History & Standard
A native of South Africa the breed dates back to the 16th century and the Hottentot tribes.
It is not known where this tribe first obtained the dogs but it is speculated they accompanied them on their migration from Asia to South Africa.
During colonization the Europeans needed a serviceable hunting dog for the wilds. Although Danes, Mastiffs, Greyhounds and other breeds accompanied Dutch and German settlers after 1707 when immigration was closed importation of additional dogs were not possible. Good hunting dogs became very valuable and difficult to obtain. Dogs were needed to flush partridge, pull down a wounded stag or guard the farms. It was necessary for the dogs to be able to withstand the rigors of the African bush, the extreme temperatures and to go long periods of time without water if necessary. Additionally the settlers desired a companion that would stay by him while he slept in the bush and show devotion to his family.
In 1922 the first Ridgeback Club was founded in Southern Rhodesia and the standard for the breed was set which differs little from the standard of today. Today one of the most popular breeds in South Africa, the Ridgeback was recognized by the South African Kennel Union in 1924 as a distinct breed.
Although a few dogs may have been imported into the United States prior to World War II, greater numbers were imported in the years following the war. Dogs were imported not only to the U.S. but also to England and Canada.
The characteristics that proved to be useful in South Africa were also valuable in other parts of the world. Intelligent and alert they are the only breed in the world that can keep a lion at bay for the hunter to kill….and live! They have also been used successfully to hunt bobcats, mountain lions, bear, coyote, deer, wild boar and raccoons.
With keen sight and a good nose for scent the Ridgeback has the advantage over other breeds. The African landscape required the dogs to develop the ability to hunt silently as do other sight hounds but has the nose of scent hound breeds. With a quiet, gentle temperament the Ridgeback enjoys lazing around but will come instantly alert if a stranger appears. While many have the impression this is a big, lazy, slow moving dog they can be threatening presence as a watchdog and family protector. Their affectionate disposition makes them excellent companions for children. Ridgebacks are highly intelligent and are easily trained with above average tractability but untrained may become a challenge. Trained he is a wonderful companion, hunting dog or show dog. His natural protective qualities should be encouraged but he should NOT be trained as a guard dog.
In 1948 a group of enthusiasts formed the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of America to work toward recognition. Their efforts were rewarded in 1955 when the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed. After recognition when exhibition of the dogs became possible the owners and breeders formed the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States. In 1959 these clubs were formed into one organization to further promote the breed and was incorporated in 1968. Finally in 1971 the A.K.C. formally admitted the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States as a member club.
Standard
Strong, muscular and active dogs Ridgebacks are handsome and balanced. The peculiarity of this breed is the ridge on the back and is regarded as the characteristic feature of the breed. Dogs should stand between 25-27 inches and weigh around 85 pounds while bitches are slightly smaller at 24-26 inches and 70 pounds. Their skull is flat and broad between the ears without wrinkles. Eyes are well apart, round, bright and intelligent. Ears are set high and are medium in size and carried close to the head. The muzzle is strong and powerful with clean lips and closely fitting jaws with a scissors bite.
The have a strong neck without throatiness and a deep chest. The powerful back has strong loins. The tail is strong and tapers towards the end. The coat is short and dense in light wheaten to red wheaten. A little white is permitted on the chest or toes.
The ridge is the hallmark of the breed and is formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction. The characteristic feature of the breed is should be clearly defined, tapering and symmetrical. It starts immediately behind the shoulders and continues to a point at the hips and contains two identical crowns. The lower edge of the crows should not extend further down the ridge than one third of the ridge. Only one crown is a serious fault and ridgelessness is a disqualification.
Ridgebacks are even tempered and dignified but reserved with strangers.
