All About Rhodesian Ridgebacks

South African dogs are considered a curiosity in our country. 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 looks are eye-catching was created in Africa especially for hunting... It is considered a hound, appeared during the Cape Colony as a result of the crossing of settlers' dogs with semi-wild ridge relatives used by African tribes for protection and hunting.

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

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

In the process of breeding, the genes of mastiffs, dogs, retrievers, pointers, as well as terriers and bloodhounds were added to the genes of the Ridgebacks. The selection continued, the breeder had many clients, although at that time the dogs were still called Van Royen's dogs. They began to be 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 comb on their backs were given a new name.

These dogs deftly hunted in a group, they stopped prey in a pack and waited for their master. That is why the ridgeback was once called the lion's 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 that 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 may not only have a different character, but also a different appearance. This dog can be maintained by an experienced breeder, it is not easy for novice animal lovers to cope with it. According to the generally accepted description, a healthy member of the breed is distinguished by an athletic build and noble posture.

These are rather large hounds: the average weight of males at the withers is from 63 to 69 cm, the height at the withers of bitches usually varies in the range of 61-66 cm. Males weigh in the range of 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 counterparts, these animals show muscles.

The modern, charismatic Ridgeback is more of an athlete than a fighter. This is indicated by a toned body and dry bony legs. Today these animals are divided into two types: rude, gravitating towards molossians, and also lightweight, called a sighthound. 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 tapers towards the nose, the powerful muzzle is characterized by a small stop. The head of the dog is moderately long, the distance between the ears is comparable to the length of the skull from the occiput to the transition. The skull itself is wide in the area of ​​the ears.

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

Ridgeback lips are thin and neat, they are not sagging and completely cover the teeth, without forming characteristic sagging and folds in the corners. The jaws are very strong, correctly folded, the bite is scissor, the dental formula is complete. The Ridgeback's teeth are large and powerful (especially canine canines).

These animals have a developed and mobile rounded nose. Its color depends on the color of the dog and can be either brownish or almost black. The eyes of the breed are oval and wide. The eyelid tissue is dense, but this does not prevent dogs from showing their emotions. For example, their gaze, unlike many other brothers, can be colored by various emotions, and the folds above the eyelids often resemble shifted eyebrows.

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

For all its weight, the dog's physique seems to be lean, the body has a rectangular shape. The neck of the breed is short, strong and muscular, without dewlap. The chest of a purebred lion dog is moderately wide, drooping down to the elbows. The carina is well developed, the ribs are moderately curved.

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

According to the standard, the ridge should begin in the area behind the shoulders without any gap (this is considered a defect). The ridge ends at the femur bones, 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 comb must be at least 5 cm wide.

As for the limbs, the paws of these dogs are not only strong and straight, but also have a parallel and wide set. The shoulder blades of the Ridgebacks are pulled back, the shoulders are slightly sloping, the range of motion is large. The elbows are pressed against the body, due to the better development of the hind limbs a 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 stand, the limbs are pulled back (behind the line of the croup). The places between the pets' fingertips are covered with a protective wool cover. The tail is thicker at the base and tapering towards the end. It is covered with shorter hair and usually points upwards. If the dog has it bent towards the spine, this is considered a fault.

The life resource of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is small and is about 12 years. Some individuals live longer, which is explained by proper care and a good ecological background in a particular region. Life expectancy is influenced by various factors, including the timeliness of preventive examinations, which make it possible to detect diseases in the early stages.

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

The shades of brown and reddish are considered the best in terms of the standard. However, in the breed there are individuals whose coat 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 hairs in the sternum and on the legs. Large white points are unacceptable. Gray (blue) colors are considered atypical and are subject to disqualification.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has many virtues. He:

• strong and energetic;
• balanced during training;
• calm in relation to strangers;
• unobtrusive, but attentive;
• active and hardy;
• cleanliness and tolerant;
• smart and affectionate.

In addition, this dog boasts good learning ability and quick memorization of various commands. As for the negative aspects of his character, they include:

• alertness of individuals to people;
• aggression towards cats and other dogs;
• a tendency to dominate the house over household members;
• waywardness and laziness in the absence of motivation to learn;
• enthusiasm for the pursuit of conventional "prey".

In addition, these dogs can hardly be called indoor dogs. They need more space to accommodate them than other dogs. In addition to a sunbed, in the conditions of apartments for them there is usually not enough space, and therefore the movement of these pets is often limited.

Breeders' interest in dogs of this breed is due to various factors, including the character traits of these animals. Despite their visual appeal, dog lovers are attracted by the power hidden behind grace, ideal proportions, high intelligence, amazing reaction to what is happening and excellent flair. With the right approach to training and education these animals grow up self-confident, indifferent to outsiders and not cowardly.

They do not 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 the harm to the offender.

They need a master with a firm outlook on life, to whom they can obey unquestioningly. There is no other way to force them to obey. They need a sports owner, with whom they will be able to run for a long time and exercise feasible physical activity, with whom they will be able to become some kind of friends.

At the same time, dogs of this breed need long-distance running (for a walk they are able to run up to three kilometers). Walks should be daily, and the dog needs to be outdoors at least three times a day. It should be noted that a strong-willed and truly strong dog does not grow up 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 decorative breeds. They are inquisitive and strive to take their time studying something, and therefore they need an active owner. If an indecisive owner can somehow come to an agreement with pets of other breeds, then it is absolutely unacceptable to forgive the Africans for pranks and allow them to cross the boundaries of what is permissible.

A well-trained dog can be loyal to its owner and have a balanced character. She may show indifference to what is happening, but this does not negate the fact that she is ready at any time to make a decision on her own. These animals understand their owners perfectly. They will not chase cats in vain or bark with their loud and frightening voice.

If absolutely necessary, a well-mannered and silent Ridgeback will allow himself a voice (but only as a warning). At the same time, the dog has a sense of his own dignity, he will not behave intrusively, he will not get underfoot, and even more so, beg for sweets. However, he is always ready to work, and therefore readily responds to the offer of a walk.

In everyday life, these animals may seem phlegmatic. However, in his soul, the dog longs to dispose of the accumulating energy at the first opportunity. The formidable dog tries not to touch children, even if in the process of communication they allow themselves various tricks. Their pet cry does not irritate, the dog is able to entertain children himself, but if he is offended, he can retire from 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 the games and taking care of them, it may not calculate its own strength. At the same time, she will try to entertain them as best she can, realizing that they are small and defenseless.

Ridgebacks behave differently in relation to other animals. Most perceive other dogs as rivals for territory, food, and the love of the owner. Others do not like cats, and not only street cats, but also neighbors. Individual individuals of the same breed are in 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 for a walk in bad weather. For example, unlike other canine brethren, ridgebacks will not frolic in the rain. They will build the path to the house not in a straight line, but in such a way as to move from shelter to shelter, bypassing puddles 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 teaching a pet as early as possible. According to the recommendations of the breeders, the most favorable time can be called the first days from the moment the puppy appears in the house... With each new day, the chances of raising a good dog and companion are getting smaller.

Some owners believe that they can start training puppies when they are six months old. However, as practice shows, it is early education and training that allow the owner to establish himself in the role of the master, showing firmness and consistency during 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 training will be ruined in the bud. It is useless to try to hammer the pet into a specific task and expect that he will master the command in one lesson. Trainings should take place in a playful manner and unobtrusive technique. The monotony from day to day will cause the dog to consider commands unworthy of his attention, and therefore unworthy of execution.

You cannot exhaust the animal with long training. During the walk, they try to complete the team or task 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 for training can be a trip to the forest, where there will be various obstacles that will force the pet to overcome them, jump over or climb under them.

At the same time, the Ridgeback is very fond of rewards for well-executed commands, and therefore it can be trained quickly. At the same time, the approach to learning must be creative and correct. In no case should you build training on aggression, because 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 your 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 else. It is the owner who should do this: only in this way the dog will recognize his authority and obey unquestioningly. So she will learn to understand the rules established in the house, commands and mood, and therefore will not go with her desires when the owner is not up to it.

With the right approach to training, the pet remembers the command in an average of 20-30 repetitions. You cannot try to hammer several commands into the dog's head in one day. This will contribute to the fact that the dog is lost with the meaning of each task and ceases to understand what exactly the owner requires of him, pronouncing this or that word. At first, the pet is taught the simplest commands, over time the tasks become more complicated. More complex classes are needed for individuals who are prepared for hunting and exhibition events.

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

The Ridgeback needs long walks, and not only to cope with his natural needs on a leash. It is vitally important for a pet to run, roll on the grass, splash in the water, play and run actively. Given that these dogs are prone to corraling prey, certain incidents may arise in the process of walking with them. For example, the same yard cats or house rodents of neighbors in their eyes may seem like potential prey, which, as they say, nature itself ordered to catch.

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 walking rather than seeking adventure. As for the more comfortable time of the year, it is summer for dogs. In winter, they need an extra fur coat, and therefore the owners have to buy special clothes for them.

In addition, the time of year has a significant effect on the duration of the walk. If in 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 outdoors, although some breeders think it is possible. While walking, it is preferable to play with your pet or engage in a certain sport (for example, agility).

Once an African dog puppy appears in the house, the breeder will have to consider buying many items. For example, in addition to its own lounger, the pet should have its own dishes, toys, and equipment for walking. As for the couch, you can buy it or make it from scrap materials (say, an old suitcase). From the first days of being in the house, the pet must understand its own place.

