Description: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is perfectly suited to a hound lover in need of a dog with hunting abilities, as well as a affectionate companion and trusted protector. These dogs are great with children and other household pets, and highly rated as a guard dog.

Rhodesian Ridgeback's are strong-willed, independent, and loyal to its masters. A dog that adapts to obedience training with ease, although this breed is in need of a dominant owner.

History Of The Rhodesian Ridgeback: The origins of the Rhodesian Ridgeback date back to 1800's South Africa. The European Boer settlers arrived in South Africa in 16th & 17th centuries, and required a dog able to perform hunting duties in cool and warm temperatures, in rough terrain, able to perform on limited water, and learn to be a trusted guard dog.

Those settlers developed such a breed by cross-breed several different dogs, namely a Great Dane, Bloodhound, Pointer, Greyhound, Staghound, and Mastiff, with some of the native breeds of the local lands.

The resulting breed was an excellent hunter, able to track prey with bother sight and scent, as well as being great family protectors and watchdogs. A very fierce dog to take on a hunt. Soon to be known as a 'Lion Dog' with its distinctive ridge of hair at the top of their backs. It was later in the 1920's that a breed standard was created, with a part of the criteria being a name change to 'Rhodesian Ridgeback'.

The breed first appeared in America and the United Kingdom in the 1930's and later in the 1980's recognized as a sight hound, and able to compete in related field trails. Today, these dogs are popular as house pets all across the world.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Care: Exercise for these dogs is plenty of walks, games and mental stimulation with dog obedience training to tackle its high energy levels. Hiking is a favored pastime with these breeds.

These dogs are able to cope in cool and warm temperature but not in the extreme, and prefer to sleep inside with its family, but having access to a secure yard throughout the day. Grooming consists of a light brushing once a week or so to remove dead hairs.

Health Information: Health problems seen with a Rhodesian Ridgeback include CHD, hypothyroidism and elbow dysplasia, with deafness and dermoid sinus seen rarely. Vets recommend that these dogs are checked for dermoid sinus, and thyroid, hip, and elbow related concerns.