Get to Know the Loyal and Loving Rhodesian Ridgeback

Get to Know the Loyal and Loving Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog sitting on grass

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a unique breed of canine that has been around since the 1600s. Also known as the African Lion Hound, this breed has an impressive history and a unique physical appearance. The breed originated in Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia, where they were used to hunt lions and other large game animals. Known for their distinct ridges along their backs, this breed is loyal, loving and highly intelligent. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this breed so special!

Hunting History

The origins of the Rhodesian Ridgeback reach back to South Africa in the early 17th century, when this breed was developed by Boer farmers for tracking and holding lions at bay. Their strong scenting abilities allowed them to track down animals over long distances before cornering them until hunters could come in for the kill. This allowed hunters to make a kill without having to actually fight with or even approach their prey. As such, these dogs were bred with exceptional courage, agility, and hunting prowess. They were also bred to be loyal family companions with an aloof demeanor towards strangers. Today's Ridgies still retain these instinctual hunting abilities; some may even enjoy tracking scents on walks or hikes!

Physical Characteristics

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large dogs that typically stand between 24-27 inches tall and weigh between 70-85 pounds. It has a muscular build with a short coat of fur that can be any color from reddish-brown, though it can sometimes be black or wheaten. The most distinctive feature of this breed is its namesake “ridge” – a strip of fur that runs along its back in the opposite direction from the rest of its coat. This ridge is formed by two strips of fur growing in opposite directions due to a genetic mutation called “ridging”. This mutation gives each individual ridgeback its own unique patterning!

Personality Traits

In addition to their physical traits, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have some distinct personality traits too! Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for being loyal, independent-minded, and very intelligent dogs. They bond closely with their owners but can also be independent thinkers when it comes to problem-solving. This means they require lots of consistent training to ensure they stay obedient—but once trained it will stick! These dogs also have high energy levels and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Health

In terms of health issues, Rhodesian Ridgebacks tend to suffer from hip dysplasia which can cause lameness or arthritis if left untreated for too long; however, this issue can usually be managed with medications prescribed by your veterinarian if caught early enough in life. Feeding a healthy diet of Holistic Health Extension dog food will help keep your Ridgie healthy and adding Hip +Joint  Supplement to their meal will provide additional support.  Additionally, some dogs may be prone to developing skin allergies due to environmental factors such as pollen or fleas so it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of irritation or itchiness and add Health Extension Skin + Coat to their meal to keep their skin vibrant and their coat shiny.  Always contact your vet immediately if anything questionable arises! 

All in all, there's no denying that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are truly special breeds - both inside and out! With their incredible history, unique physical characteristics, and loyal personalities, it's easy to see why this breed has been gaining popularity over recent years. Whether you're looking for your next forever friend or just want to learn more about them, we hope you've enjoyed unlocking some of these mysteries about this fascinating breed today!

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