Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog breed originally bred in Southern Africa. Its forebears can be traced to the semi-domesticated ridged hunting and guardian dogs of the Khoikhoi. These were interbred with European dogs by the early colonists of the Cape Colony for assisting in the hunting of lions.

Rhodesian Ridgeback
A male Rhodesian Ridgeback
Other names
  • African Lionhound
  • African Lion Dog
Common nicknamesRidgeback
OriginSouthern Africa
Traits
Height Males 63–69 cm (25–27 in)
Females 61–66 cm (24–26 in)
Weight Males 36.5 kg (80 lb)
Females 32 kg (71 lb)
Coat Short and dense, sleek and glossy in appearance
Color Light wheaten to red wheaten. A little white on the chest and toes is permissible. A dark muzzle and ears permissible. Excessive black hair throughout the coat is undesirable. Two nose colors are permissible, black and liver.
Life span 11 years
Kennel club standards
KUSA standard
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The original breed standard was drafted by F.R. Barnes, in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), in 1922, and approved by the South African Kennel Union in 1927. The Rhodesian Ridgeback at present is the only registered breed indigenous to mainland Southern Africa. The breed displays characteristics of a sighthound, scent hound and mastiff.

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