Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback grew out of a combination of various breeds. Many dogs were brought to South Africa by the Europeans who moved there in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. These early settlers brought Danes, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, and terriers, among others.

But there were already native African dogs living in the area. One group of native people, the Hottentots, had a half-wild dog with a strange coat. A long patch of hair on his back grew in the opposite direction from the rest of his coat. It was like a long cowlick running down his back. Over the years, the Hottentot dog was bred with the European dogs to finally produce the Rhodesian Ridgeback as we know it today.

The Ridgeback was bred to hunt game--even lions--but also to guard homes and protect families. This is a strong dog, but one who wants to please. He is proud, dignified, and courageous, devoted to his family, and protective and loving of children. His short coat ranges in color from tan to chestnut.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: Strong, muscular, and active, with a ridge of hair on his back growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. The ridge starts behind the shoulders and continues to a point between the hips; it should contain two identical crowns opposite each other.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--males, 25 to 27 inches; females, 24 to 26 inches. Weight--males, 75 pounds; females, 65 pounds.

Fun Facts

As a tribute to his bravery, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is also known as the African Lion Hound. The Ridgeback would find the lion and keep him in place until the hunters, following safely on horseback, arrived.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.