The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a unique and fascinating breed with a rich history. They originated in Southern Africa, specifically in what is now Zimbabwe, where they were bred by the indigenous people to hunt lions.
Their distinctive ridge of hair running along their back is a key characteristic of the breed. This ridge is actually a reverse coat, where the hair grows in the opposite direction of the rest of the coat.
In Southern Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was highly valued for its hunting prowess and loyalty. They were often used by farmers and hunters to track and kill lions, which were a major threat to livestock.
Their intelligence, athleticism, and strong prey drive made them an ideal breed for this task.
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Origin
The Rhodesian Ridgeback's origin story is a fascinating one, and it's no surprise that this breed has a unique character to match. One of the few breeds to originate in Southern Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback's genetics and history set it apart from other breeds.
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The breed's history dates back to the 16th century, when the first Europeans discovered the Khoekhoe people living alongside a semi-domesticated dog with a distinctive "ridge" of hair growing backwards along its spine.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback was likely bred by the Khoekhoe people for hundreds of years before the 16th century, and it's interesting to think about the selective breeding that may have taken place to develop this breed's distinctive features.
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History of
The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed has its roots in semi-wild dogs native to southern Africa that were crossed with other breeds brought to the area by European settlers starting in the 1600s. Some dog breeds that are included in its makeup are unknown.
A hunter from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) used an early version of the ridgeback for big game hunting in the 1800s. He found the dogs to be fearless in confronting and holding lions and other prey.
The Khoekhoe people likely bred the Rhodesian Ridgeback for hundreds of years, with the first Europeans discovering them living alongside a semi-domesticated dog with hair growing backwards along the spine in the 16th century.
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Two people were integral to the breeding of the first Rhodesian Ridgeback: Rev. Charles Daniel Helm and a hunter Cornelius van Rooyen. They worked together to interbreed the semi-wild canines with other dogs, adding the ridge along their back that would become the breed's unique trademark.
The American Kennel Club didn’t recognize the breed until 1955, and one of the first ridgeback breeders in the U.S. was actor Errol Flynn.
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Physical Characteristics
The Rhodesian Ridgeback's physical characteristics are truly unique. The breed's distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction from the rest of its coat, which is usually about 2 inches wide at its widest point.
This ridge is typically formed by two whorls of hair, also known as "crowns", and tapers from immediately behind the shoulders down to the level of the hips. The coat itself is short, dense, sleek, and glossy, with a light wheaten to red wheaten color.
Male Rhodesian Ridgebacks usually stand between 26-29 inches tall at the withers and weigh around 45 kg, while females are typically 24-26 inches tall and weigh about 38 kg.
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Appearance
The Rhodesian Ridgeback's distinctive appearance is one of its most recognizable features. The ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction from the rest of its coat is a fan-like area formed by two whorls of hair, also known as "crowns".
This ridge tapers from immediately behind the shoulders down to the level of the hips, and is usually about 2 inches in width at its widest point. It's believed to originate from the dog used by the original African dog population.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are typically very muscular, with a light wheaten to red wheaten coat that's short, dense, sleek, and glossy in appearance. White is acceptable on the chest and toes, but excessive white is considered a fault.
The dog's nose should be black or liver in keeping with the colour of the dog, and no other coloured nose is permissible.
Take a look at this: White Rhodesian Ridgeback
Genetics of the Ridge
The genetics of the ridge in dogs is a fascinating topic. The genotype responsible for the ridge was found by a consortium of researchers in 2007.
The ridge mutation is autosomal dominant, meaning a dog only needs one copy of the mutation to express the trait. This is significant because it affects the breeding process.
Well under 25% of puppies lack a ridge, indicating a significant proportion of the breed are homozygous for the mutation. This is a crucial consideration for breeders.
A genetic test is available to distinguish between dominant homozygotes (R/R) and heterozygotes (R/r). This test can accurately predict the birth of ridgeless puppies.
Here's a breakdown of the genetic test results:
Relationships with Other Breeds
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Shares a Unique Genetic Connection with the Great Dane. This is due to a study on the genetics of breed development that found similarities between their genomes.
It's fascinating to think about the genetic relationships between different breeds. The Rhodesian Ridgeback's bond with the Great Dane is a unique one.
This breed has a significant following, with famous owners like David Bowie and Errol Flynn.
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Shares Genetic Relationship with Another Breed
The Rhodesian Ridgeback shares a genetic relationship with the Great Dane, the only other breed in its cluster.
This bond is a result of similarities in their genomes, as found in a study on the genetics of breed development.
This unique connection is a fascinating aspect of the breed's history, and it's interesting to note that the Rhodesian Ridgeback's reputation as a fighter likely contributed to its popularity among fans like David Bowie and Errol Flynn.
The breed's popularity is also reflected in its ranking as 41st on the AKC's list of most popular breeds.
Dalmatian and Human Connection
The Dalmatian and human connection is a unique one, especially when it comes to other breeds. The Dalmatian's standard was used as a framework for the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed.
In fact, the founding members of the Rhodesian Ridgeback's parent club decided to use the Dalmatian standard as their basis. This shows just how influential the Dalmatian breed can be.
Interestingly, the Dalmatian's standard was used as a guide to create a breed that would eventually become the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How did ridgebacks hunt lions?
Ridgebacks hunted lions by tracking and cornering them, using their agility to keep the lions at bay until the hunter arrived. They worked in small groups to effectively manage and contain the lions.
Why do they call them ridgebacks?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed gets its name from the distinctive ridge of hair running along its back, which originates from its ancestral roots in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). This unique characteristic is the breed's defining feature.
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