So the farmers focused on breeding the ridged dogs to each other to preserve and maximize these important qualities. To watch the Rhodesian in action at a lure coursing trial, check out this video. Seeing such a muscular, high-endurance breed in motion is impressive. Lure coursing brings out the hunting instincts of the Rhodesian, without any prey animals paying the price for it.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are strong, dignified, and even-tempered companions. Learn more about the breed here. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance.
Try to feed your dog at similar times every day as they like routine. Remember to leave a gap between eating and exercising as this is thought to reduce the risk of GDV. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm.
These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Do plenty of research before getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback. These strong and active dogs are real softies at heart and will show their owners a lot of love and affection.
If you have the time and space for their high exercise needs they could be the perfect dog for you. There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Rhodesian Ridgebacks are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations.
We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Donate Menu. Get help. Find us. Rhodesian Ridgeback. Rhodesian Ridgeback breed information. Key facts and characteristics. Energy levels. Easy to train. Exercise needed. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are clever and gentle dogs who are loyal and protective of their owners and families.
The ridge of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is caused by a mutation resulting in duplication of a length of DNA coding for three growth factor genes. This mutation, which has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance also causes dermoid sinuses. A certain number of Ridgebacks are born without ridges. This is due to a genetic fault and reputable breeders are trying to eliminate this characteristic from the breed gene pool.
You should know that the ridge is fully visible, in its complete form, at birth. A puppy that does not have a ridge will never have a ridge.
Ridgebacks should be born with their quirky ridge of backwards hair. Some puppies are born without the ridge, but it is a disqualifying fault according to the American Kennel Club. Historic data on the Rhodesian Ridgeback shows that centuries and centuries before the Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed a similar breed was found in Africa. One that was depicted in the burial caves as a showing of a chiefs prized possessions.
This dog, which was shown alongside sheep and cattle was distinctive in that it had a ridge down its back. By the 16th century, this breed was commonly known as the Hottentot dog and often found living with the Khoikhoi tribe in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. In the same century, European Boers came to Southern African to convert wildlands into farmlands.
They brought dogs with them which they used for hunting and guarding such as Great Danes, Bloodhounds, Greyhounds, and various Terriers. These dogs, however, were not suited to the African climate and terrain and were not particularly successful. Noticing the Hottentot dog and its ability to hunt and guard well, the European Boers decided to breed them with their own dogs.
This created the original Rhodesian Ridgeback, although over several years other genetics, such as from Arabian and Asian breeds, were also introduced. However, even at this early point the Rhodesian Ridgeback already had its ridge, and it would quickly become something prized. This was because specimens with ridges made the best hunter and that, after all, was what the breeding had been about. For those now wondering where the Hottentot dog got its ridge, unfortunately, we do not know.
It could, however, just be an act of Mother Nature, or perhaps a gift from God. It also means that they would be disqualified from showing if they lack one. The breed standard calls for the ridge to be clearly defined, symmetrical, and made of hairs growing in the opposite direction compared to the rest of the coat.
It should start behind the shoulders and taper off to a point as it reaches the hip area. The ridge should also have two crowns or whorls which are directly opposite each other. Having only one or more than two is considered a serious breed fault. A whorl, on a Rhodesian Ridgeback, should be a pattern of spirals or concentric circles in the fur. It should be noted at this point that there is no reason why you should not have a Rhodesian Ridgeback with less than two whorls, or more than two whorls as a family pet.
Unless you are showing them, the whorls are of little to no importance and do not affect the Rhodesian Ridgeback in anything other than appearance. However, here it becomes a little complicated as Rhodesian Ridgebacks can possess either one or two copies of this gene. Rhodesian Ridgebacks that carry two copies are known as homozygous, whilst those who carry the one are heterozygous.
These are:. Although a Rhodesian Ridgeback would, of course, not be a Rhodesian Ridgeback without a ridge, they can be a curse rather than a blessing. This is because the ridge can be a weak spot due to a condition known as Dermoid Sinus. Dermoid Sinus is a congenital abnormality that consists of hollow tubular indentations in the skin. These indentations penetrate down into the tissue below and cause problems as they are prone to infections.
Present from birth they occur along the dorsal midline down the ridge and can pose a life-threatening risk.
For a Rhodesian Ridgeback, Dermoid Sinus is at best an infection that can last for days or weeks. It will cause them to suffer mild to moderate discomfort and pain. At worst, Dermoid Sinus can affect the central nervous system which will be excruciating and can lead to severe illness and death.
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