Rhodesian Ridgeback - a description of the breed and character of the dog

Rhodesian Ridgeback is a South African hunting breed of dogs, unique in its kind. It was bred only in the 19th century, and it is considered the only breed in South Africa that has been recognized. This breed is suitable for those who want to get a true friend in the form of a dog, which is distinguished by its vigor and independence. But before acquiring this representative, it is worth getting acquainted with its features and possible difficulties that may arise in its upbringing.

Breed history

The name of this type of dog originated from the locality where these animals were bred. Previously, Rhodesia was an English colony.In order to obtain this type of hunting dogs, the representatives of local breeds were crossed.

The main criterion on which the breeders relied was that dogs should be excellent hunters as well as guards of the home. But besides these qualities, the animal must have endurance in order to easily endure the changeable African climate. Such a trait as courage was also a priority. These pets need courage in order not to retreat from large animals, while hunting.

The newly minted breed had all the necessary qualities that made it a universal dog - it performed many roles, and at the same time could also hunt lions. Therefore, this species has an unofficial name - the lion hound. Natives still use this feature to show people the show.

But today, this dog has ceased to perform its direct duties, as these representatives are turned up as pets, and not as guards. Only a few can still take this pet with them on the hunt. In some countries like New Zealand and Australia, ridgebacks are used as boar hunters. And, for example, in Tasmania, the ridgebacks hunt kangaroos.But all is not limited to hunting, and these animals are used in a competition in dog races.

Breeders of this type have achieved the fact that this dog quite simply tolerates changes in temperature. Therefore, it is suitable for living in any climate.

Features of the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed

These dogs can interest not only those breeders who are professionally engaged in their breeding, but also just amateurs. These animals are simply amazing, because they combine different qualities, such as, for example, strength and power, a high level of learning and intelligence, as well as devotion to the owner. Her energy is simply amazing. And with regards to her instincts, it is worth highlighting her excellent sense of smell, which helps her on the hunt.

These animals have a special color, which suggests that previously these representatives of the breed lived in the conditions of savanna. Their fur is very short, but at the same time thick. Her color is both bright red and light wheat. Also often there are white spots on the chest and a dark mask on the face. Dog ears may also be darker.The eyes of the dog are both black and amber - it depends on the color of the nose and coat color. But the main feature of the external characteristics of Rhodesian dogs is the presence of a strip of wool, which grows in the opposite direction.

Despite their audacity and strength, the ridgebacks remain faithful companions for the proud and strong-willed people. These pets can be easily kept at home, because they are very clean. But still, the pet will feel best when it runs through forests and plains, and also lives in its own house.

Physical loads are what Rhodesian animals need. Walking these dogs is several times a day, and walking, and it is better to run, at least 3 km from the house.

In training, ridgebacks do not give in immediately, because of their stubborn nature. They can not be punished just like that, because they are very sensitive to unfair treatment. In order for the animal to learn the program, it is worth using a reward system.

Pet character

As noted above, these pets belong to the bold and very intelligent categories of dogs.They protect themselves, their offspring, as well as their favorite owners. But for this, the owner must be a powerful person, whom they would obey without question. Also, Rhodesian pets are in need of attention, so you should take into account this fact, and not leave the pet without communication. Those who are shy will definitely not cope with the character of this pet, because they will not perceive them as authority. Ridgeback occasionally needs to be rudely subjugated and suppressed, because they are capable of behaving like pack leaders, and sometimes show aggression.

But the nature of the animal also has the features of nobility, as well as intelligence. Making decisions yourself is what this dog can do. In everyday life, she will not show aggression if she does not feel danger. Therefore, sometimes its indifference can be fully justified.

Rhodesian dogs are rather balanced, and therefore they bark not so often, but they are loud even when they warn the owner about something. But, despite its power, these animals are quite touchy and stubborn. When a pet lives in an apartment, he behaves quite calmly and obediently, loves family members, and, especially, the owner.For children, this dog is treated with special affection tolerance. If a cat or another pet lives at home, then it will not suffer from naughty things, which cannot be said about animals that live on the street.

It is easy to train an animal if you apply your ability to eliminate the ardor of the ridgeback to this.

These Rhodesian pets live for a relatively short time, or, more precisely, 10-12 years. But despite this, they remain in excellent physical shape for a long time. If a person will continue to use dogs as hunting assistants or bodyguards, then it is worth noting that females are considered the best in hunting, and males are good as guards.

Breed standards

The first standards, which must comply with the data of dogs, were approved only in 1924.

1. The average height of male Ridgeback is 63-69 cm, and females have an average weight of 3 cm less.
2. Their weight is quite large, namely - 36.5 kg in males, and 4 kg less in females.
3. The head is not big, and not small, it has proportional parameters.
4. The muzzle is elongated, has an expressive transition from the forehead.
5. The eyes are widely set, round, of medium size.The color depends on the color and color of the nose. It can be dark brown, black, and also amber.
6. The ears are set high, drooping, at the ends they taper and have curves. Their size is not large.
7. The chest is not wide, but elongated, because it goes down to the elbow joint of the animal.
8. The back looks strong and muscular.
9. The limbs are also muscular, and the paws are strong, the fingers of which are gathered into a kind of lump.
10. The tail is of medium length, has an extension at the base, and tapers towards the end.
11. The hair of the animal is short and thick, and also the canvas falls to the body. It looks brilliant, and the reason for this is the fat with which it is covered.
12. The color of the fur is plain: from light wheat to red-red color. But there are white spots on the chest and legs. Sometimes there is a mask with dark areas, and at the same time, the ears can also be much darker.
13. Comb, or as it is called ridge - is the main feature of the dog, because of which she was given the name. This comb has the shape of a cone. Its top begins immediately after the shoulder blades, and ends closer to the tail.

