The Rhodesian Ridgeback
From Wikipedia, AKC.org and RRCUS.org:
Appearance
The Ridgeback's general appearance is of a handsome, strong, muscular and active dog, symmetrical in outline, capable of great endurance with a fair (good) amount of speed. The mature dog is handsome and upstanding. The Ridgeback's distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair along its back running in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat. The ridge must be regarded as the escutcheon of the breed. It consists of a fan-like area formed by two whorls of hair (called "crowns") and tapers from immediately behind the shoulders, down to the level of the hips. The ridge is thought to be derived from the ridged hunting dog of the Khoikhoi (literally, "men of men"; native South African people, referred to by the Europeans as Hottentots).
Some Ridgebacks are born without ridges, and until recently, most ridgeless puppies were culled, or euthanized, at birth. Today, many breeders opt instead to spay and neuter these offspring to ensure they will not be bred.
Male Ridgebacks should be 25-27 inches (63-69 cm) at the withers and weigh approximately 85 lb (36.5 kg FCI Standard), however some have been known to reach up to 150 lb, females 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) and approximately 70-75 lb (32 kg). They are typically muscular and have a light wheaten to red wheaten coat, which should be short and dense, sleek and glossy in appearance, but neither woolly nor silky. The presence of black guard hairs or ticking is not addressed in the AKC standard, although the elaboration of the AKC standard notes the amount of black or dark brown in the coat should not be excessive. The FCI standard states - excessive black hairs throughout the coat are highly undesirable. White is acceptable on the chest and toes.
Ridgebacks have a strong, smooth tail, which is usually carried in a gentle curve upwards. The eyes should be round and should reflect the coat color, dark eyes with a black muzzle, amber eyes with a liver nose and either with a light wheaten. The liver nose is becoming more common for its importance in keeping the golden lionlike colour in the coat [recessive gene] and is therefore not as common as a black nose. The livernose has been in the past poorly represented in the ring and was extensively bred out at one time, until its importance was recognised in the breed.
The original standard allowed for a variety of coat colors, including brindle and sable. Today, all shades of wheaten are permitted. While the deeper red were often favored by judges in the past, it seems now a gross section of colours and it is only time before there is another livernose champion announced, the lighter wheaten is now sought after, too. Color variants such as brindles, black-and-tans and blue dilutes appear occasionally, but not commonly, and are not considered acceptable for the show ring or for breeding. White on the feet and chest are common, but it is preferred to not reach the shoulder or above the dew claws on the feet. The only disqualification in the AKC standard for this breed is ridgelessness.
Temperament
Ridgebacks are loyal, intelligent, gentle, and very independent. They are, however, aloof to strangers. This breed requires training and dedication and is only for the experienced dog owner. They are strong-willed, exceptionally clever, and many seem to have a penchant for mischief. Owners report them teaching themselves (and each other) how to escape crates and kennels, open even 'child-locked' cabinets and doors, and especially behind-your-back stealing of food. They do not make a good first dog, though the same traits that make them difficult often appeal to the more experienced owners. Although they can withstand wide temperature variations due to their African heritage, they are sensitive and prefer to be with their human families inside. They were traditionally hunters, guardians, and companions. Despite their athletic, sometimes imposing exterior, the Ridgeback has a sensitive side. Excessively harsh training methods that might be tolerated by a sporting or working dog will likely backfire on a Ridgeback. Intelligent to a fault, the Ridgeback accepts correction as long as it is fair and justified, and as long as it comes from someone he knows and trusts. Francis R. Barnes, who wrote the first standard in 1922, acknowledged that "rough treatment ... should never be administered to these dogs, especially when they are young. They go to pieces with handling of that kind".
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed History
The breed's long history dates back to early in the 17th century when the first European settlers found with the Khoisan tribes a domesticated dog with the hair on his spine being turned forward. Later, to fill specific needs of the big game hunters of the late 19th century for a serviceable hunting dog, tough, resistant to disease, intelligent enough to avoid crocodiles and snakes, with tick repellent smooth coat, tight paw pads to protect against thorns and rough terrain, brave enough to face a lion or any other big game, but fast enough to stay out of harm's way of horns, claws and teeth. The main person behind this development was Cornelius Van Rooyen of Plumtree, Rhodesia. The history of the breed is frustratingly murky. What is commonly accepted is that Van Rooyen used two ridged, rough-coated bitches from the Swellendam district brought to him by the Rev. Charles Helm in 1879. Van Rooyen crossed these bitches with members of his pack, noting that their ridged progeny excelled at lion hunting.
