Rhodesian Ridgeback
(Article and Pics By Liz Penprase)
1. Personality
2. Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
3. Where do I get my pup from?
4. Which other breeds get on with the Ridgeback?
5. Is it wise to have 2 or more of the same breed?
6. Do they get on well with other animals?
7. Training requirements?
8. Health concerns?
9. Life expectancy?
10. Do’s and DONTS of this breed
11. History
2. Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
3. Where do I get my pup from?
4. Which other breeds get on with the Ridgeback?
5. Is it wise to have 2 or more of the same breed?
6. Do they get on well with other animals?
7. Training requirements?
8. Health concerns?
9. Life expectancy?
10. Do’s and DONTS of this breed
11. History
Personality
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog with specific needs and requires a special kind of family. This is not a breed for someone looking for a detached guard dog. They have to form an integral part of the family. Their unswerving loyalty, devotion, sensitivity, independent thinking, stubbornness and sense of humor in the correct home are wonderful to experience. They are one of the world’s biggest lap dogs. They can go from a couch potato to a graceful streak of motion in seconds. They are a dual purpose dog, a gentle family dog for the child who loves to interact and then when alerted, swiftly move into action, if they sense a situation as potentially threatening. Remember they were bred to keep Lions at bay in the veld. They rarely bark, but when they do you know it is for a reason. The pack instinct is strong and they will protect their family. They can act like clowns and love to play but can be a bit rough with each other, yet gentle with small children. This is where socialization and puppy training come in. They do need to exercise and have outside stimulation, they also must know the rules and boundaries in a positive way otherwise they can become a problem.
Is this the correct pup for you? Which is the best home? Why?
To behave in the correct manner they must have a calm, happy, active family. The family ideally will be interested in the outdoors and enjoy outdoor activities. You must also have a large garden no smaller than 2 000sqm. Although they can be couch potatoes, they need the space to run around in and play. They must also have companionship and not be a solitary dog. If the family is out all day and they are left on their own, they find things to do and get up to mischief and in some cases leave their home to find companionship elsewhere (jump over the wall) . Everyone in the family should be involved with the puppy, be it walking, feeding, or playing, picking up after it has done its business, or just spending time together. You must be prepared to walk your pup every day, no excuses. If you have a garden of the year, be prepared for it to suffer a bit while the pup is growing up. Give it the correct things to play with and chew, never shoes or your own possessions. They must have their own toys.
If you are a workaholic and are never at home, do not get a Ridgeback, they need love and time spent with them every day, similar to having a baby. As they grow into adulthood you will be rewarded many times over by the time and effort you have put into your Ridgeback as it was growing up. A real joy to everyone.
Where do you get a puppy from?
Never ever a pet shop, or buy from the side of the road. Start your research by checking the info on the internet, contact the relevant clubs, phone and chat to breeders, go to local shows and meet breeders and their dogs. Never be in a rush to get a pup, make sure all the health checks have been done e.g. HD (hip dysplasia) in large dogs is prevalent. The Clubs and KUSA have put in strict rules on breeding to try to control HD (Hip Dysplasia). There are also other reasons why they may develop HD, such as going for runs with their owner when they are too young. Once the dog has matured (at about 1 year old) they can be taken for long runs. KUSA’s rules have been successful in reducing incidence of HD.
Go and meet the different breeders, interact with their dogs and then when the time comes and they have a litter go and meet the pups. Keeping in mind breeders do not allow the public to come and see the pups until they are at least 4 weeks old some 5 – 6 weeks. Get the breeder to send you updates and photos. When the day arrives and you meet the pups, do check out the behavior of the litter e.g. are they all happy and interacting well, calm? (Remember they do get naughty and are full of mischief). That’s good but if the pups are afraid and nervous and hide, look to the Mom, how is she with the pups? Take note of how they are being kept. Is it a clean and friendly environment? Are there toys or objects to stimulate the pups? It is also important for the breeder to spend time with them daily so they get used to being handled, examined, ears, teeth, paws, tail. When they leave their Mom and go into their new home and visit the Vet it will not be stressful to them, having different parts of their bodies checked out. Some breeders have their pups do the puppy puzzle test, so see which pup would suit a particular home. The very last thing a breeder wants is for their dog to come into rescue.
Which other breeds get on with Ridgebacks?