Care and maintenance of the dog

This dog can live both in the apartment and in the house. Rhodesian ridgebacks are among the most convenient for the maintenance of rocks in the apartment. And because of the ease of care for them, as well as their innate cleanliness. And because of this, these representatives have no smell at all. Therefore, it does not create discomfort, and does not require frequent brushing - it will take only once a month to bring their wool in order. This breed sheds like the others, twice a year. At this time, you can not comb out a special brush, and a mitten. To carry out this procedure is on the street.

Ridgeback can be washed only when it is very dirty. It is recommended to add a little conditioner to the water so that the animal's hair has a natural shine and becomes smoother.

In addition to these procedures, the dog periodically should brush his teeth and ears, as well as cut off the claws.

If the dog lives in an apartment, then it should organize physical activity and frequent walks. If you fulfill this requirement, the ridgeback will feel much better. This breed requires longer walking time than 5 minutes.Rhodesian pets need an active rest, so you can run with them, and take them with you to nature. They are quite hardy, because their real purpose is connected with hunting.

This breed should choose active people, because for the elderly walking with this dog will not be an easy task.

The presence of space is what the Ridgeback needs, because it allows him to run enough. But these animals can not be kept in the aviary. The first reason for this is due to the fact that the onset of cold weather will negatively affect the state of the animal. After all, their wool is very short and unsuitable for life in cold climates. And the second reason is that the ridgebacks are very psychologically dependent on their master. Therefore, live pet must be exceptional in a house with people.

Nutrition is almost the most important factor in good health. Especially because this dog should maintain its physical form. You can feed your pet and dry food, and natural food. If the owner decided to feed the dog with natural food, then he should think about how the diet of an adult, as well as a puppy, was balanced.

But, if the owner cannot solve this problem on his own, then the simplest option would be to feed with dry food, which is already quite balanced. Of course, for such a dog does not fit any food. Ridgeback is best to feed only premium class feed.

Ridgeback training

Tauku dog as a Rhodesian Ridgeback is very easy to teach something, because its intelligence is quite high, and the dog is very talented. But in order for the pet to listen and execute all commands, the owner must be firm and confident; otherwise, the dog will feel weak and will not listen to it. For the animal, the master must be the chief, and his requests must be immediately fulfilled.

The owner will have to spend a lot of time raising this dog. Therefore, this type is suitable only for experienced dog breeders who can cope with it. These animals cannot be left alone for a long time, because they will feel abandoned and may begin to show their bad sides.

Pet training is to start as early as possible so that he can get used to the execution of commands.Especially since ridgebacks are capricious dogs that make decisions on their own. But to act on them in order to get a result, you need to be careful, because they are quite sensitive.

To achieve the desired effect, it is necessary to make an effort and have patience. It is impossible to make this dog execute commands, because it must show interest to it. But still, they learn a lot, because they are pretty smart animals.

Accuracy and intelligence of a dog is shown even in trifles. In rainy weather, the pet will not run straight, but prefer to run from one shelter to the other.

How to choose a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy

Before you decide to buy a puppy of a given breed, you should decide the eternal dilemma about whether the owner can provide a decent life for the animal, where it will be able to eat a balanced diet and get the necessary exercise. But an important aspect is the manifestation of attention to the dog. If the owners are rarely at home, then you should give up the idea to buy such a dog.After all, for this representative to grow up healthy physically and mentally, it is necessary to work on this.

If a person still decided to take on such responsibility, then it is worth knowing about where it is better to acquire a puppy of a given breed. Experts recommend buying babies in special nurseries, where they are provided with the necessary conditions for life and ongoing care and feeding.

The priority is to attend exhibitions with these dogs. After talking with experienced dog breeders, you can find out what you should pay attention to, and where it is better to buy a puppy.

It is possible to acquire an animal, since one and a half month old. Moreover, at this time they acquire a harmonious look. But at an older age, the body of the dog may become inharmonious and disproportionate. The reason is that ridgeback is growing unevenly.

Do not hesitate to examine the puppy and check whether his ears and eyes are clean, what wool to touch.The baby should have been vaccinated and dewormed before selling.

Animals of this breed are very sensitive to the state of their host. And if the owner has a stressful state, Ridgeback will help him relieve tension. This is a very important criterion for those who work in constant tension and stress. These animals are very friendly and love their master, so they can help him relax and cheer up.

Puppy price

The price for a regular Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy can reach $ 350. The initial cost of it - 70 dollars. But so are the representatives who are unsuitable for the exhibition, or those who have a color that is not characteristic of the breed.

Those kids who are suitable for breeding according to all criteria, have a pedigree and all the necessary documents, can cost from 600 to 1200 dollars. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the presence of the listed criteria.

Video: Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed