the breed in the U.S., and
forming a close association with the breed clubs in South
Africa, Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), England and Canada. On April
10, 1968, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
was incorporated in the state of Texas. Finally, on March 9,
1971, the American Kennel Club formally admitted the
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, Inc. as a
member club.
A Ridgeback's Life
As puppies, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are fun loving, exuberant,
inquisitive, and somewhat rambunctious. A six-month old
Ridgeback puppy can unmeaning knock over a toddler.
Toddlers can unmeaning heap arbitrary punishment upon a
young and impressionable puppy. Therefore, parents should
exercise a great amount of supervision so that neither puppy
nor baby inflicts abuse upon one another. This holds true
throughout the preschool age period of a child and for the first
18 to 24 months of a Ridgeback's life. Mature Ridgebacks and
school age children are best buddies and friends for life.
The Ridgeback is not a trouble-maker; however, once attacked
or threatened by another dog, the Ridgeback will stand its
ground and fight if it has to. Most of the time a Ridgeback is
only looking for a doggy pal to play with and does not normally
view other dogs as a threat. However, multiple, intact males
around non-spayed females can create some problems. A
Ridgeback is very good with cats, but should be exposed to
them when it (the Ridgeback) is young.
As guard dogs, Ridgebacks use great discretion. They are not
frantic barkers and they are not looking to attack anyone.
Usually, they will give a couple of loud bellows to get your
attention and let you know someone is on the property. They do
not bark indiscriminately. When Ridgebacks bark, they have a
good reason to do so but will usually stop when you tell them --
unless they are certain you are not aware of what they are trying
to tell you. It is always wise to investigate when Ridgebacks
bark. Until you tell them everything is okay, they will continue to
act alert and wary around strangers.
A Ridgeback should not be trusted to stay within unfenced
property boundaries. They are hounds and have a good nose
and excellent vision. Because of this they will take off,
completely forgetting imaginary boundary lines, if they see
something that captures their interest. Fencing is a must -- a
minimum of 5 feet. Young Ridgebacks get bored easily and
they can dig some good-sized holes. If you are going to have to
keep your puppy or young dog alone for hours on end, day after
day, construct a good-sized indoor/outdoor run to keep him out
of boredom mischief.
Because of his short coat and very little shedding, the
Ridgeback stays clean and odor free. Once a week
currycombing, occasional baths, ear cleaning, and nail
trimming are all that is needed to keep him well groomed and
fit to live in your house. Ridgebacks are ``people'' dogs. They
like to be where you are, and if you allow it, they'll crawl into your
bed, onto your sofa or favorite chair and your lap. You have to
decide what acceptable behavior is and train them accordingly
at a very early age. They are very easy to housebreak if the
owner is diligent and exercises common sense in the training
period. It is best to limit a young dog to certain areas of your
house where you can keep an eye on him. As older dogs they
usually can have full roam of the house with no problems.
Train them early to ride in the car. A crate is strongly
recommended as it acts as their seat belt and allows you to
open car windows widely in warm weather. Never leave a dog
in the car in hot weather -- even for a short period of time.It is
rare that a Ridgeback is found to be a fussy eater. If a
Ridgeback suddenly refuses to eat, it is most likely sick and a
veterinarian should be consulted. Their appetites are large,
and no matter how much food you give them, they will try to
convince you that it is not enough. Free feeding is not
recommended for a Ridgeback. The biggest problem with
first-time Ridgeback owners is that they allow their dogs to get
too fat. It is best to follow your breeder's advice to the letter
concerning type and quantity of food to feed. Ridgebacks are
inherently adept at stealing food off of table tops -- so stand
warned.
A Ridgeback, especially a young one, should have a safe place
to exercise. This does not have to be several times a day or
even every day. A couple of times a week to run and stretch
muscles and get rid of young-dog exuberance is usually all that
is needed. A brisk walk a few times a day in combination with
periodic high energy runs are all that is needed for those who
do not have the benefit of fenced property or who live in the city
or an apartment.
In November 1955 the American Kennel Club admitted the
Rhodesian Ridgeback to its Stud Book as the 112th breed to
be accorded AKC registration facilities. The Rhodesian
Ridgeback is shown in the Hound Group (Group 2). Since this
recognition of the Rhodesian Ridgeback by the American
Kennel Club, intense and greater interest has developed in the
breed in this country.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a native of South Africa. The
breed's long history dates back to early in the 16th century
when the first European men explored the interior on the Cape
of Good Hope and found with the Hottentot tribes a
domesticated dog with the hair on his spine being turned
forward. This is the condition which we now refer to as the
"ridge." The only other known dog which has the peculiarity of
such a ridge is found on the island of Phu Quoc in the Gulf of
Siam. It has never been definitely determined whether the
peculiarity of this ridge originated in South Africa or on the
island of Phu Quoc, but the evidence available seems to
indicate that it originated in South Africa and that specimens of
dogs with ridges were transported from South Africa to the
island of Phu Quoc.
