Rhodesian Ridgeback

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Dog Breed Group

Hound Dogs 

Origin of Breed

South Africa as a hunting dog. 

Life Expectancy

12 Years 

Color

Light wheaten to red wheaten. 

Coat

Short, dense, sleek and glossy. 

Exercise Needs

Needs a great amount of exercise as he has tremendous stamina. Loves to swim. 

Temperament

The Ridgeback is friendly and obediant. Intelligent but stubborn. Makes a good watch dog. 

Good with Children

Gets along with children, as long as they are not pestered. Needs socialization when young to accept cats, dogs and other pets. 

Grooming Needs

Minimal grooming of his short coat is required. Brush with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. 

Average Size - Male (in)

25 - 27 

Average Size - Female (in)

24 - 26 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

75 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

65 

Health Issues

Hip irregularities, sinus problems, osteochondrosis.v

Living Conditions

A fenced yard is essential in an urban environment. Thrives in a large property where he can patrol his home ground. 

Breed Description

A Rhodesian Ridgebacks uniqueness is the ridge on the back, formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. A strong muscular and active dog, symmetrical outline and capable of great endurance with speed. Named after the country of Rhodesia which is now Zimbabwe he was once called the Lion Dog as he would hunt lions and other big game in packs. Developed from crossing the local dog (the African Hottentot Hunting Dog) who had a distinctive ridge of hair growing in the reverse direction along his back to the Pointer, Mastiff, Greyhound and Bulldog.