| A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of dog that shines | | | | come. Obedience training is recommended from an |
| not only because of its characteristic ridge of hair, | | | | early age as the dogs grow quite large and it is |
| but also because it is one of the few dog breeds | | | | advisable to keep them under firm control. |
| that hail from Africa. The Ridgeback is believed to be | | | | One of the most defining traits of a Ridgeback is the |
| a result of inbreeding South African dog species and | | | | tufts of hair that run from the shoulders to the hips. |
| the dogs of settlers, which include Great Danes, | | | | Commonly called a "ridge," the hair is present right |
| Greyhounds and Mastiffs. Like many other breeds, a | | | | from birth though it is possible for the dog to be |
| Ridgeback is a natural born hunter-guard dog but | | | | born without the trait, it is quite rare. The hair is the |
| they were also meant to live life on the tough | | | | most distinguishing feature which is required of the |
| African terrain. The requirements for a dog that lived | | | | breed standard as designated by reputable kennel |
| in this type of climate and environment require a | | | | associations from all over the world. Other than to |
| certain combination of physical strength, intelligence | | | | make the dog recognizable as one of the two world |
| and power. | | | | dog breeds that have a ridge of hair, the ridge |
| With an acutely developed sense of smell that | | | | serves no other constructive purpose. |
| comes from its days as the African Lion Dog, the | | | | One of the most desirable and attractive features |
| Ridgeback used to hunt for lions on the African | | | | that draw people to the Rhodesian Ridgeback is their |
| savannah. Most Ridgeback owners notice the dogs | | | | lack of bark. As a hound, the dog can bellow and |
| have a strong prey drive from the very start. With | | | | vocalize, but they are not prone to obsessive barking |
| the ancestral origins still very much evident in its | | | | and do not normally bark unless there is a valid |
| temperament, the dog requires an alpha owner who | | | | reason. A seasoned Rhodesian Ridgeback owner |
| knows how to show the dog respect but knows | | | | knows from history that when the dog does bark |
| about handling a breed of this type. The Ridgeback is | | | | excessively, there is a good reason for it. The |
| a fiercely loyal dog breed and very protective of its | | | | excessive barking is what gives the Rhodesian |
| home and territory, particularly males of the breed. | | | | Ridgeback such an effective and stellar reputation as |
| New Ridgeback owners are advised to have their | | | | a guard dog. Just like their webbed toes, a Rhodesian |
| dog heavily socialized from the very start to eliminate | | | | Ridgeback was used to walking on sand and the trait |
| any jealousy or aggressiveness that may be | | | | has remained present in the dogs even now. A |
| displayed in their temperament. | | | | Rhodesian Ridgeback has no trouble being a member |
| The Ridgeback is a smart and responsive dog which | | | | of a loving home, and an owner will grow to love the |
| trains rather easily. The dogs are quick to master | | | | dog for all of the qualities that make them so truly |
| such basic commands as sit, stay, no, down and | | | | endearing and quirky. |