In his book "The Definitive Rhodesian Ridgeback," the late Canadian breeder-judge David Helgesen theorized, based on historical records of the day, that seven distinct dogs were involved in the formation of the breed: the Khoi dog, whose blood was present in Helm's two deerhound-like bitches; the Greyhound, for speed; the Bulldog for biting and holding ability; the Collie, for slashing ability; the Pointer; and Airedale and Irish Terriers, for coat color and scrappiness. It is likely that the Great Dane, Mastiff, Bloodhound and Deerhound also contributed to the gene pool along the way. The Breed Standard is based on that of the Dalmatian and was first registered by the South African Kennel Club SAKU (now KUSA) in 1924. At that time KUSA was the only Kennel Club in the territory. The breed was first admitted into the American Kennel Club in 1955 as a member of the Hound Group.
As hunters, Ridgebacks were sent out in pairs, often in larger groups, to wear a lion down by taunting and goading it into confusion. This dog had a great deal of respect for the lion, almost bordering on fear, and was acutely aware of the danger played out during this drama. Nevertheless, the tenaciousness of this devoted animal could be depended on to corner or "bay" the lion while the human hunters stepped in for the final kill. The dogs worked in revolving groups to keep the lion occupied until the hunter arrived; the dogs themselves did not usually kill lions, but there are stories of pairs of them being able do so on some occasions. Female Ridgebacks were often used more than males, as the females tended to be more agile. When not used for hunting the dogs were beloved family pets, guardians of the property and able herders.
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
- Anonymous
Health
Health conditions known to affect this breed are cataracts, elbow and hip dysplasia and cancer. Hypothyroidism is a growing concern, at least in the United States, where it is routinely screened for. The Ridgeback ranks number 8 in terms of most affected breeds recorded by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Average lifespan is from 10-12 years, but they have been known to live to nearly 16 years, though this is rare. Dermoid Sinus is a congenital condition that is known to affect this breed. Hopefully it is discovered at birth by the breeder or a knowledgeable veterinarian. These puppies should be culled, or at the very least spayed or neutered. It can be very painful for the dog and a very expensive ongoing problem for the owners. Bloat or torsion, in which the stomach twists around the longitudinal axis, thereby sealing off the contents, resulting in a buildup of gas, which can be fatal.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States maintains a web site devoted to the breed's health issues and ongoing research. This group recommends that breeders perform at least four health screenings -- hips, elbows, thyroid and eyes -- with cardiac and hearing tests optional.
The American Kennel Club Standard:
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Ridgeback represents a strong, muscular and active dog, symmetrical and balanced in outline. A mature Ridgeback is a handsome, upstanding and athletic dog, capable of great endurance with a fair (good) amount of speed. Of even, dignified temperament, the Ridgeback is devoted and affectionate to his master, reserved with strangers. The peculiarity of this breed is the ridge on the back. The ridge must be regarded as the characteristic feature of the breed.
SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE
A mature Ridgeback should be symmetrical in outline, slightly longer than tall but well balanced. Dogs - 25 to 27 inches in height; Bitches - 24 to 26 inches in height. Desirable weight: Dogs - 85 pounds; Bitches - 70 pounds.
HEAD
Should be of fair length, the skull flat and rather broad between the ears and should be free from wrinkles when in repose. The stop should be reasonably well defined. Eyes-should be moderately well apart and should be round, bright and sparkling with intelligent expression, their color harmonizing with the color of the dog. Ears-should be set rather high, of medium size, rather wide at the base and tapering to a rounded point. They should be carried close to the head. Muzzle-should be long, deep and powerful. The lips clean, closely fitting the jaws. Nose-should be black, brown or liver, in keeping with the color of the dog. No other colored nose is permissible. A black nose should be accompanied by dark eyes, a brown or liver nose with amber eyes. Bite-jaws level and strong with well-developed teeth, especially the canines or holders. Scissors bite preferred.
NECK, TOPLINE, BODY
The neck should be fairly strong and free from throatiness. The chest should not be too wide, but very deep and capacious, ribs moderately well sprung, never rounded like barrel hoops (which would indicate want of speed). The back is powerful and firm with strong loins which are muscular and slightly arched. The tail should be strong at the insertion and generally tapering towards the end, free from coarseness. It should not be inserted too high or too low and should be carried with a slight curve upwards, never curled or gay.