It is not known where the Hottentots first obtained these dogs. It
is common knowledge that the Hottentot had pronounced
Asiatic features and that his ancestors probably hailed from the
East. If this is so, it may be assumed that the ridged dog
accompanied him on his peregrination until he finally reached
Africa.
Hunter, Guard and Companion
The foundation stock of the Rhodesian Ridgeback was
developed by the first European settlers in South Africa to fill
their specific needs for a serviceable hunting dog in the wilds.
The Dutch, Germans and Huguenots who migrated to South
Africa in the 16th and 17th centuries brought with them Danes,
Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Salukis, Bloodhounds and other breeds.
However, for more than 100 years from 1707, European
immigration was closed; consequently, the importation of
additional dogs of these or other breeds was not possible.
Good hunting dogs, therefore, became hard to come by and
their value was high. The settlers needed a dog that could flush
a few partridge, pull down a wounded stag, or guard the farm
from marauding animals and prowlers at night. They also
needed a dog that could withstand the rigors of the African
bush, hold up under drastic changes in temperature, from the
heat of the day to nights below freezing, and go a full 24 hours
or more without water if need be. They required a short-haired
dog that would not be eaten alive by ticks. In addition, the settler
needed a companion that would stay by him while he slept in
the bush and that would be devoted to his wife and children.
Out of necessity, therefore, these settlers developed, by
selective breeding between dogs which they had brought with
them from home countries and the half-wild ridged dog of the
Hottentot tribes, a distinct breed of the African veldt, which has
come to be known as the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The Hottentot
dogs played the most important part in the development and
ultimate characteristics of the new breed. Throughout all of the
interbreeding and crossbreeding between these native dogs
and those of the settlers, the ridge of the Hottentot dog was
respected and retained. In due course, the Hottentot dog
established the foundation stock of our present day Rhodesian
Ridgeback.
There is no doubt the Rhodesians (now people of the country
known as Zimbabwe) have developed the breed as we know it
today from the original stock. In the year 1875, the intrepid
missionary, Rev. Charles Helm, undertook a journey from his
home in Swellendam in the Cape Province of South Africa to
Rhodesia. He was accompanied by two of these dogs. While
the Rev. Helm was in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) Cornelius von
Rooyen, the big-game hunter and early authority on the South
African wildlife, borrowed the two dogs to take along on a hunt.
Von Rooyen soon concluded that they possessed excellent
instinctive hunting qualities and thereupon pioneered the
breeding of a pack of the species as hunters of big game for
his own use. They have since been bred on an extensive scale
in Rhodesia and were given the name of that country.
In 1922 the first Ridgeback Club was founded at a show in
Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia, and a standard of points for the
breed was set, which differs little from the prevailing standard
today. In 1924 the Ridgeback was also recognized by the South
African Kennel Union as a distinct breed and the organization
recognized its first registered dog. Only two dogs were
registered with the SAKU in that year, followed by four in 1925,
and not less than eleven in 1926. Today, the Rhodesian
Ridgeback is one of the most popular dogs in South Africa.
Breed Recognized by AKC
It is not known definitely when the Rhodesian Ridgeback was
first brought into the United States. A few were imported prior to
1940, possibly as early as 1912. However, after World War II
(between 1946 and 1955 -- when the breed was recognized by
AKC), quite a large number of Rhodesian Ridgebacks were
imported, not only into the United States, but also into England
and Canada. Their hunting characteristics have also proved to
be useful in hunting native game in other parts of the world.
Intelligent and ever alert, their heads are held high with pride
and, with a set of feet that will carry them over any sort of
country, they are the only breed of dog in the world that can
keep a lion at bay for the hunter to kill....and live! The
Rhodesian Ridgeback has also been used very successfully
for hunting bobcat, mountain lion, bear, coyote, deer, wild boar
and raccoon in the United States, Canada and Mexico. There
have also been reports of Rhodesian Ridgebacks having been
trained to point upland game and retrieve game and fowl.
Breed Characteristics
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has the advantage of having keen
sight, and a good nose for scent. Due to the wide-open terrain
of the southern African veldt, coupled with the habits of the
game to be hunted and the techniques required to hunt such
game in that terrain, the Ridgeback was developed as a silent
trailer, characteristic of its sight hound ancestry. When the
terrain becomes more varied, where baying is desirable to
keep track of the hunting pack (such as in areas of the United
States where these dogs have been used), supplementation
with baying hounds (more typical of scent hounds) has been
done.
Possessing many of the characteristics generally associated
with hounds, the Ridgeback has a quiet, gentle temperament,
rarely barking. While able to enjoy lazing around in a patch of
sun, or in front of a winter fireplace, a Ridgeback can be
instantly alert if a stranger should appear or he is in pursuit of
legitimate prey. Where he gave the impression of a big, lazy,
slow-moving animal, the Ridgeback can be a threatening
presence as a watchdog. Developed not only to hunt, but also
as a family protector, his affectionate disposition makes him a
trustworthy companion for a small child. He is easily trained,
being, more than many hounds, of above-average tractability.
