The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in South Africa. He was developed in the 1800s from the crossing of European dogs brought by settlers and native dogs from the Khoi-Khoi tribe. A hundred years later a formidable hunting dog had evolved. One that had the instincts, endurance, intelligence, strength and ferocity to be at home in the hostile jungle environment and hunt big game such as lions, wild boars and baboons.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is not a suitable breed for a novice. They are extremely strong willed and determined and need an experienced solid pack leader who will train, socialize and exercise them appropriately. They are not a dog for the heavy handed nor for those who lose their tempers often, training should be firm but always fair. They can be sensitive, especially during their puppy years, and are best trained using positive reward focused techniques. An ill cared for Rhodesian Ridgeback can become a dangerous dog, owners need to be dedicated enough to keep up to their training and exercise needs.

With their family and friends, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is affectionate and protective. With strangers, they tend to be suspicious, even wary. They make a dedicated guardian of home and family but if allowed can become overprotective, territorial and dangerous.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an extremely serious and loyal dog. When well cared for they are quiet and well-behaved, not given to neither mischief nor needless yapping. They are a physical dog, one who is use to a long hard day of work and if allowed to become bored can become noisy and start digging and getting into all sorts of trouble.

CHILDREN: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a patient dog who does well with children of all ages. However, they are a dominant dog who will only listen to those they perceive as higher in the pack than they. Children should participate in their training and feeding, making sure they establish themselves as leaders to them.

OTHER ANIMALS: The Rhodesian Ridgeback gets along well with other dogs and cats they are raised around but can be aggressive with strange dogs, especially those who come into their territory. They are a hunter by nature and are both a scent hound and a sight hound. Care should always be taken when allowing them off lead. They are fast runners, have a great endurance and are known chasers of small and big game.

EXERCISE: The Rhodesian Ridgeback needs at least a couple of hours of exercise daily to keep him fit and stable. Owners need to be dedicated keeping up to their exercise needs as an ill exercised Ridgeback can become aggressive and dangerous. They are very hardy robust dogs who make excellent camping and hiking companions, good jogging and bicycling partners and can participate in a variety of dog trials. Due to their intelligence, activity level and instincts, they can participate in conformation shows, obedience and agility trials, tracking trials, lure coursing, scent hurdles, draft work and schutzhund. They also make excellent search and rescue dogs.

HEALTH: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a hardy breed of dog, as tough as the jungle itself. They have an amazing tolerance for both extreme cold and heat and have a coat that is insect resistant, even to ticks. Their paw pads are so thick they can walk over bramble and thorns without injury. They are susceptible to hip dysphasia, dermoid sinus, thyroid problems and bloat. Their usual life span is 11-13 years.

APPEARANCE/ COAT CARE: Lion like in color with a ridge that runs down the centre of their back, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a formidable looking dog. They are muscular and athletic and carry themselves with a seriousness and authority of one that knows no fear. Their grooming needs are minimal as a quick brushing weekly keeps them looking great.