Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Zimbabwe

MOST SUITED AS Hunting dog (principally for lions), and also watchdog, and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is 64-69cm (25 1/2 - 27 1/2in) for dogs and 61 - 62cm (24 - 24 1/2in) for bitches.

COAT
The short-haired coat has its characteristic ridge along the back, which is a strip of hair in which the pile is opposite to the rest of the coat, making it appear darker. The colour is light to reddish wheaten with a dark mask. A small amount of white on the chest is permissible.

CARE
There is little to the grooming of a Ridgeback. Brush them regularly and during the moult use a rubber brush to remove dead hairs.

CHARACTER
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are intelligent, cunning but straight forward dogs that are loyal to the family, have something of a mind of their own, are brave, vigilant, reserved towards strangers, and possess considerable stamina.

TRAINING
They react best to an extremely consistent and equable approach to training. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are intelligent and learn quickly but they are also strong and a bit stubborn. The handler needs to be confident and to exude natural authority.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Provided this dog meets cats and other pets when it is young, any potential problems will be prevented. They are usually kind with children but only so long as they are not pestered by them. They mix satisfactorily with other dogs under most circumstances. They tend to be rather reserved towards strangers.

EXERCISE
This dog is a hunting dog by origin and it has tremendous stamina - meaning its exercise needs are also substantial. Let them run beside a cycle and take them for regular long walks.