The Rhodesian Ridgeback should represent a well balanced,
strong, muscular, agile and active dog, symmetrical in outline and capable of great
endurance with a fair amount of speed. The emphasis is on agility, elegance and
soundness with no tendency towards massiveness. The peculiarity of the breed is the
ridge on the back, which is formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the
rest of the coat.
Characteristics
The ridge is the escutcheon of the breed. The ridge must be
clearly defined, symmetrical and tapering towards the haunch. It must start
immediately behind the shoulders and continue to the hip (haunches) bones. The ridge
must contain only two crowns, identical and opposite each other. The lower edges of
the crowns must not extend further down the ridge than one-third of its length. A
good average width of the ridge is 5 cm (2ins).
Temperament
Dignified, intelligent, aloof with strangers, but showing no
aggression or shyness.
History
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is presently the only
registered breed indigenous to southern Africa. Its forebears can be traced to the
Cape Colony of southern Africa where they crossed with the early pioneers' dogs and
the semi-domesticated, ridged Hottentot hunting dogs. Hunting mainly in groups of
two or three, the original function of the Rhodesian Ridgeback or Lion dog was to
track game, especially lion, and, with great agility, keep it at bay until the arrival of
the hunter.
The original standard, which was drafted by F.R. Barnes, in Bulawayo, Rhodesia, in
1922, was based on that of the Dalmatian and was approved by the South African
Kennel Union in 1926.
Origin
Southern Africa
Utilization
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is still used to hunt game in many parts of
the world, but is especially prized as a watch-dog and a family pet.
Classification
Pointing Dogs
Size
Large
Height
Dogs 63 cm (25 ins) to 69cm (27 ins). Bitches 61cm (24 ins) to 66cm (26 ins).
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