Strong and handsome, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is known as a gentle giant. By Helen Frost.
Shaped like a blade, a line of hair runs in reverse along the back of this breed. The widest area sits on the shoulders and the point of the ‘blade’ is directed towards the tail. This is the distinctive marking that gives this interesting breed its name, the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Part of the Hound group, this strong and muscular animal is large, with a short tan-coloured coat ideally suited to South Africa, where it was renowned for its hunting skills. With their grand stature and lovely nature, these animals are intensely captivating. As with most breeds, there are some mixed theories about the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s origin. It is thought that when the Dutch, German and Huguenot people immigrated to South Africa in the 16th and 17th centuries, they took with them Danes, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds and Terriers. These were bred with indigenous African dogs, the offspring of which led to the modern-day Ridgeback.
For more information on the Rhodesian Ridgeback or to contact a local breed club, visit your state canine council website via ankc.org.au. New Zealand readers can visit nzkc.org.nz for information.
The original article was published in PETS issue 60. Click here to subscribe to our magazine.
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