All About Rhodesian Ridgebacks

South African dogs in our country are considered a curiosity. They are rarely bred, the reason for this is the peculiarities of keeping and breeding pets accustomed to living in a warm climatic zone. The material in this article will introduce readers to the Rhodesian Ridgeback - the only breed from the African continent recognized by the International Federation of Cynologists.

A breed of dog whose appearance catches the eye was created in Africa specifically for hunting. She is considered a hound, appeared during the Cape colony as a result of crossing dogs of settlers with half-wild ridge relatives used by African tribes for protection and hunting.

The name ridgeback translates as "Back comb", which is explained by the external feature of each dog: his hair on his back grows in the direction opposite to the rest of the coat. This is a rare feature of African dogs that have been bred since time immemorial. Initially, jackal-like dogs were needed by shepherds and those who were involved in cattle breeding.

The breed was further developed in the 19th century, when the European nobility was keen on hunting African lions. Local breeds were not suitable for such hunting, which is why Europeans became interested in natives' dogs. At that time, they already had the experience of defeating giant wild cats. Cornelis Van Royen, who bought dogs from one of the hunters of Southern Rhodesia, became the first European to decide to breed Ridgebacks.

In the process of breeding, genes of mastiffs, dogs, retrievers, pointers, as well as terriers and bloodhounds were added to the ridgeback genes. The selection continued, the breeder had a lot of customers, although at that time the dogs were still called Van Royen’s dogs. They were called Rhodesian ridgebacks in 1922. This year, Francis Richard Barnes initiated the definition of a separate standard for the breed, which is why dogs with a crest on their backs were given a new name.

These dogs deftly hunted as a group, they stopped the prey with a pack and waited for their owner. That is why the ridgeback was once called the lion dog or simba inya. In our country, these dogs appeared in the early nineties, and a couple of dogs were brought here not from the homeland of animals, but from America. In the first litter, which appeared in 1994, 6 puppies were born: 1 male and 5 females.

Purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback characterized by a muscular and harmonious physique. Depending on a number of reasons, dogs can have not only a different character, but also a different appearance. This dog can be maintained by an experienced breeder, beginning animal lovers to cope with it is not easy. According to the generally accepted description, a healthy representative of the breed is distinguished by an athletic physique and noble posture.

These are quite large hounds: the weight of males at the withers averages 63 to 69 cm, the height at the withers of females usually varies between 61-66 cm. Males weigh 36–41 kg, females 29–34 kg. Despite this weight, dogs do not look fat: they are moderately well-fed and, rather, powerful than massive. Unlike their other brethren, muscles are seen in these animals.

The modern charismatic ridgeback is more likely an athlete than a wrestler. This is indicated by a toned body and dry bony paws. Today these animals are divided into two types: rudegravitating to molosses as well lightweightcalled borzoid. Despite the difference in species, in none of them does the standard accept either excessive massiveness or excessive elegance.

The purebred ridgeback has a triangular shape of a flattened skull. It narrows to the nose, a powerful muzzle is characterized by a small foot. The head of the dog is moderately long, the distance between the ears is comparable to the length of the skull from the back of the head to the transition. The skull itself is wide in the area of ​​the ears.

When the pet is calm, the forehead is free from wrinkles, the transition to the muzzle is quite pronounced. If the animal is concentrated, the forehead immediately acquires folds. On the side, the transition from the frontal zone to the back of the nose is especially noticeable. The cheekbones are very pronounced and well developed, the area under the eyes is filled in moderation.

Ridgeback lips are thin and neat, they are not saggy and completely cover the teeth, without forming characteristic sagging and folds in the corners. The jaws are very strong, correctly folded, scissor bite, full dentition. Ridgeback's teeth are large and powerful (especially for dog fangs).

These animals have a developed and mobile round nose. Its color depends on the color of the dog and can be either brownish or almost black. The representative's eyes are oval and have a wide setting. The fabric of the eyelids is denser, but this does not prevent the dogs from showing their emotions. For example, their gaze, unlike many other brothers, can be colored with various emotions, and folds over the eyelids often resemble shifted eyebrows.

Iris in dogs of this breed can be colored in different shades of brown (from light to dark chocolate). The ears are large, tight to the head. At the ends they are slightly rounded, when the animal is calm, then touch its cheeks. If the pet is passionate about something, his ears are turned forward.

