Rhodesian Ridgeback Overview
Origin: Southern Africa
(formerly Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe)
Nickname
African Lion Hound or African Lion Dog
Group
Key Feature
A ridge of hair along its back that grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat.
Coat & Color
Short, dense, and glossy; color is a shade of light wheaten to red wheaten.
🌍 History and Purpose
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Lion Hunter: The breed was originally developed in Southern Africa by early colonists and Boer farmers. They crossed the indigenous ridged hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi people with various European breeds (like Mastiffs, Greyhounds, and Bloodhounds).
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The Job: Their primary function was to track and bay large game, especially lions, keeping the animal at bay (not killing it) until the hunter arrived.
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Family Protector: Beyond hunting, they served as excellent all-purpose farm dogs, protecting the property and serving as a devoted companion and protector to the family.
🧠 Temperament and Care
Temperament
Ridgebacks are known for their:
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Loyalty and Affection: They form strong bonds with their families and are often described as "people dogs."
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Dignified and Reserved Nature: They are typically quiet and don't bark much. They tend to be aloof or wary of strangers, making them excellent natural watchdogs.
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Intelligence and Willfulness: They are highly intelligent but can be strong-willed and stubborn, meaning they require consistent training and an experienced owner who can set firm, clear boundaries.
🏋️ Exercise and Grooming
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Exercise Needs: They are athletic and have medium to high energy. They require a significant amount of vigorous exercise—ideally at least an hour per day, which can include brisk walks, jogging, hiking, or dog sports like agility or lure coursing.
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Grooming: Their short, smooth coat is very low maintenance, requiring only weekly brushing to remove dead hair and minimal shedding.
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Training and Socialization: Early and thorough socialization is crucial for a well-adjusted Ridgeback, given their protective and reserved nature. Positive reinforcement is the most effective training method.
History of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
History of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
16th – 17th Century:
Foundation Stock
Pre-1500s: Indigenous Ridged Dogs: The Khoikhoi (or Hottentot) people of the Cape Colony in Southern Africa possess a domesticated dog used for hunting and guarding. This dog is noted by early European explorers for its ferocity and the characteristic ridge of hair along its spine.
Mid-1600s: European Crosses Begin: Dutch, German, and Huguenot settlers arrive in the Cape and bring various European breeds with them, including Great Danes, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, and Terriers. The settlers begin cross-breeding these dogs with the native, ridged Khoikhoi dogs to create a capable hunting and guard dog suited for the harsh African climate and terrain.
1707 – Late 1800s: The Boer Hunting Dog: Due to restricted European immigration, the development of the breed is confined to the dogs already in Southern Africa. This selective breeding results in the emergence of a consistent type of dog—variously called the Boer Hunting Dog or Boerhond—which retained the ridge and possessed the necessary courage, endurance, and hunting instinct.
Late 19th Century:
The Lion Hound
1875: Introduction to Rhodesia: The intrepid missionary, Rev. Charles Helm, travels from the Cape Colony to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). He takes with him two ridged dogs (likely rough-coated) from the Swellendam district.
1879: The Van Rooyen Line: Big game hunter Cornelius van Rooyen (who married Rev. Helm's daughter) begins to use Helm's dogs, crossing them with his own hunting packs (which included a variety of European breeds). Van Rooyen pioneers the breeding of a uniform pack of the ridged dogs specifically for baying lions—tracking the lion and holding it at bay without attacking until the hunter arrived.
Late 1800s: The "Lion Dog" Reputation: Van Rooyen's dogs gain a formidable reputation among hunters across the region, earning the nickname "African Lion Hound" or "Van Rooyen's Lion Dog."
Early 20th Century:
Breed Standardization
1922: The First Breed Standard: With the end of grand big-game hunting, breed enthusiasts, led by Francis Richard Barnes (of Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia), convene a meeting. Barnes drafts the first official Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Standard, basing it largely on the standard for the Dalmatian. The Rhodesian Ridgeback (Lion Dog) Club is founded.
1926: Official Recognition: Barnes' standard is officially approved by the South African Kennel Union (SAKU)(now KUSA). The breed's name is officially established as the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Mid-20th Century:
International Recognition
1928: Introduced to Great Britain: The breed is shown in Great Britain for the first time by Mrs. Edward Foljambe.
1950: Arrival in the U.S.: Mr. and Mrs. William O'Brien of Arizona import six selected Ridgebacks from South Africa, establishing the breed's presence in the United States.
1955: AKC Recognition: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and placed in the Hound Group.