Breed Standards
Brief History
Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred in the early 1920's, primarily to hunt lions. Their job was to distract the lion whilst their master made the kill.
They are known for their bravery, their independence, and their loyalty (once that emotion has been earned, of course).
Physically, they are known for their wheaten colour, and the distinctive ridge of hair along their back where the fur grows in the opposite direction.
This ridge is a must in every dog that applies for registration.
They are known for their bravery, their independence, and their loyalty (once that emotion has been earned, of course).
Physically, they are known for their wheaten colour, and the distinctive ridge of hair along their back where the fur grows in the opposite direction.
This ridge is a must in every dog that applies for registration.
Breed Standards
GENERAL APPEARANCE
CHARACTERISTICS
HEAD
NECK
FOREQUARTERS
BODY
HINDQUARTERS
FEET
TAIL
COAT
COLOR
GAIT
- The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a symmetrical, well balanced, strong dog, yet it must be active and agile, and have no tendency towards massiveness. The emphasis is on agility, elegance and soundness.
The distinctive characteristic peculiar to the breed is a ridge on the back that is formed by the hair growing in an opposite direction from the rest of the coat. The ridge is clearly defined, tapering and symmetrical. It begins immediately behind the shoulders and continues to a point located between the prominences of the hips. It should contain two identical crowns opposite each other, the lower edges of which do not extend farther down the ridge than one-third of the length of the ridge. A good average width of the ridge is two inches.
Disqualification: Lack of a ridge.
CHARACTERISTICS
- Intelligent and dignified, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be aloof with strangers, but is never shy or aggressive.
HEAD
- SKULL - The skull is of fair length. The width of the skull between the ears, the length of the skull, and the length of the muzzle should all be equal. The skull is flat between the ears, and free of wrinkles when the dog is in repose. The stop is reasonably well defined.
MUZZLE - The muzzle is long, deep and powerful, with close fitting lips. The cheeks are clean.
Faults: Heavy head; round skull; short, snipey muzzle; bulging cheeks.
TEETH - A full complement of strong, well-developed, white teeth meet in a scissors bite. The canine teeth are especially well developed.
EYES - The round eyes are set moderately well apart. They are bright, sparkling and have an intelligent expression. Eye color is in harmony with that of the color of the dog. A black nosed dog has dark eyes; a brown/liver nosed dog has amber eyes.
NOSE - The nose has black, brown or liver pigment, in harmony with the color of the dog. No other colored noses are acceptable.
EARS - The medium-sized ears are set rather high and carried close to the head. They are rather wide at the base and taper to a rounded point.
NECK
- The neck is fairly long, strong and free from throatiness.
FOREQUARTERS
- The sloping shoulders are clean and muscular
FORELEGS - The heavily boned, strong forelegs are perfectly straight. The elbows are close to the body. The pasterns have a slight spring.
BODY
- The chest is very deep and capacious, but not too wide. The brisket reaches to the elbow. There should be a visible forechest when the dog is viewed from the side. The back is powerful, and the ribs are moderately well sprung, never barrel shaped. The loin is strong, muscular and slightly arched.
HINDQUARTERS
- HIND LEGS - The muscles in the hind legs are clean and well defined. There is a good turn of stifle, and the hocks are strong and well let down.
FEET
- The round, compact feet have well-arched toes and tough, elastic pads. The feet are protected by hair between the toes and the pads.
TAIL
- The tail is strong at the root and tapers gradually toward the tip. It is free from coarseness. It is carried with a slight upward curve.
Faults: Curled tail; set too high or too low.
COAT
- The short, dense coat is sleek and glossy. It is never woolly or silky.
COLOR
- Acceptable colors include the range from light wheaten to red wheaten. Dark muzzles and ears are acceptable. Excessive black hairs throughout the coat are highly undesirable. A small amount of white on the chest and on the toes is acceptable, but any other white is undesirable.
Disqualification: Albinism.
GAIT
- Movement is straightforward, free and active.
Temperament
Ridgebacks are not Labradors or Golden Retrievers in short coats. They are hunting dogs and have a high prey drive. Translation: They are quite independent -- they don’t fawn over your every word, they can be oblivious to being called and require a lot of positive motivation to train them in traditional obedience.
Ridgebacks need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Ridgebacks at play are very energetic - they need lots of space, can knock down children and adults when they are roughhousing. If you live in the city, you will need to first locate a dog park or area where your Ridgeback can safely run and exercise…
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are friendly and obedient. They are good natured and friendly, but are also good guard dogs and watch dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are laid back, devoted, and very intelligent. They can be rather independent, so training can be challenging. But once trained, they are obedient. They are good with children but not so good with smaller pets, because they have a high prey drive. They are reserved around strangers.
Ridgebacks need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Ridgebacks at play are very energetic - they need lots of space, can knock down children and adults when they are roughhousing. If you live in the city, you will need to first locate a dog park or area where your Ridgeback can safely run and exercise…
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are friendly and obedient. They are good natured and friendly, but are also good guard dogs and watch dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are laid back, devoted, and very intelligent. They can be rather independent, so training can be challenging. But once trained, they are obedient. They are good with children but not so good with smaller pets, because they have a high prey drive. They are reserved around strangers.
Suggested traits include: Hunter, Loyal, Independent, Genius, Hyper
Information taken from the AKC Rhodesian Ridgeback website.
Information taken from the AKC Rhodesian Ridgeback website.