A VERY GOOD QUESTION! Not an easy one to answer. It depends so much on the family and if they understand dogs, how they are treated, trained where they all eat and sleep. It is important not to show favoritism and they must all be treated the same. If they are inside they are all allowed inside, or vice versa. It is always good to stay within the hound group, as we have noticed lots of owners have problems when they have a member of the Terrier group, German Sheppard and/or Rottweiler. But saying that, if they are all trained and well socialized and integrated into your pack, they should all get along. I stress again you must know what you are doing or get help and advice BEFORE you bring a new member into your home. What must be taken into account is that if the family has an existing dog that has not been socialized, bringing in another dog, regardless of breed, is very often a mistake and reactive behavior could well be the outcome.
Is it wise to have 2 or more of the same breed?
Yes it is very good to have 2 Ridgebacks, they are pack animals, understand their needs (to play roughly and run) AGAIN keep in mind do not have two males together unless you really know what you are doing. It is better to have a male and female or even two females. The Municipality has a rule of only 3 dogs depending on your size garden, smaller than 200sqm it is two dogs. Do not have only one dog, when you are out, working, or on holiday, they get very lonely. Again walks and socialization are so important.
Do Ridgebacks get on with other animals?
A lot depends on the owner, again. Some Ridgebacks are incorrectly labeled cat killers, why? High prey drive but with patience and training they can get along with almost all animals. Respect is very important here, and that applies to both animals AND OWNER.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog with specific needs and requires a special kind of family. This is not a breed for someone looking for a detached guard dog. They have to form an integral part of the family. Their unswerving loyalty, devotion, sensitivity, independent thinking, stubbornness and sense of humor in the correct home are wonderful to experience. They are one of the world’s biggest lap dogs. They can go from a couch potato to a graceful streak of motion in seconds. They are a dual purpose dog, a gentle family dog for the child who loves to interact and then when alerted, swiftly move into action, if they sense a situation as potentially threatening. Remember they were bred to keep Lions at bay in the veld. They rarely bark, but when they do you know it is for a reason. The pack instinct is strong and they will protect their family. They can act like clowns and love to play but can be a bit rough with each other, yet gentle with small children. This is where socialization and puppy training come in. They do need to exercise and have outside stimulation, they also must know the rules and boundaries in a positive way otherwise they can become a problem.
Is this the correct pup for you? Which is the best home? Why?
To behave in the correct manner they must have a calm, happy, active family. The family ideally will be interested in the outdoors and enjoy outdoor activities. You must also have a large garden no smaller than 2 000sqm. Although they can be couch potatoes, they need the space to run around in and play. They must also have companionship and not be a solitary dog. If the family is out all day and they are left on their own, they find things to do and get up to mischief and in some cases leave their home to find companionship elsewhere (jump over the wall) . Everyone in the family should be involved with the puppy, be it walking, feeding, or playing, picking up after it has done its business, or just spending time together. You must be prepared to walk your pup every day, no excuses. If you have a garden of the year, be prepared for it to suffer a bit while the pup is growing up. Give it the correct things to play with and chew, never shoes or your own possessions. They must have their own toys.
If you are a workaholic and are never at home, do not get a Ridgeback, they need love and time spent with them every day, similar to having a baby. As they grow into adulthood you will be rewarded many times over by the time and effort you have put into your Ridgeback as it was growing up. A real joy to everyone.
Where do you get a puppy from?
Never ever a pet shop, or buy from the side of the road. Start your research by checking the info on the internet, contact the relevant clubs, phone and chat to breeders, go to local shows and meet breeders and their dogs. Never be in a rush to get a pup, make sure all the health checks have been done e.g. HD (hip dysplasia) in large dogs is prevalent. The Clubs and KUSA have put in strict rules on breeding to try to control HD (Hip Dysplasia). There are also other reasons why they may develop HD, such as going for runs with their owner when they are too young. Once the dog has matured (at about 1 year old) they can be taken for long runs. KUSA’s rules have been successful in reducing incidence of HD.
