| History Records show that ridgebacked dogs were | | | | and placid at home although they are generally aloof |
| used in South Africa as hunting and companion dogs | | | | with strangers.With their imposing size and a big bark, |
| as far back as the 15th Century. They were used to | | | | these dogs make good guard dogs and are likely to |
| track big game (hence the name "Lion Dog") and | | | | deter intruders.Grooming With their very short, dense |
| were trained to trap the prey without attacking, and | | | | coat, 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 with | | | | therefore require a significant amount of exersize - in |
| their own scent hounds and mastiffs, into the | | | | the 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 name | | | | to!Health Problems As with many large dogs, hip and |
| comes from the ridge of hair on their back which | | | | elbow dysplasia is not uncommon. Parents "hip" |
| grows in the opposite direction to the rest of their | | | | scores should be checked to minimise the risk of this |
| hair.They have a broad skull with big round eyes | | | | hereditory disease being present - good breeders will |
| which are quite wide set. They can have a black | | | | only breed from parents with low hip scores.It is |
| nose with dark eyes or a brown nose with amber | | | | estimated 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.Temperament | | | | from the surface of the skin into variable depths of |
| Ridgebacks are stubborn and determined dogs; it is | | | | the tissue. This has a tendancy to become affected. |
| essential that they are properly socialised and receive | | | | Breeders should ensure that puppies are tested for |
| some proper training at an early age. Because of their | | | | this condition before they go to their new homes; if |
| stubborness, they can be a challenge to train and | | | | a puppy is free of Dermoid Sinus, it is not something |
| may not be suitable for inexperienced dog | | | | that 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 confident | | | | has written many articles on dogs. |