For all its weight, the dog’s physique seems lean, the body has a rectangular shape. The neck of the representative of the breed is short, strong and muscular, not having a suspension. The chest of a purebred lion's dog is moderately wide, lowered to the elbows. The keel bone is well developed, the ribs are characterized by moderate bending.

The withers are pronounced, the line of the spine falls from the neck to the croup. The ridge of dogs of this breed has several characteristics. According to the description of the established standard, it is always expressed. Its shape can be conical or not, however, it is imperative that the ridge is symmetrical.

According to the standard, The ridge should begin in the zone behind you without any gap (this is considered a vice). The crest at the femur ends, it should contain two identical crowns (2 curls), located strictly opposite each other. Their displacement relative to each other by more than 1 cm is considered a serious defect. The width of the crest should be at least 5 cm.

As for the limbs, the paws of these dogs are not only strong and straight, but also have a parallel and wide setting. Ridgeback blades are pulled back, shoulders are slightly sloping, range of motion is large. At elbows, there is a clamp to the body, due to better development of the hind limbs the dog can develop its speed very quickly. In this case, the animal can keep it in the process of running.

At the time of the posture, the limbs are pulled back (beyond the line of the croup). The spaces between the fingertips of the pets are covered with a protective coat of wool. The tail is thicker at the base and tapering towards the end. It is covered with shorter hair, its end is usually directed upwards. If the dog bends in the direction of the spine, this is considered a disadvantage.

The life resources of the Rhodesian Ridgebacks are small and approximately 12 years. Some individuals live longer, due to proper care and good environmental background of a particular region. Various factors affect the life expectancy, including the timeliness of preventive examinations to identify diseases in the early stages.

As for the type of coat, the Ridgebacks are short and dense. With regular care, it is quite smooth and shiny. Its color can be different and includes a lot of shades - from light wheat to almost fiery red. On the muzzle, the hairs are shorter, the cover itself is not prone to pushing, it is rather adjacent to the body.

Colors in shades of brown and red-ginger are considered the best in terms of standard. However, individuals are found in the breed whose fur color is close to the tones of mahogany, copper and even burgundy. According to the regulations, the color may allow the presence of a characteristic dark mask, as well as a small amount of white hair in the sternum and on the legs. Large white points are not allowed. Colors of gray (blue) color are considered atypical and are subject to disqualification.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has many advantages. Is he:

• strong and energetic;
• at training it is balanced;
• calm about strangers;
• unobtrusive but attentive;
• active and hardy;
• clean and tolerant;
• savvy and affectionate.

In addition, this dog boasts good learning and quick memorization of various teams. As for the negative sides of his character, then they include:

• alertness of individuals to people;
• aggression towards cats and other dogs;
• propensity to dominate the household over the household;
• self-will and laziness in the absence of motivation to learn;
• passion for the pursuit of conditional "prey."

In addition, these dogs can hardly be called indoor. To accommodate, they need more space than other dogs. In addition to the lounger, in apartment conditions there is usually not enough space for them, and therefore the movements of these pets are often limited.

The interest of breeders in dogs of this breed is due to various factors, including the character traits of these animals. Despite their external attractiveness, it is the power hidden behind grace, ideal proportions, high intelligence, an amazing reaction to what is happening and excellent flair that attracts dog lovers. With the right approach to training and education these animals grow up confident, indifferent to outsiders and not cowardly.

They don’t know fear, and therefore, if necessary, they easily defend the owner. Moreover, their reaction is always not only fearless, but can be disproportionate to the enemy. It is better to refrain from conflict with the owner of this dog. These are strong-willed dogs that obey strong-willed owners, but may not think about harm to the offender.

They need a master with a firm outlook on life, to which they can obey implicitly. In another way, to force them to obey will not work. They need a sports owner, with whom “hand in hand” they will be able to do jogging and physical activity for a long time, become some kind of friends.

At the same time, dogs of this breed need to run long distances (for a walk they can run up to three kilometers). Walking should be daily, and the dog needs to go out in the fresh air at least three times a day. It is worth noting that a strong-willed and truly strong dog does not grow in an apartment. With limited space and freedom, she is forced to get rid of excess energy through barking or aggression.