FOREQUARTERS
The shoulders should be sloping, clean and muscular, denoting speed. Elbows close to the body. The forelegs should be perfectly straight, strong, and heavy in bone. The feet should be compact with well-arched toes, round, tough, elastic pads, protected by hair between the toes and pads. Dewclaws may be removed.
HINDQUARTERS
In the hind legs, the muscles should be clean, well defined and hocks well down. Feet as in front.
COAT
Should be short and dense, sleek and glossy in appearance but neither wooly nor silky.
COLOR
Light wheaten to red wheaten. A little white on the chest and toes permissible but excessive white there, on the belly or above the toes is undesirable.
RIDGE
The hallmark of this breed is the ridge on the back which is formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. The ridge must be regarded as the characteristic feature of the breed. The ridge should be clearly defined, tapering and symmetrical. It should start immediately behind the shoulders and continue to a point between the prominence of the hips and should contain two identical crowns (whorls) directly opposite each other. The lower edge of the crowns (whorls) should not extend further down the ridge than one third of the ridge. Disqualification:
Ridgelessness. Serious Fault: One crown (whorl) or more than two crowns (whorls).
GAIT
At the trot, the back is held level and the stride is efficient, long, free and unrestricted. Reach and drive expressing a perfect balance between power and elegance. At the chase, the Ridgeback demonstrates great coursing ability and endurance.
TEMPERAMENT
Dignified and even tempered. Reserved with strangers.
SCALE OF POINTS
General appearance, size, symmetry and balance 20
Ridge 20
Head 15
Legs and feet 15
Neck and shoulders 10
Body, back, chest, and loin 10
Coat and color 5
Tail 5
TOTAL 100
DISQUALIFICATION
Ridgelessness
Approved by The American Kennel Club on August 11, 1992 and effective September 30, 1992:
Size, Proportion, Substance
A mature Ridgeback should be symmetrical in outline, slightly longer than tall but well balanced. Dogs - 25 to 27 inches in height; Bitches - 24 to 26 inches in height. Desirable weight: Dogs - 85 pounds; Bitches - 70 pounds.
Neck, Topline, Body
A mature Ridgeback should be symmetrical in outline, slightly longer than tall but well balanced. Dogs - 25 to 27 inches in height; Bitches - 24 to 26 inches in height.
Gait
Perfect balance between power and elegance
Appearance
The Ridgeback's general appearance is of a handsome, strong, muscular and active dog, symmetrical in outline, capable of great endurance with a fair (good) amount of speed. The mature dog is handsome and upstanding. The Ridgeback's distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair along its back running in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat. The ridge must be regarded as the escutcheon of the breed. It consists of a fan-like area formed by two whorls of hair (called "crowns") and tapers from immediately behind the shoulders, down to the level of the hips. The ridge is thought to be derived from the ridged hunting dog of the Khoikhoi (literally, "men of men"; native South African people, referred to by the Europeans as Hottentots).
Some Ridgebacks are born without ridges, and until recently, most ridgeless puppies were culled, or euthanized, at birth. Today, many breeders opt instead to spay and neuter these offspring to ensure they will not be bred.
Male Ridgebacks should be 25-27 inches (63-69 cm) at the withers and weigh approximately 85 lb (36.5 kg FCI Standard), however some have been known to reach up to 150 lb, females 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) and approximately 70-75 lb (32 kg). They are typically muscular and have a light wheaten to red wheaten coat, which should be short and dense, sleek and glossy in appearance, but neither woolly nor silky. The presence of black guard hairs or ticking is not addressed in the AKC standard, although the elaboration of the AKC standard notes the amount of black or dark brown in the coat should not be excessive. The FCI standard states - excessive black hairs throughout the coat are highly undesirable. White is acceptable on the chest and toes.
Ridgebacks have a strong, smooth tail, which is usually carried in a gentle curve upwards. The eyes should be round and should reflect the coat color, dark eyes with a black muzzle, amber eyes with a liver nose and either with a light wheaten. The liver nose is becoming more common for its importance in keeping the golden lionlike colour in the coat [recessive gene] and is therefore not as common as a black nose. The livernose has been in the past poorly represented in the ring and was extensively bred out at one time, until its importance was recognised in the breed.
The original standard allowed for a variety of coat colors, including brindle and sable. Today, all shades of wheaten are permitted. While the deeper red were often favored by judges in the past, it seems now a gross section of colours and it is only time before there is another livernose champion announced, the lighter wheaten is now sought after, too. Color variants such as brindles, black-and-tans and blue dilutes appear occasionally, but not commonly, and are not considered acceptable for the show ring or for breeding. White on the feet and chest are common, but it is preferred to not reach the shoulder or above the dew claws on the feet. The only disqualification in the AKC standard for this breed is ridgelessness.
