Information on AKC Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies
AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Rhodesian Ridgeback
A large and muscular dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was not only developed as hunter but also as a family protector. The breed can be light wheaten to red wheaten and are sleek and glossy in appearance. Originally bred to hunt lions the breed is also known as the African Lion Hound.
A Look Back
A native of South Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred by the Boer farmers to fill their specific need for a serviceable hunting dog in the wilds. In 1877 Reverend Helm introduced two Ridgebacks into Rhodesia where big game hunters found them outstanding in the sport of hunting lions on horseback. They raised and bred these dogs with an appreciation for their exceptional hunting qualities, the ridge on their back becoming a unique trademark. In 1950 outstanding specimens were imported to the United States and the breed was admitted to registration by the AKC in 1955.
Right Breed for You?
Due to their short coats Ridgebacks shed very little and require only weekly brushing and occasional baths. The breed is also athletic, requiring regular exercise. Trustworthy with children, they are "people" dogs and like to be where you are, possibly curled up on the couch if permitted.
If you are considering purchasing a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, learn more here.
- Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1955.
- Ranging in size from 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and 70 to 85 pounds.
- Lion hunter; guard dog.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed 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 hindlegs 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 woolly
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 August 11, 1992
Effective September 30, 1992