These dogs cannot lie idle, like many of their breeds of decorative breeds. They are curious and strive to take their time studying something, and therefore they need an active host. If an indecisive owner can somehow be agreed with pets of other breeds, then forgiving Africans pranks and allowing them to cross the boundaries of the permissible is strictly unacceptable.

A well-trained dog can be faithful to its owner and be characterized by a balanced character. She may be indifferent to what is happening, but this does not negate the fact that she is ready to make a decision at any time. These animals understand their masters at a glance. They will not chase cats in vain or bark with their loud and frightening power in their voices.

When absolutely necessary, a well-educated and silent Ridgeback will allow himself a voice (but only as a warning). In this case, the dog is characterized by self-esteem, he will not behave obsessively, will not get confused under his feet, and even more so, beg for sweets. However, he is always ready to work, and therefore readily responds to the offer of walking.

In everyday life, these animals may seem phlegmatic. However, in the soul of the dog is eager to sell the accumulated energy at the earliest opportunity. The terrible dog tries not to touch the children, even if in the process of communication they allow themselves various tricks. Their pet cry is not annoying, the dog is able to entertain the children himself, but if he is offended, he can leave their company.

As for very young children, it is undesirable to leave them with the dog. Despite the fact that the dog does not show any aggression towards them, in games and caring for them it may not calculate its own strengths. At the same time, she will try to entertain them as best she can, realizing that they are small and defenseless.

Ridgebacks behave differently with other animals. Most perceive other dogs as rivals for territory, food, the owner’s love. Others do not like cats, not only street ones, but also neighbors. Individual individuals of the same breed conflict with each other, and therefore keeping two ridgeback dogs at home does not make sense. They will constantly sort things out among themselves.

Interesting behavior of dogs on a walk in bad weather. For example, unlike other brethren of the canine family, Ridgebacks will not frolic in the rain. They will not build the path to the house in a straight line, but in such a way as to move from cover to cover, bypassing the puddles encountered on the way and jumping over the dirtiest places.

Some representatives of the breed demonstrate stubbornness to the owners, testing them for strength. Therefore, it is necessary to start training and training a pet as early as possible. According to the recommendations of the breeders, the most favorable time can be called the first days since the appearance of the puppy in the house. With each new day, the chances of raising a good dog and companion are becoming less and less.

Some owners believe that they can start training puppies when they are six months old. However, as practice shows, it is early upbringing and training that allow the owner to establish himself in the role of the owner, showing firmness and consistency in training. These two criteria are key to the success of a proud African dog's pet training.

If the owner tries to offend them, they simply will not accept his commands, and therefore the training will be ruined in the bud. It is useless to try to hammer a pet a specific task and wait for him to master the team in one lesson. Training should take place in a playful way and unobtrusive technique. Monotony every day will cause the dog to consider the commands unworthy of her attention, and, consequently, of the execution.

You can not exhaust the animal with long training. During the walking the team or the task they try to perform only a few times. The rest of the time, the pet should rest or spend with some degree of freedom. For example, a great idea of ​​training can be a trip to the forest, where there will be various obstacles that will force the pet to overcome them, jump or climb under them.

At the same time, the ridgeback is very fond of rewards for well-executed teams, and therefore it can be trained quickly. At the same time, the approach to learning should be creative and correct. In no case can you build training on aggression, since in this way you can spoil the animal, turning it into a real killer. No breeder will allow such an animal to breed, such individuals are subject to disqualification.

Besides, the evil animal very quickly begins to take the initiative «in their paws», dictating first to the household, and then to the owner, their rules of permissibility. You can not shift the education and training of the dog to someone from the outside. The owner should be engaged in this: the only way the dog will recognize his authority and obey unquestioningly. So she will learn to understand the rules established in the house, the team and the mood, in view of which she will not meddle with her desires when the owner is not up to it.

With the right approach to training, the pet remembers the team on average for 20-30 repetitions. You can’t try to hammer several dogs into the head in one day. This will help the dog to get lost with the meaning of each task and cease to understand what the owner requires from him, pronouncing one or another word. First, the pet is taught the simplest teams, over time, the tasks are complicated. More difficult classes are needed for individuals who are prepared for hunting and exhibition events.

Ideally, the Rhodesian should be kept in a private house, where the dog will have many opportunities to splash out the accumulated energy on the street. If the dog was brought in the apartment, it is necessary to take into account the fact that next to the house there should be a place for walking. Ridgeback is a restless and agile dog, like all hounds. The hunting instinct forces the animal to explore the terrain for a long time and seek prey.