However, because of this intelligence, an untrained Ridgeback
can become a terrible nuisance! Trained, he is a pleasure as a
companion, a hunting partner, or as a show dog or obedience
competitor. Because of his innate abilities to protect his family,
a Ridgeback should not be trained as a guard dog but rather
the natural protective qualities should be supplemented with
elementary obedience training for control.
U.S. Clubs Form
In 1948 a group of enthusiastic Rhodesian Ridgeback owners
in the United States organized the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club
of America, for the primary purpose of accumulating the data
and preparing the documents and pedigrees of dogs in the
United States as required obtaining recognition of the breed by
the American Kennel Club. Their activities were rewarded in
1955 when AKC conferred official recognition upon the breed.
After this recognition, which made possible the showing of
Rhodesian Ridgebacks in shows for championship points,
there was organized by owners and breeders throughout the
U.S., the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, for
the purpose of sponsoring AKC sanctioned matches and
licensed shows. Both of these organizations were actively
engaged in promoting the breed through national advertising.
Many Rhodesian Ridgeback owners and breeders were
members of and supported both of these clubs. In order to
combine the activities of the two clubs, they were, on March 6,
1959, combined into one organization under the name of the
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States. The program
of the combined clubs incorporated the promotion of the breed
with publicizing and popularizing of the breed in the U.S., and
forming a close association with the breed clubs in South
Africa, Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), England and Canada. On April
10, 1968, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
was incorporated in the state of Texas. Finally, on March 9,
1971, the American Kennel Club formally admitted the
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, Inc. as a
member club.
A Ridgeback's Life
As puppies, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are fun loving, exuberant,
inquisitive, and somewhat rambunctious. A six-month old
Ridgeback puppy can unmeaning knock over a toddler.
Toddlers can unmeaning heap arbitrary punishment upon a
young and impressionable puppy. Therefore, parents should
exercise a great amount of supervision so that neither puppy
nor baby inflicts abuse upon one another. This holds true
throughout the preschool age period of a child and for the first
18 to 24 months of a Ridgeback's life. Mature Ridgebacks and
school age children are best buddies and friends for life.
The Ridgeback is not a trouble-maker; however, once attacked
or threatened by another dog, the Ridgeback will stand its
ground and fight if it has to. Most of the time a Ridgeback is
only looking for a doggy pal to play with and does not normally
view other dogs as a threat. However, multiple, intact males
around non-spayed females can create some problems. A
Ridgeback is very good with cats, but should be exposed to
them when it (the Ridgeback) is young.
As guard dogs, Ridgebacks use great discretion. They are not
frantic barkers and they are not looking to attack anyone.
Usually, they will give a couple of loud bellows to get your
attention and let you know someone is on the property. They do
not bark indiscriminately. When Ridgebacks bark, they have a
good reason to do so but will usually stop when you tell them --
unless they are certain you are not aware of what they are trying
to tell you. It is always wise to investigate when Ridgebacks
bark. Until you tell them everything is okay, they will continue to
act alert and wary around strangers.
A Ridgeback should not be trusted to stay within unfenced
property boundaries. They are hounds and have a good nose
and excellent vision. Because of this they will take off,
completely forgetting imaginary boundary lines, if they see
something that captures their interest. Fencing is a must -- a
minimum of 5 feet. Young Ridgebacks get bored easily and
they can dig some good-sized holes. If you are going to have to
keep your puppy or young dog alone for hours on end, day after
day, construct a good-sized indoor/outdoor run to keep him out
of boredom mischief.
Because of his short coat and very little shedding, the
Ridgeback stays clean and odor free. Once a week
currycombing, occasional baths, ear cleaning, and nail
trimming are all that is needed to keep him well groomed and
fit to live in your house. Ridgebacks are ``people'' dogs. They
like to be where you are, and if you allow it, they'll crawl into your
bed, onto your sofa or favorite chair and your lap. You have to
decide what acceptable behavior is and train them accordingly
at a very early age. They are very easy to housebreak if the
owner is diligent and exercises common sense in the training
period. It is best to limit a young dog to certain areas of your
house where you can keep an eye on him. As older dogs they
usually can have full roam of the house with no problems.
Train them early to ride in the car. A crate is strongly
recommended as it acts as their seat belt and allows you to
open car windows widely in warm weather. Never leave a dog
in the car in hot weather -- even for a short period of time.It is
rare that a Ridgeback is found to be a fussy eater. If a
Ridgeback suddenly refuses to eat, it is most likely sick and a
veterinarian should be consulted. Their appetites are large,
and no matter how much food you give them, they will try to
convince you that it is not enough. Free feeding is not
recommended for a Ridgeback. The biggest problem with
first-time Ridgeback owners is that they allow their dogs to get
too fat. It is best to follow your breeder's advice to the letter
concerning type and quantity of food to feed. Ridgebacks are
inherently adept at stealing food off of table tops -- so stand
warned.
A Ridgeback, especially a young one, should have a safe place
to exercise. This does not have to be several times a day or
even every day. A couple of times a week to run and stretch
muscles and get rid of young-dog exuberance is usually all that
is needed. A brisk walk a few times a day in combination with
periodic high energy runs are all that is needed for those who
do not have the benefit of fenced property or who live in the city
or an apartment.
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