Go and meet the different breeders, interact with their dogs and then when the time comes and they have a litter go and meet the pups. Keeping in mind breeders do not allow the public to come and see the pups until they are at least 4 weeks old some 5 – 6 weeks. Get the breeder to send you updates and photos. When the day arrives and you meet the pups, do check out the behavior of the litter e.g. are they all happy and interacting well, calm? (Remember they do get naughty and are full of mischief). That’s good but if the pups are afraid and nervous and hide, look to the Mom, how is she with the pups? Take note of how they are being kept. Is it a clean and friendly environment? Are there toys or objects to stimulate the pups? It is also important for the breeder to spend time with them daily so they get used to being handled, examined, ears, teeth, paws, tail. When they leave their Mom and go into their new home and visit the Vet it will not be stressful to them, having different parts of their bodies checked out. Some breeders have their pups do the puppy puzzle test, so see which pup would suit a particular home. The very last thing a breeder wants is for their dog to come into rescue.
Which other breeds get on with Ridgebacks?
A VERY GOOD QUESTION! Not an easy one to answer. It depends so much on the family and if they understand dogs, how they are treated, trained where they all eat and sleep. It is important not to show favoritism and they must all be treated the same. If they are inside they are all allowed inside, or vice versa. It is always good to stay within the hound group, as we have noticed lots of owners have problems when they have a member of the Terrier group, German Sheppard and/or Rottweiler. But saying that, if they are all trained and well socialized and integrated into your pack, they should all get along. I stress again you must know what you are doing or get help and advice BEFORE you bring a new member into your home. What must be taken into account is that if the family has an existing dog that has not been socialized, bringing in another dog, regardless of breed, is very often a mistake and reactive behavior could well be the outcome.
Is it wise to have 2 or more of the same breed?
Yes it is very good to have 2 Ridgebacks, they are pack animals, understand their needs (to play roughly and run) AGAIN keep in mind do not have two males together unless you really know what you are doing. It is better to have a male and female or even two females. The Municipality has a rule of only 3 dogs depending on your size garden, smaller than 200sqm it is two dogs. Do not have only one dog, when you are out, working, or on holiday, they get very lonely. Again walks and socialization are so important.
Do Ridgebacks get on with other animals?
A lot depends on the owner, again. Some Ridgebacks are incorrectly labeled cat killers, why? High prey drive but with patience and training they can get along with almost all animals. Respect is very important here, and that applies to both animals AND OWNER.
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Training requirements
Always find out as much as you can about the Dam and Sire of the litter before going to view it (some people just cannot resist a pup) If the breeder has done the puppy puzzle that helps but it is now up to you to do the correct thing with your pup. As soon as they come home you have to start showing them what is acceptable, what they can and what they are not allowed to do, it is all repetition. Do not get angry or lose your temper, it does not help it only makes the situation worse. Always try and remain calm. Praise is huge in a Ridgeback’s life, so anything they do correctly you praise them and in cases where you believe in treats you give them a treat. When they do something they are not allowed to do, you firmly say NO, and then ignore them for a length of time. No touch or eye contact, pretend they are not there. They hate being ignored.
Puppy Socialization should start at 8 weeks of age and after their second set of injections and de-worming. They will come into contact with a number of other dogs and be handled by many new people and thus be exposed to new diseases. This should be followed with general obedience classes. You must keep it up and try and do the training once or twice a day for a short period with lots of rewards when done. It depends on which Training school you go to as to the length of your course and also how well your pup does his/her training. You can go further to do more advanced training. And some people do the Canine Good Citizen which is excellent. Then there is the working dog side of training e.g. tracking and agility speak to your trainer for further information. More Ridgebacks are being used as therapy dogs for children and the elderly. Some for tracking, anti-poaching, rescue work, if the commitment is there and the Ridgeback has those tendencies what they can do is limitless…………..
Health Concerns
Ridgebacks are our National dog as well as being bred for African conditions. They are very strongly resistant to ticks, healthy generally but you have to look out for HD (hip dysplasia), because of the rigorous testing over many years and the strict rules that apply to breeding Ridgebacks they are now down in the low category for HD. (Which is fantastic considering we were in the high category) . Always check for elbows ED (elbow dysplasia) at the same time as hips. In South Africa we are very lucky not to have the health issues Ridgebacks have in other countries for example America. One has to remember all big dogs are susceptible to stomach torsion (bloat or twist) so give your dog’s 2 meals a day and NO walks OR exercise an hour before and after eating. NO large amounts of water on an empty stomach EVER. Dermoid Sinus (a genetic, autosomal skin condition in dogs) can be an issue, although it can occur in other breeds as well. Again another reason why IT IS SO IMPORTANT you get your pup from a reputable breeder (as all this has to be checked and done before handover).