Ridgeback needs long walks, and not only to cope with the natural needs on a leash. It is vital for the pet to run, ride on the grass, splash around in the water, play and run actively. Given the fact that these dogs are prone to a prey corral, certain incidents may occur with them during the walking process. For example, the same domestic cats or domestic rodents of neighbors in their eyes may seem to be potential prey, which nature itself ordered to catch, as they say.

If the animal is still learning, walking in public places can only be done with a leash. When a dog is trained and obedient, it is preoccupied with its walk rather than seeking adventure. As for the more comfortable time of the year, this is summer for dogs. In winter, they need an additional coat, and therefore the owners have to buy special clothes for them.

In addition, the time of the year significantly affects the duration of the walks. If in the summer the dog needs to walk for two hours, in winter this time has to be greatly reduced so that the animal does not catch a cold. These dogs are not kept on the street, although it seems to some breeders that this is possible. During walking, it is preferable to play with your pet or practice a certain sport (for example, agility).

After the puppy of an African dog appears in the house, the breeder will have to consider buying many things. For example, in addition to its own sunbed, the pet should have its own dishes, toys, as well as equipment for walking. As for the stove bench, it can be bought or made from improvised materials (say, an old suitcase). From the first days of stay in the house, the pet must understand its own place.

This is his first team, at the same time the rule of the house and the guarantee that the dog will not claim the property of its owner. Do not ignore the importance of buying a couch and offer the baby to lie on the master sofa or chair. Day after day, the puppy will affirm that this furniture belongs to him. Subsequently, it will be difficult to explain the opposite to the dog.

The same applies to personal dishes, which many owners do not pay much attention to. Despite the degree of closeness of the owner-dog relationship, the houseware cannot be used for the animal. Firstly, it is unhygienic, and secondly, every time a dog sees a plate of food, the dog will think that the sweets in it are intended for him. In addition, you must admit that not every guest and household will be glad to eat from the bowl that the animal licks.

For the street, you need to select individual objects so that the animal can play more energetically.

Equipment for walking is selected based on the type of coat, size and weight of the pet. For puppies, leashes and collars are less, an adult dog needs a leather muzzle.

Due to the short length of the coat, caring for her is not as problematic as that of long-haired dogs. These pets do not need haircuts and all the elements of expensive grooming. Wash a pet often should not be, even if the breeder is convinced that this way it will be possible to get rid of the smell of the dog at 100%. This should not be done because frequent washing removes the protective layer from the skin and coat. In addition, these animals do not exude a characteristic dog smell.

However, in the summer and in bad weather you will have to bathe the dog more often. It’s better to accustom her to water procedures since childhood, so that they become the norm, and the dog calmly endured them. She needs to wipe her paws with a damp cloth or wash after each walk. In summer, you can walk with your pet near a shallow pond, where he can cool off in the heat.

You need to bathe your dog with special detergents designed specifically for shorthair dogs. In order to make the hairs more silky, rinse aid can be used. The products that people use are not suitable for the animal. In rare cases, this can cause hair loss or an allergic reaction.

Every time you can’t wash your dog with zoo shampoo, sometimes for bathing quite ordinary warm water is enough. If the animal is too dirty, you can not do without shampoo. Usually, pets are washed at least several times a year.

In addition to bathing, owners pay attention to such a procedure as combing out. It is necessary not only during molting to save the house from dead hairs. Dogs need to be combed out infrequently, without much fanaticism.

The fact is that dead hair interferes with new growth, in addition, it can cause animal discomfort. For combing, dog owners purchase special combs choosing the width of the comb and the frequency of its teeth, taking into account the particular structure of the coat of a particular pet. During molting, you can comb the dog’s wool coat host, which will accelerate the combing of dead hair and massage the skin, which will facilitate the condition of the animal at this time.

The claws of the animal grow back, and therefore from time to time they need to be trimmed using a special device for this - claw cutter. He will save the pet from a long and unpleasant procedure, reduce its duration. If the animal walks on hard ground, its claws can grind on their own.

In cold weather, the skin on the paw pads of puppies can crack and quickly become damaged. Therefore, the owner must treat it with a special wax tool. Each time after a walk the paws need to be inspected, cleaned.

