Rhodesian Ridgeback: Description, Breed History and Care

The modern variety of breeds of dogs is very large. How can you choose that single friend who will become one with you? First, compare your lifestyle and the breed that you choose. Pay attention to universal dogs, such as Ridgeback. He will become an excellent friend for the whole family, a guard for the house and, if necessary, a hunter.

Rhodesian Ridgeback: description

Dogs have a muscular, strong and harmonious body structure. The adult individual combines the power of fighters' breeds with agility and agility of hounds. A distinctive feature is the crest on the back, ridge. It is a strip of wool that grows in the direction opposite to the rest of the cover. It seems that she is uprooted. Temperament calm, indifferent to strangers. Open aggression does not show, but holds with dignity.

The adult Rhodesian Ridgeback, whose photo shows his attractive appearance, has a symmetrical body, the growth at the withers in the bitch is 62-66 cm, the male dog has 64-68 cm and the weight is 32 kg and 42 kg, respectively. For the breed is characterized by a strong neck without a suspension. Chest moderately broad, but voluminous and deep, ribs not too arched. The tail is thick at the base and gradually tapering, does not have bends, while moving slightly upwards, but not with a ringlet.

The wool has a smooth structure and shine, it is dense and short. Color varies from light wheaten shade to reddish. Small white spots on the paws and chest are allowed. The main feature of the breed is the ridge - a comb of wool, which has a saber-like shape. It starts right after the shoulder blades and has two identical curls against each other.

From the history of the breed

As such, the Rhodesian Ridgeback appeared relatively recently, but its roots go deep into antiquity. Dogs with a characteristic crest on their back first appeared more than 5000 years ago in the territory of Ancient Egypt. And even then they were used to protect the sheep from predators and lions. The indigenous South African people of Hottentots led animals from Ethiopia in the 5th century. For the first time, dogs with a strip on their backs were described in 1505. In the future, the breeding of the breed for hunting large animals was carried out by Ch. Helm. In all likelihood, dogs cited by Hottentots were crossed with mastiffs, hounds, danes, retrievers.

When breeding animals, Helm selected only those individuals who had a ridge (strip), differed endurance, fearlessness and an excellent hunting instinct. As a result, the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed appeared. It combines the two best qualities that were required at that time, it is a universal guard and hunting dog. At the exhibitions to this day, you can see two species of breed with varying degrees of development in one direction or another.

Dog Health

Rhodesian Ridgeback is an aboriginal breed and has strong health and strong immunity. Its resistance to external environmental factors is one of the main features. However, all natural data can be negated without proper care. First, it is important to have a balanced and balanced diet, do not overfeed the dogs. Secondly, annual preventive vaccinations against various infectious diseases will not be superfluous either. And thirdly, the physical load. Ridgeback is an active dog, very mobile. A normal walk around your house or on the site for 15 minutes will be small. He needs physical load constantly, and in cold weather you need to dress a dog so that it does not freeze.

Care for the Ridgeback

Special procedures and complexities of care for the Rhodesian Ridgeback, the photo of which is in the article, does not require. This is one of the most undemanding breeds. The coat is thick and short, and therefore, it needs to be combed. To wash a dog too often does not follow. All care consists in hygiene of teeth, timely clipping of claws and washing of paws after walks in the street. The procedures are quite feasible and absolutely necessary for every dog.

The most important component of care is physical activity. Not just walking, but training. This, by the way, will benefit not only the dog, but also the owner. At the first opportunity, take the ridgeback to the forest, where he can run in plenty.

Children and Ridgeback

If you are not a breeder of dogs, but have firmly decided to get yourself a four-footed friend of this particular breed, then you do not have to worry about your children. Rhodesian Ridgeback has a peaceful disposition. Leaving children with him, you can always be calm for them. Even if your children are too curious and will want to pull it by the tail or grab the ears, look into the eyes and look at the teeth, then it will react to it calmly. In extreme cases, the dog will simply leave unnecessary attention. However, it is worth explaining to the child the rules of dealing with the dog, and Ridgeback, in turn, to make it clear that with the young children you must be careful not to jump, no matter how happy their arrival, he was.

Rhodesian Ridgeback: reviews

The vast majority of happy dog owners say that she is calm and kind, loyal to children and very fond of the owners. However, at the same time it has strength, energy.

The owners are the same in the content surveys. As the breeders and simple owners say, it's impossible to just lie on the couch with a ridgeback. It's not a lazy English bulldog who can sleep and eat all day and go for walks 20 minutes. With this dog have to do and walk a lot. In addition, the breed is large enough and impressive, you will have to learn the basics of training.