Dog Breed Profile - Rhodesian Ridgeback

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