Ridgeless and dermoid do occur in a few litters, with knowledge and it can be treated correctly and it is not a health issue to the pup although some breeders will euthanize if this condition is present. Ridgebacks are more resistant to insect bites than other breeds for example ticks.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life Expectancy
Your Ridgeback should live to around 12 years of age. Remember, good food (not cheap –lacking in nutrition supermarket food) exercise daily, socialization, and lots of love. Yearly vaccinations and checkups, general clean living conditions inside and outside the home are essential. It is said after 10 years you are on borrowed time, quite a few live good quality lives until 12 - 14. Circumstances, living conditions, genetics and food play a huge role here.
The Do’s and Don’ts
NEVER EVER GIVE A PUPPY AS A SUPPRISE GIFT, BE IT YOUR PARTNER, FRIEND, or FAMILY and ESPECIALLY A CHILD, this is where so many rescues come from. It is devastating to the dog. Always involve the recipient of the gift in choosing the dog.
Very important to do puppy socialization and basic training, we get so many rescues where the owner has been “too busy” and now they have a big powerful dog they cannot control.
Be the pack leader of your dogs and always remain calm and assertive, it works wonders.
Do not get a Ridgeback to be a GUARD dog, they are social, family and sensitive animals and need the interaction of their family to be a well-rounded dog/companion to reach its full potential. Ridgebacks are natural guards when they are part of a loving family but do not take to guard duty which is why security companies/Police do not use them.
Ridgebacks are not Lion/elephant hunters it is a fallacy and myth they were used in packs to bay lions until the hunter could catch up and shoot the lion.
DO NOT DO ATTACK training!!!! It is like giving your child a loaded gun to take to school.
If you take the time, commitment and love to teach your pup you will end up with a best friend and companion who will love you unconditionally and be admired by all.
History
The breed's history dates back to early in the 18th century, when the first European settlers found dogs domesticated by Khoi-khoi tribes with the hair on the spine turned forward. In the late 19th century, big game hunters needed a hunting dog that was tough, resistant to disease, and intelligent enough to avoid crocodiles and snakes, but brave and fast enough to face a lion. Also important was a tick-repellent smooth coat and tight paw pads to protect against thorns and rough terrain. Cornelius Van Rooyen of Plumtree, Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), was the main person behind the development of the breed.
Cornelius van Rooyen used two ridged, rough-coated bitches from the Swellendam district brought to him by the Rev. Charles Helm in 1879. They were crossed with members of his pack, resulting in more ridged dogs that were suited to van Rooyen's hunting needs. These dogs became known as "van Rooyen dogs".
The breed took a further step in its formalization in 1922 just prior to the formation of the independent crown colony of Southern Rhodesia, when a group gathered at a farm in Bulawayo to set out the basic standard for ridged dogs that included the selection of the red wheaten to become the "son of Africa".
The breed standard is loosely based on that of a slightly enlarged silhouette Dalmatian and was first registered by the South African Kennel Club (SAKU) on February 4, 1926.
Recommended Read
In A Story like the Wind and A Far Off Place, novels by the South African author Laurens van der Post, a Ridgeback named Hintza features as one of the main characters.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Pioneers by Linda Costa.
Always find out as much as you can about the Dam and Sire of the litter before going to view it (some people just cannot resist a pup) If the breeder has done the puppy puzzle that helps but it is now up to you to do the correct thing with your pup. As soon as they come home you have to start showing them what is acceptable, what they can and what they are not allowed to do, it is all repetition. Do not get angry or lose your temper, it does not help it only makes the situation worse. Always try and remain calm. Praise is huge in a Ridgeback’s life, so anything they do correctly you praise them and in cases where you believe in treats you give them a treat. When they do something they are not allowed to do, you firmly say NO, and then ignore them for a length of time. No touch or eye contact, pretend they are not there. They hate being ignored.
Puppy Socialization should start at 8 weeks of age and after their second set of injections and de-worming. They will come into contact with a number of other dogs and be handled by many new people and thus be exposed to new diseases. This should be followed with general obedience classes. You must keep it up and try and do the training once or twice a day for a short period with lots of rewards when done. It depends on which Training school you go to as to the length of your course and also how well your pup does his/her training. You can go further to do more advanced training. And some people do the Canine Good Citizen which is excellent. Then there is the working dog side of training e.g. tracking and agility speak to your trainer for further information. More Ridgebacks are being used as therapy dogs for children and the elderly. Some for tracking, anti-poaching, rescue work, if the commitment is there and the Ridgeback has those tendencies what they can do is limitless…………..