Temperament
Ridgebacks are loyal, intelligent, gentle, and very independent. They are, however, aloof to strangers. This breed requires training and dedication and is only for the experienced dog owner. They are strong-willed, exceptionally clever, and many seem to have a penchant for mischief. Owners report them teaching themselves (and each other) how to escape crates and kennels, open even 'child-locked' cabinets and doors, and especially behind-your-back stealing of food. They do not make a good first dog, though the same traits that make them difficult often appeal to the more experienced owners. Although they can withstand wide temperature variations due to their African heritage, they are sensitive and prefer to be with their human families inside. They were traditionally hunters, guardians, and companions. Despite their athletic, sometimes imposing exterior, the Ridgeback has a sensitive side. Excessively harsh training methods that might be tolerated by a sporting or working dog will likely backfire on a Ridgeback. Intelligent to a fault, the Ridgeback accepts correction as long as it is fair and justified, and as long as it comes from someone he knows and trusts. Francis R. Barnes, who wrote the first standard in 1922, acknowledged that "rough treatment ... should never be administered to these dogs, especially when they are young. They go to pieces with handling of that kind".
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed History
The breed's long history dates back to early in the 17th century when the first European settlers found with the Khoisan tribes a domesticated dog with the hair on his spine being turned forward. Later, to fill specific needs of the big game hunters of the late 19th century for a serviceable hunting dog, tough, resistant to disease, intelligent enough to avoid crocodiles and snakes, with tick repellent smooth coat, tight paw pads to protect against thorns and rough terrain, brave enough to face a lion or any other big game, but fast enough to stay out of harm's way of horns, claws and teeth. The main person behind this development was Cornelius Van Rooyen of Plumtree, Rhodesia. The history of the breed is frustratingly murky. What is commonly accepted is that Van Rooyen used two ridged, rough-coated bitches from the Swellendam district brought to him by the Rev. Charles Helm in 1879. Van Rooyen crossed these bitches with members of his pack, noting that their ridged progeny excelled at lion hunting.
In his book "The Definitive Rhodesian Ridgeback," the late Canadian breeder-judge David Helgesen theorized, based on historical records of the day, that seven distinct dogs were involved in the formation of the breed: the Khoi dog, whose blood was present in Helm's two deerhound-like bitches; the Greyhound, for speed; the Bulldog for biting and holding ability; the Collie, for slashing ability; the Pointer; and Airedale and Irish Terriers, for coat color and scrappiness. It is likely that the Great Dane, Mastiff, Bloodhound and Deerhound also contributed to the gene pool along the way. The Breed Standard is based on that of the Dalmatian and was first registered by the South African Kennel Club SAKU (now KUSA) in 1924. At that time KUSA was the only Kennel Club in the territory. The breed was first admitted into the American Kennel Club in 1955 as a member of the Hound Group.
As hunters, Ridgebacks were sent out in pairs, often in larger groups, to wear a lion down by taunting and goading it into confusion. This dog had a great deal of respect for the lion, almost bordering on fear, and was acutely aware of the danger played out during this drama. Nevertheless, the tenaciousness of this devoted animal could be depended on to corner or "bay" the lion while the human hunters stepped in for the final kill. The dogs worked in revolving groups to keep the lion occupied until the hunter arrived; the dogs themselves did not usually kill lions, but there are stories of pairs of them being able do so on some occasions. Female Ridgebacks were often used more than males, as the females tended to be more agile. When not used for hunting the dogs were beloved family pets, guardians of the property and able herders.
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
- Anonymous
Health
Health conditions known to affect this breed are cataracts, elbow and hip dysplasia and cancer. Hypothyroidism is a growing concern, at least in the United States, where it is routinely screened for. The Ridgeback ranks number 8 in terms of most affected breeds recorded by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Average lifespan is from 10-12 years, but they have been known to live to nearly 16 years, though this is rare. Dermoid Sinus is a congenital condition that is known to affect this breed. Hopefully it is discovered at birth by the breeder or a knowledgeable veterinarian. These puppies should be culled, or at the very least spayed or neutered. It can be very painful for the dog and a very expensive ongoing problem for the owners. Bloat or torsion, in which the stomach twists around the longitudinal axis, thereby sealing off the contents, resulting in a buildup of gas, which can be fatal.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States maintains a web site devoted to the breed's health issues and ongoing research. This group recommends that breeders perform at least four health screenings -- hips, elbows, thyroid and eyes -- with cardiac and hearing tests optional.
