Rhodesian Ridgeback
Origin: Southern Africa
Popularity Rank: 42 Since 2020
Life Span: 10-12 years
Color: “Rhodesian ridgeback colors” are black, white, brown, and grey in color.
Size: medium in size
Height: The “Rhodesian ridgeback height” of Males is 67-74 cm (26-29 inches) and the Female height is 61-66 cm (24-26 inches).
Breed Group: The “Rhodesian ridgeback dog” belongs to the hound dog group.
Pricing: Rhodesian ridgeback price ranges are from $1000 – $2000.
Weight: The “Rhodesian ridgeback weight” of the male dog is 85 pounds and the weight of the female dog is 70 pounds.
Rhodesian ridgeback Dog History
The “Rhodesian ridgeback dog” originated in Southern Africa as a big scent hound and sighthound dog breed.
Origin in Africa
Its ancestors can be traced back to the Khoikhoi’s semi-domesticated ridged hunting and guardian dogs. The early colonists of southern Africa’s Cape Colony interbred these dogs with European dogs. The “Rhodesian Ridgeback” originated in modern-day Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia. The breed’s ancestor is the Hottentot dog, a domesticated dog retained by the indigenous Khoikhoi people of Southern Africa.
European settlers in Africa later bred these dogs with various imported breeds, including the Greyhound, Bloodhound, Great Dane, and Mastiff. The European Southern African settlers primarily produced the Rhodesian Ridgeback during the nineteenth century. They were looking for a flexible and rigid canine capable of adjusting to the harsh African environment, assisting in big game hunting, and providing farm defense.
Lion Hunting
The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s most notable historical role was as a hunting companion for the big game, particularly lions. Until the hunters arrived, the breed would track, corner, and keep lions at bay. It was well-suited for these hazardous activities due to its fearlessness, agility, and endurance.
Change of Name
Originally known as the “African Lion Dog” or “African Lion Hound,” the Rhodesian Ridgeback was later called after the region where it was developed. This is also known as the African lion dog because of its unique ability to taunt a lion. They rarely bark while hunting.
Breed Standardization
Breed enthusiasts attempted to standardize the “Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed” in the early twentieth century. The South African Kennel Union officially recognized the breed in 1924. The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom first recognized the breed in 1950, followed by the American Kennel Club in 1955.
Rhodesian ridgeback Characteristics
A ridge of hair runs across the back of the Rhodesian ridgeback breed in the opposite direction as the rest of its coat. Moreover, it features a fan-like area that forms through two whorls of hair tapering directly behind the shoulders to the level of the hips. The ridge usually is around 2 inches (51 mm) wide at the widest point.
Furthermore, Newfoundland dogs are bold, clever, inquisitive, skittish, and aggressive. Hence, these dogs keep a lion at bay while the hunters come to kill it. This dog breed worked in groups to keep the lion occupied until the hunter arrived. They are companion, guardian, and hunter dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Body
These pups are built like robust, muscular dogs. These canines have attractive, athletic bodies. The ridge on this dog’s back, which runs anticlockwise to the remainder of the coat, is hair-covered. Moreover, they have a fan-shaped region of hair that tapers from behind the shoulders to the hip level. These dogs have big, dark eyes that are amber with a brown snout and a black muzzle. On the chest and toes, white is allowed.
The “Rhodesian Ridgeback” has a powerful and muscular frame, contributing to its endurance and athleticism. Their well-developed muscles provide them with strength and agility.
Body Structure
The “Rhodesian Ridgeback dog” has a well-balanced and symmetrical body structure. Their athletic and well-built image is enhanced by their proportioned limbs, well-muscled chest, and level topline. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have well-angulated hindquarters and powerful and muscular rear legs. This structure adds to their intense drive and allows them to walk with a long, smooth stride.
Deep Chest
“Rhodesian Ridgebacks dogs” have a deep chest that allows plenty of room for their heart and lungs. This deep chest enables adequate oxygen intake and aids their endurance, both important in their original purpose as hunting and tracking dogs.
Coat
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a short, thick coat that keeps them from overheating. The coat is worn tight to the body and helps regulate body temperature in various weather conditions.
Red Wheaten or Light Wheaten Coat Color
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has two coat colors: red wheaten and light wheaten. These hues range from a light golden tan to a rich reddish-brown. Their coat color is rich and brilliant, enhancing their attractiveness.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Issues
Gastric dilatation volvulus disease, hip dysplasia disease, dermoid sinus disease, Cataract, and Entropion disease, Lastly, Elbow disease is common in Rhodesian ridgeback dogs.
Dermoid Sinus Disease
Dermoid sinus disease is a congenital ailment that primarily affects Rhodesian Ridgebacks but can also affect other breeds. The existence of a tunnel-like tract that extends from the skin to the spinal cord characterizes the dermoid sinus. It is regarded as an aberration in neural tube development during embryonic development.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Hip Dysplasia
A prevalent orthopedic issue in dogs, notably Rhodesian Ridgebacks, is hip dysplasia. It is distinguished by an aberrant hip joint development, which can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Elbow Dysplasia
It can result in pain, lameness, and decreased mobility.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
PRA causes a set of inherited degenerative eye diseases that can lead to progressive vision loss and blindness. Early detection and treatment require regular eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
JME is hereditary epilepsy that can affect Rhodesian Ridgebacks. It is distinguished by muscle twitches or convulsions that typically begin in puppyhood. Typically, medication and management under the supervision of a veterinarian are required.
Cancer Disorder in Rhodesian Ridgeback
Cancer in “Rhodesian Ridgeback dog” is more common than in other breeds, including mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma.
Treatment
The treatment approach for “Rhodesian Ridgebacks” will differ according to their health issue.
Dermoid Sinus Diagnosis Treatment
Veterinarians use a thorough physical examination and diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or advanced techniques like CT scans or MRIs, to assess the length and depth of the sinus tract.
Dermoid Sinus Treatment in Rhodesian Ridgeback
The primary treatment for “dermoid sinus” is surgical excision. A professional veterinarian or veterinary surgeon will perform the removal of the sinus tract and damaged tissue, ensuring complete closure of the entrance. They may use antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. Post-operative care is critical, including wound treatment and monitoring for complications.
Hip or Elbow Dysplasia Diagnosis
A veterinarian will perform a physical examination, conduct radiographs (X-rays), and potentially administer other diagnostic tests to examine joint health and determine the severity of dysplasia.
Hip or Elbow Dysplasia Treatment
Weight loss to reduce joint stress, physical therapy exercises to strengthen supporting muscles, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) for pain relief, and joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are all treatment choices. Surgery, such as total hip or elbow replacement or corrective osteotomy, may be required in more severe situations.
Diagnosis of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
An ophthalmologist will do a complete eye examination, including visual assessment, electroretinography (ERG), and genetic testing, to diagnose PRA and establish the disease’s course.
Treatment of Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Unfortunately, PRA is not treated. Treatment relies on supportive care, such as environmental adjustments to help with decreased vision, regular ophthalmologist check-ups, and addressing any emerging secondary issues.
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