RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK (AKC Hound Group) Height: 25 to 27 inches (male); 24 to 26 inches (female). Weight: averages 75 pounds (male); averages 65 (female). Size: Large. Availability: May take some effort to find. History: The Rhodesian Ridgeback resulted from crosses between ridgebacked dogs originally kept by native tribes in South Africa and other breeds, such as the Great Dane and various scent hounds, imported by Boer settlers in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was used for many purposes. This impressive, protective hound could hunt game, retrieve, take care of children, and guard property. South African hunters discovered that the Ridgeback, used in packs, was very effective against lions, hence the breed's other name, the African Lion Hound. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is well adapted to the harsh African environment; he can withstand very high temperatures and can go without food and water for over 24 hours. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1959. Description: A large, handsome, muscular hound with a distinctive raised ridge of hair running in a symmetrical strip down the center of his back. The hair in the strip actually grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. The short, sleek coat comes in light to dark wheaten, sometimes with small white markings on the chest and feet. The head is long, the skull is flat and broad with powerful jaws. The bright, sparkling eyes are round with an intelligent expression. Nose color should be either black or brown, depending on the color of the coat. The ears are pendant. Dogs with black noses should have dark eyes; those with brown noses should have amber colored eyes. The front legs should be very straight and strong, with heavy bone. The strong tapered tail is fairly long and curves slightly upward. Notes: May be prone to dermoid sinus, hip dysplasia and cysts. Buy only from OFA certified stock. Don't overfeed. Some males can be very combative with other dogs. Personality: A fine hunter, but gentle and calm at home. Good natured and fond of children. Intelligent. This breed needs thorough obedience training, early socialization with people and other dogs, and firm owner leadership to become the excellent companion he can be. Behavior: Children: Best with older, considerate children. Friendliness: Moderately protective. Trainability: Slightly difficult to train. Independence: Moderately dependent on people. Dominance: High. Other Pets: May be aggressive with dogs of the same sex; do not trust with non-canine pets. Combativeness: Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive. Noise: Average barker. Grooming and Physical Needs: Grooming: Very little grooming needed. Trimming & Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed. Coat: Short coat. Shedding: Average shedder. Exercise: Needs lots of exercise. Jogging: An excellent jogging companion. Indoors: Relatively inactive indoors. Apartments: Not recommended for apartments. Outdoor Space: Best with a large yard. Climate: Does well in most climates. Owner: Not recommended for novice owners. Longevity: Average (10 to 12 years). Talents: hunting, tracking, watchdog, and guarding. For More Information: Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute. Photo Caption: RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.