In addition, after walking, you need to examine the pet for ticks and bites of other insects to which these dogs are exposed. In view of this, ridge breeders treat pets with special tools before walking.

Eyes and ears should be cleaned regularly, in addition, the pet must be periodically taken to an appointment with the veterinarian. Conducting timely vaccination and prophylactic manipulations against parasites will increase the pet's life resource and exclude the likelihood of any disease.

The eyes are wiped with a cotton swab, after moistening it in a special lotion. Ears get rid of sulfur by means of a damp cloth or a cotton swab.

If an unpleasant odor spreads from the ears, as well as in case of inflammation, the animal should be taken to the veterinarian urgently.

Do not forget about brushing your teeth, because without it, the pet’s teeth quickly turn yellow. In addition, if you do not follow them, they begin to wear out faster, can acquire tartar and hurt. For cleaning, you can use special products sold in pet stores, or dog toothpaste.

Despite the fact that the Rhodesian Ridgebacks themselves are very active and energetic, they are naturally susceptible to various diseases. For example, in individuals of this breed, diseases such as congenital deafness, cataract, eyelid inversion, myelopathy. In addition, they are prone to various ear infections, allergic reactions, and dermoid sinus.

However, despite the nuances of genetics, life expectancy will depend on the care of the owner. Often the development of a disease is provoked by malnutrition. It is important to consider that the degree of mobility of the pet also affects health. The restriction of motor activity for him is equivalent to a loss of health and leads to a weakening of immunity.

Ridge nutrition should be proper and complete, rich in vitamins and essential nutrients. It is selected based on the mass of the animal and its size. You can feed the dog industrial feed, although, given the weight of the pet, this product will cost quite expensive. Cheap food for these dogs is harmful and with constant use leads to liver problems.

In addition, in cheap feed there is no benefit, as well as meat. Instead, they use meat flour, which at best is a product of processing offal, or even completely shredded hooves. These feeds affect the appearance of the pet, as evidenced by the condition of its coat. It loses its luster, with time it becomes more coarse and tough.

Premium feed has more meat, and it can be very diverse. When buying food for these dogs, you need to take into account the nuance that granular type products are not suitable for them by weight. Firstly, they deteriorate too quickly, and secondly, they begin to oxidize immediately after a huge package of feed is opened for sale.

If natural food is chosen as the basis of nutrition, the owner tries to offer those products that will not disturb the digestive process of the dog. For example, it is undesirable to treat a pet with food from the master's table, it is also important that his food is not smoked, spicy or fatty. Speaking of meat, it’s worth considering that it should not be greasy, too salty or overcooked.

In dog food, it can be boiled or raw. If the animal eats raw meat, the owner carries out more frequent preventive measures for antiparasitic processing. Someone freezes meat to rid it of small bacteria.

For example, in addition to meat, the dog should also receive rice, buckwheat, eggs (quail or chicken) Also in the diet should be fermented milk products (cottage cheese and kefir). Despite the large weight and craving for meat, the dog needs to be given and vegetables (e.g. pumpkin, zucchini, beets, broccoli), occasionally it can be treated apples.

Concerning banned product list, then these include millet and oatmeal, preservation, sausages, sausages, sweets and flour. You can not treat the animal with mashed potatoes, or fried potatoes, or potato chips. Also, you can not add seasoning to the dog’s food and drink it with milk.

An important aspect when choosing dry food as the basis of the diet is the fact that it is concentrated food. Therefore, its amount per feeding cannot be compared with the volume of natural products recommended for feeding pets of different ages. In addition, the breeder must take into account the excellent appetite of the ridge, and therefore you can not overfeed them.

As for water, this bowl, on the contrary, should stand in the dog, regardless of what kind of food it provides. It is especially important to ensure that water was constantly when choosing "drying" (granular dry food). If the animal is fed “natural”, a garnish must be served with meat at each feeding.

Puppies are fed more often than adult dogs. As a rule, they are fed about 5-6 times a day. With age, the frequency of feeding is reduced. At about 8 months, the pet should eat no more than 2 times a day. In this case, the dog’s food is not piled in a bowl, but given in a dosed manner to prevent obesity or digestive problems.

In addition to dry food, these dogs need natural food. Therefore, it is not worth counting only on “drying” when feeding them, even if it is more convenient for the owner and saves cooking time.

About the features of the breed will tell the video below.