Health Concerns
Ridgebacks are our National dog as well as being bred for African conditions. They are very strongly resistant to ticks, healthy generally but you have to look out for HD (hip dysplasia), because of the rigorous testing over many years and the strict rules that apply to breeding Ridgebacks they are now down in the low category for HD. (Which is fantastic considering we were in the high category) . Always check for elbows ED (elbow dysplasia) at the same time as hips. In South Africa we are very lucky not to have the health issues Ridgebacks have in other countries for example America. One has to remember all big dogs are susceptible to stomach torsion (bloat or twist) so give your dog’s 2 meals a day and NO walks OR exercise an hour before and after eating. NO large amounts of water on an empty stomach EVER. Dermoid Sinus (a genetic, autosomal skin condition in dogs) can be an issue, although it can occur in other breeds as well. Again another reason why IT IS SO IMPORTANT you get your pup from a reputable breeder (as all this has to be checked and done before handover).
Ridgeless and dermoid do occur in a few litters, with knowledge and it can be treated correctly and it is not a health issue to the pup although some breeders will euthanize if this condition is present. Ridgebacks are more resistant to insect bites than other breeds for example ticks.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life Expectancy
Your Ridgeback should live to around 12 years of age. Remember, good food (not cheap –lacking in nutrition supermarket food) exercise daily, socialization, and lots of love. Yearly vaccinations and checkups, general clean living conditions inside and outside the home are essential. It is said after 10 years you are on borrowed time, quite a few live good quality lives until 12 - 14. Circumstances, living conditions, genetics and food play a huge role here.
The Do’s and Don’ts
NEVER EVER GIVE A PUPPY AS A SUPPRISE GIFT, BE IT YOUR PARTNER, FRIEND, or FAMILY and ESPECIALLY A CHILD, this is where so many rescues come from. It is devastating to the dog. Always involve the recipient of the gift in choosing the dog.
Very important to do puppy socialization and basic training, we get so many rescues where the owner has been “too busy” and now they have a big powerful dog they cannot control.
Be the pack leader of your dogs and always remain calm and assertive, it works wonders.
Do not get a Ridgeback to be a GUARD dog, they are social, family and sensitive animals and need the interaction of their family to be a well-rounded dog/companion to reach its full potential. Ridgebacks are natural guards when they are part of a loving family but do not take to guard duty which is why security companies/Police do not use them.
Ridgebacks are not Lion/elephant hunters it is a fallacy and myth they were used in packs to bay lions until the hunter could catch up and shoot the lion.
DO NOT DO ATTACK training!!!! It is like giving your child a loaded gun to take to school.
If you take the time, commitment and love to teach your pup you will end up with a best friend and companion who will love you unconditionally and be admired by all.
History
The breed's history dates back to early in the 18th century, when the first European settlers found dogs domesticated by Khoi-khoi tribes with the hair on the spine turned forward. In the late 19th century, big game hunters needed a hunting dog that was tough, resistant to disease, and intelligent enough to avoid crocodiles and snakes, but brave and fast enough to face a lion. Also important was a tick-repellent smooth coat and tight paw pads to protect against thorns and rough terrain. Cornelius Van Rooyen of Plumtree, Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), was the main person behind the development of the breed.
Cornelius van Rooyen used two ridged, rough-coated bitches from the Swellendam district brought to him by the Rev. Charles Helm in 1879. They were crossed with members of his pack, resulting in more ridged dogs that were suited to van Rooyen's hunting needs. These dogs became known as "van Rooyen dogs".
The breed took a further step in its formalization in 1922 just prior to the formation of the independent crown colony of Southern Rhodesia, when a group gathered at a farm in Bulawayo to set out the basic standard for ridged dogs that included the selection of the red wheaten to become the "son of Africa".
The breed standard is loosely based on that of a slightly enlarged silhouette Dalmatian and was first registered by the South African Kennel Club (SAKU) on February 4, 1926.
Recommended Read
In A Story like the Wind and A Far Off Place, novels by the South African author Laurens van der Post, a Ridgeback named Hintza features as one of the main characters.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Pioneers by Linda Costa.
This article is copyrighted and remains the property of the author. Individuals are welcome to print or copy same for their own use in furthering their knowledge of dogs. However, no reproductions or alterations/variations are allowed without the express written consent of the author.