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There are a lot of hounds under Ridgeback’s trademark ridge: Ridgebacks are fast and powerful athletes that can weigh between 70 and 85 pounds and sometimes more. They come in only one color – wheat – which extends from light flax to the burnt red of the mature crop, in every shade seen in the wheat field. Ridgebacks also have two nose colors: black and less commonly seen brown.
The formidable ridgeback can be strong-willed, independent and sometimes overbearing. The ridgeback should be guided by puppiness with a firm but fair hand. They are loyal friends, protect their loved ones and affectionately with those they trust. Nevertheless, a ridgeback can be too much of a predator for the novice dog owner.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a unique creation of southern Africa, resulting in crosses between native dodge Khoikhoi dog and European breeds, including Dutch colonists, Boars, Greyhounds, and various terriers. The infusion of native lost blood gave the resulting generations a resilience against local pests such as the Tsetse fly, as well as an innate knowledge of how to navigate its new African environment – and outwitted its deadly predators.
In the late 19th century, Cornelius van Rooyen, a big-game hunter from Rhodesia, included two greyhound-like females in his pack of lion dogs. He found that his laden offspring excelled at confronting and confusing the king of beasts, giving the hunter time to look in his rifle and send his prey. These bitten dogs were also successful in warding off other dangerous animals such as leopards and baboons, roaming seamlessly with horseback riders throughout the day, breaking up quick-footed game such as antelope to provide meat for the antelope , And protected the house. From all intruders. He was known at the time, as he is today, for his devotion to family and tolerance and affection for his children.
In 1922, a meeting was called to write the first Rhodesian Ridgeback Standard. By then, big-game hunting had already faded in South Africa, and the breed itself was on the verge of extinction. The dogs called at this meeting ranged in size and appearance from the Bull Terrier to the Great Dane, and the Dalmatian standard was used as a template to arrive at the standardized vision of the breed we know today.
The ridgeback represents a strong, muscular and active hound in symmetry, symmetrical and balanced. A mature ridgeback is a beautiful, sensible and athletic dog, capable of great stamina with reasonable (good) speed. Even, in a dignified nature, Ridgeback is devoted and affectionate to his master, reserved with strangers. The peculiarity of this breed is the ridge on the back. The ridge should be considered as a distinguishing feature of the breed.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time’
The Rhodesian Ridgeback sheds to some extent, but overall his needs are minimal. A regular weekly brushing will help remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny, and occasional bathing will help keep the ridgeback clean and looking its best. Nails should be trimmed often if not naturally corroded, as excessively long nails can cause the dog trouble and problems with walking and running. Many ridgebacks oppose nail clipping, and many respond more positively to the nail grinder.
Due to their very strong hunting drive, the Rhodesian Ridgeback must always be in a securely enclosed area when the leash is off. Ridgeback is a devoted companion and needs to stay indoors with his human family. They can be strong-willed, independent and sometimes overbearing, and must be guided by early puppiness with a firm but patient hand. Early socialization and puppy training classes using positive reinforcement are recommended and help ensure that the dog becomes a well-adjusted, well-behaved companion.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are strong, athletic dogs that require moderate amounts of exercise, and can adapt well to a variety of life situations when they provide daily outings such as long walks and sports sessions with their owner. They love running, and they need physical activity to help keep them healthy and happy. Breed tracking, agility, and other activities such as dogs and owners can enjoy together such as exercising the mind and body by participating in dog sports.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Ridgebacks are notorious “counter surfers”, so be sure not to leave human food unattainable. Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight levels. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Contact your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
Rhodesian ridgebacks are usually healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their dogs for hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid function, and eye anomalies. The dermoid sinus is a tube-like opening in the skin that is sometimes present at birth; An experienced breeder may have palate or feel for this defect.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: