| History Records show that ridgebacked dogs | | | | they are generally aloof with strangers.With |
| were used in South Africa as hunting and | | | | their imposing size and a big bark, these |
| companion dogs as far back as the 15th | | | | dogs make good guard dogs and are likely to |
| Century. They were used to track big game | | | | deter intruders.Grooming With their very |
| (hence the name "Lion Dog") and were trained | | | | short, dense coat, a minimal amount of |
| to trap the prey without attacking, and to | | | | grooming is required.Exercise Ridgebacks are |
| alert their masters by barking.In the 17th | | | | big dogs and therefore require a significant |
| Century, these dogs were bred by European | | | | amount of exersize - in the region of an hour |
| settlers with their own scent hounds and | | | | a day as a minimum although they will keep |
| mastiffs, into the Ridgeback of | | | | going for as long as you ask them to!Health |
| today.Appearance Ridgebacks are large, | | | | Problems As with many large dogs, hip and |
| handsome and althletic looking dogs. Their | | | | elbow dysplasia is not uncommon. Parents |
| name comes from the ridge of hair on their | | | | "hip" scores should be checked to minimise |
| back which grows in the opposite direction to | | | | the risk of this hereditory disease being |
| the rest of their hair.They have a broad | | | | present - good breeders will only breed from |
| skull with big round eyes which are quite | | | | parents with low hip scores.It is estimated |
| wide set. They can have a black nose with | | | | that about 5% of Ridgebacks have Dermoid |
| dark eyes or a brown nose with amber | | | | Sinus; this relates to a tube like piece |
| eyes.They have a deep set chest with strong, | | | | going from the surface of the skin into |
| muscular shoulders and loins.Temperament | | | | variable depths of the tissue. This has a |
| Ridgebacks are stubborn and determined dogs; | | | | tendancy to become affected. Breeders should |
| it is essential that they are properly | | | | ensure that puppies are tested for this |
| socialised and receive some proper training | | | | condition before they go to their new homes; |
| at an early age. Because of their | | | | if a puppy is free of Dermoid Sinus, it is |
| stubborness, they can be a challenge to train | | | | not something that will develop at a later |
| and may not be suitable for inexperienced dog | | | | age.It is possible for vets to operate to |
| owners.Having said this, they are a pleasure | | | | remove the Dermoid Sinus.Stephanie has |
| to own. They make lovely family pets; they | | | | written many articles on dogs. |
| are confident and placid at home although | | | | |