The American Kennel Club Standard:
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Ridgeback represents a strong, muscular and active dog, symmetrical and balanced in outline. A mature Ridgeback is a handsome, upstanding and athletic dog, capable of great endurance with a fair (good) amount of speed. Of even, dignified temperament, the Ridgeback is devoted and affectionate to his master, reserved with strangers. The peculiarity of this breed is the ridge on the back. The ridge must be regarded as the characteristic feature of the breed.
SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE
A mature Ridgeback should be symmetrical in outline, slightly longer than tall but well balanced. Dogs - 25 to 27 inches in height; Bitches - 24 to 26 inches in height. Desirable weight: Dogs - 85 pounds; Bitches - 70 pounds.
HEAD
Should be of fair length, the skull flat and rather broad between the ears and should be free from wrinkles when in repose. The stop should be reasonably well defined. Eyes-should be moderately well apart and should be round, bright and sparkling with intelligent expression, their color harmonizing with the color of the dog. Ears-should be set rather high, of medium size, rather wide at the base and tapering to a rounded point. They should be carried close to the head. Muzzle-should be long, deep and powerful. The lips clean, closely fitting the jaws. Nose-should be black, brown or liver, in keeping with the color of the dog. No other colored nose is permissible. A black nose should be accompanied by dark eyes, a brown or liver nose with amber eyes. Bite-jaws level and strong with well-developed teeth, especially the canines or holders. Scissors bite preferred.
NECK, TOPLINE, BODY
The neck should be fairly strong and free from throatiness. The chest should not be too wide, but very deep and capacious, ribs moderately well sprung, never rounded like barrel hoops (which would indicate want of speed). The back is powerful and firm with strong loins which are muscular and slightly arched. The tail should be strong at the insertion and generally tapering towards the end, free from coarseness. It should not be inserted too high or too low and should be carried with a slight curve upwards, never curled or gay.
FOREQUARTERS
The shoulders should be sloping, clean and muscular, denoting speed. Elbows close to the body. The forelegs should be perfectly straight, strong, and heavy in bone. The feet should be compact with well-arched toes, round, tough, elastic pads, protected by hair between the toes and pads. Dewclaws may be removed.
HINDQUARTERS
In the hind legs, the muscles should be clean, well defined and hocks well down. Feet as in front.
COAT
Should be short and dense, sleek and glossy in appearance but neither wooly nor silky.
COLOR
Light wheaten to red wheaten. A little white on the chest and toes permissible but excessive white there, on the belly or above the toes is undesirable.
RIDGE
The hallmark of this breed is the ridge on the back which is formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. The ridge must be regarded as the characteristic feature of the breed. The ridge should be clearly defined, tapering and symmetrical. It should start immediately behind the shoulders and continue to a point between the prominence of the hips and should contain two identical crowns (whorls) directly opposite each other. The lower edge of the crowns (whorls) should not extend further down the ridge than one third of the ridge. Disqualification:
Ridgelessness. Serious Fault: One crown (whorl) or more than two crowns (whorls).
GAIT
At the trot, the back is held level and the stride is efficient, long, free and unrestricted. Reach and drive expressing a perfect balance between power and elegance. At the chase, the Ridgeback demonstrates great coursing ability and endurance.
TEMPERAMENT
Dignified and even tempered. Reserved with strangers.
SCALE OF POINTS
General appearance, size, symmetry and balance 20
Ridge 20
Head 15
Legs and feet 15
Neck and shoulders 10
Body, back, chest, and loin 10
Coat and color 5
Tail 5
TOTAL 100
DISQUALIFICATION
Ridgelessness
Approved by The American Kennel Club on August 11, 1992 and effective September 30, 1992:
Size, Proportion, Substance
A mature Ridgeback should be symmetrical in outline, slightly longer than tall but well balanced. Dogs - 25 to 27 inches in height; Bitches - 24 to 26 inches in height. Desirable weight: Dogs - 85 pounds; Bitches - 70 pounds.
Neck, Topline, Body
A mature Ridgeback should be symmetrical in outline, slightly longer than tall but well balanced. Dogs - 25 to 27 inches in height; Bitches - 24 to 26 inches in height.
Gait
Perfect balance between power and elegance