This is his first command, at the same time a rule of the house and a guarantee that the dog will not claim the property of its owner. Do not ignore the importance of buying a couch and invite your baby to lie on the owner's sofa or armchair. Day by day the puppy will claim that this furniture belongs to him. Subsequently, it will be problematic to explain the opposite to the dog.

The same applies to personal dishes, which many owners do not pay special attention to. Despite the degree of closeness of the relationship between the owner and the dog, the master's utensils cannot be used for the animal. Firstly, it is unhygienic, and secondly, every time he sees a plate of food, the dog will think that the sweets in it are meant for him. In addition, you must admit that not every guest and household member will be happy to eat from the bowl that the animal licks.

For the street, you need to select separate items 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 smaller, an adult dog needs a leather muzzle.

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

However, in summer and in bad weather, you will have to bathe your dog more often. It is better to accustom her to water procedures from childhood, so that they become the norm, and the dog tolerates them calmly... 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 reservoir, where it can cool off in the heat.

You need to bathe your dog with special detergents designed specifically for short-haired dogs. To make the hairs silky, you can use a rinse aid. The products that a person uses are not suitable for an animal. In rare cases, this can provoke hair loss or an allergic reaction.

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

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

The fact is that dead wool interferes with the growth of new ones, in addition, it can cause discomfort for the animal. For combing, the owners of the dogs acquire special combs, selecting the width of the comb and the frequency of its teeth, taking into account the peculiarities of the structure of the coat of a particular pet. During moulting, you can comb the dog's wool coat furminator, which will accelerate the combing of dead hair and massage the skin, which will ease 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. It will save the pet from a long and unpleasant procedure, and will shorten its duration. If the animal walks on hard ground, its claws can grind off on their own.

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

In addition, after walking, you need to examine the pet for ticks and other insect bites that these dogs are susceptible to. In view of this, ridge breeders treat their pets with special means before walking.

The eyes and ears must be cleaned regularly, and the pet must be taken to the veterinarian periodically.... Conducting timely vaccination and preventive manipulations against parasites will increase the pet's life resource and eliminate the likelihood of any disease.

The eyes are wiped with a cotton swab, having previously moistened it in a special lotion... Ears get rid of wax with a damp cloth or cotton swab.

If an unpleasant odor spreads from the ears, as well as if inflammation is detected, the animal should be urgently taken to the veterinarian.

We must not forget about brushing your teeth, because without it, the pet's teeth very quickly become covered with a yellow coating. In addition, if you do not follow them, they begin to wear off faster, they 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, by nature they are susceptible to various diseases. For example, individuals of this breed have diseases such as congenital deafness, cataract, volvulus, myelopathy... In addition, they are susceptible 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 triggered by malnutrition. It is important to consider that the health is also affected by the degree of mobility of the pet. Restriction of physical activity for him is tantamount to loss of health and leads to a weakening of the immune system.

Ridge nutrition should be correct and complete, rich in vitamins and essential nutrients. It is selected based on the weight of the animal and its size. You can feed your dog with industrial food, although, given the weight of the pet, this product will cost a lot. Cheap food for these dogs is harmful and, if consumed constantly, lead to liver problems.

In addition, cheap feed has no benefit, as well as meat. Instead, they use meat flour, which, at best, is a product of by-products processing, or even completely crushed hooves. These feeds affect the appearance of the pet, as evidenced by the condition of its coat. It loses its shine, becomes coarser and harder over time.

There is more meat in premium food, and it can be very varied. When buying food for these dogs, you need to take into account the nuance that granular products by weight are not suitable for them. 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 from which the dog's digestive process will not be disturbed. 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 is 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 takes more frequent preventive measures for antiparasitic treatment. Someone freezes the meat to get rid of small bacteria.

For example, in addition to meat, a dog should receive and rice, buckwheat, eggs (quail or chickens). Also, the diet should contain fermented milk products (cottage cheese and kefir). Despite its heavy weight and cravings for meat, the dog needs to be given and vegetables (e.g. pumpkin, squash, beetroot, broccoli), occasionally treat it apples.

Concerning list of prohibited products, then these include millet and oatmeal, canned food, sausages, sausages, sweets and flour. You can not treat the animal to either mashed potatoes, or fried potatoes, or potato chips. Also, do not add seasonings to the dog's food and give it milk.

An important aspect when choosing dry food as the basis of the diet is the fact that it is a concentrated food. Therefore, its amount per feeding cannot be compared with the amount 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 cannot overfeed them.

As for the water, this bowl, on the contrary, should be at the dog, regardless of what food it is provided with. It is especially important to ensure that water was constantly choosing "drying" (granular dry food). If the animal is fed "natural", a side dish must be served with the 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. At the same time, the food for the dog is not piled into a bowl, but given in dosage, in order to prevent obesity or digestive problems.

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

The video below will tell you about the features of the breed.