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Archive-name: dogs-faq/breeds/ridgebacks
Posting-frequency: 30 days
Last-modified: 02 Feb 1995

This is a regularly posted faq and appears every thirty days in
rec.pets.dogs and news.answers.  The latest version of this file is
a hypertext document available via the Web at
http://www.io.com/user/tittle/dogs-faq/breeds/homepage.html

The most recently posted ASCII version of this file is available via
anonymous ftp to rtfm.mit.edu in the directory
pub/usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/breeds

It is also available via email: check the weekly posting Cindy Tittle
Moore ([e-mail]) puts out entitled "Complete List of
rec.pets.dogs FAQs" for details.



                             RHODESIAN RIDGEBACKS


     _________________________________________________________________

Table of Contents

     * Characteristics and Temperament
     * Frequently Asked Questions
     * Description (Official Standard)
     * Recognized
     * History
     * Special Medical Problems
     * References
          + Books
          + Publications
          + Email list for owners
          + Breed Rescue Organizations
          + Breeders
          + Breed Clubs
     * Selected Other WWW Links of Interest
     * Sources and Authors of This Document


     _________________________________________________________________

Characteristics and Temperament

   The Rhodesian Ridgeback, sometimes referred to as the African Lion
   Hound, is a native of South Africa. Ridgebacks are sturdy,
   low-maintenance, short-haired dogs, bred by Boer farmers for two
   purposes: hunting lions and staying home with the family while other
   members of the household were out hunting or farming. The breed is a
   very good people dog, bonding well to a family if introduced into the
   family in the first 4-5 years of the dog's life. Ridgebacks are
   usually quite gentle with their family and with people their masters
   introduce to them but are great watchdogs if people they don't know
   appear or sounds they don't understand occur around their home.

   Ridgebacks are very smart, responsive, and trainable. They can easily
   master the basics of good canine citizenship: down, stay, come, no
   jump, quiet. They are, like many hounds, independent thinkers. This
   means that they are not traditionally seen competing for advanced
   obedience titles (though some Ridgebacks each year DO get their UD
   titles). Because they are large and intelligent, some obedience
   training is necessary to keep them under control and avoid their
   becoming a nuisance.
     _________________________________________________________________

Frequently Asked Questions

   How is the Ridgeback around children? Other pets? As a watchdog?

     The Ridgeback is an extremely tolerant, excellent companion for
     children, able to amiably withstand a great deal of abuse from even
     the smallest of toddlers. However, no child should be left
     unsupervised around any dog, as either may hurt the other, even
     unintentionally. And due to its large size, younger and more
     excitable Ridgebacks may knock smaller children over by accident.
     The Ridgeback is a gregarious animal, enjoying the company of other
     dogs. Beware of having several male dogs -- this can lead to
     dominance struggles (as is true with several males of many breeds).
     They can be good with cats if brought up with them, but fiercely
     effective in defending their territory from stray dogs and cats. The
     Ridgeback is an excellent natural watchdog and family protector,
     requiring only that the owner has control over it.

   Are they noisy? Do they have any bad habits?

     Ridgebacks tend to bark only when there is something worthwhile to
     bark at (unless one has fallen into bad habits out of boredom). They
     are very athletic, easily able to clear high fences unless the owner
     has taken proper precautions to see that this does not occur.
     Proficient swimmers, they can be an annoyance if the owner does not
     want them in the pool! They are not usually nuisance diggers, but
     can create large pits to escape summer heat if left out of doors. A
     Ridgeback can become a roamer out of boredom, often falling victim
     to automobiles, so it is important to have a properly fenced yard.

   Is the Ridgeback a good house-dog?

     The Ridgeback is an extremely clean dog with little odor, and
     minimal shedding due to the short coat. In general, a Ridgeback kept
     indoors sheds a little all year round, whereas an outside one will
     experience seasonal shedding. They do not drool, except in
     anticipation of food. They are generally easy to housetrain. They
     will take over the furniture unless their owners discourage this
     habit from puppyhood. A happily wagging tail will easily clear off
     low coffee tables.

   Are there any special feeding problems?

     Most Ridgebacks would have to be dead before refusing to eat! They
     can drool quite a bit when their food is being prepared. They will
     inhale their food enthusiastically. Consequently, Ridgeback owners
     need to monitor their dogs' weight and cut back to prevent obesity.
     Sometimes a good cupboard lock is needed to keep a clever dog from
     helping itself.

   How much exercise does a Ridgeback need?

     Like any medium-large dog, Ridgebacks need exercise--a daily romp in
     the back yard or park and a couple of longer trips to the park per
     week should be sufficient. More would be better, but Ridgebacks do
     adapt to their people.

   Are they energetic or hyper?

     A young Ridgeback is a very energetic fellow. But as Ridgebacks
     mature, most of them become much more laid back. One author calls
     them the "kings of dozing." Some say that a mature Ridgeback is
     happiest when either running flat out across a field or flat out
     asleep at your feet. In general, they mature into lovely calm dogs
     that do well when raised with children and other pets.

   Where does that ridge on their back come from?

     The Rhodesian Ridgeback's ancestry includes a dog native to Southern
     Africa--a tribal dog, a companion and a hunter, with a ridge of hair
     growing backwards down its back. European settlers admired the
     hunting ability and temperament of the native dogs and bred them
     with the dogs they had imported from Europe and North African
     colonies. They found that the "cross-breeds" that had the ridge had
     the most desirable hunting ability and temperaments and began to
     breed specifically for the ridge. And thus the breed was born.

   Were they really used to hunt lions?

     Yes, when the breed was imported to Rhodesia, the big game hunters
     of the time found them to be excellent hunters and used them to hunt
     lions. They are the only breed of dog that can keep a lion at bay
     for the hunter to kill, and live.

   Are they good for general hunting?

     Yes. The Ridgeback has been used successfully in hunting bobcat,
     mountain lion, bear, coyote, deer, wild boar and raccoon in the US,
     Canada, and Mexico. There have also been reports of Ridgebacks
     having been train to point upland game and retrieve game and fowl,
     but their true talent lies in cornering the prey for the hunter to
     finish off.


     _________________________________________________________________

Description

OFFICIAL STANDARD FOR THE RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK

   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 reasonable 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.

   MUZZLE Should be long, deep and powerful. The lips clean, closely
          fitting the jaws.

   NOSE   Should be black, brown of 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 hind legs, 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 wooly 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.

   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 by The American Kennel Club and effective September 30, 1992

Recognized by

   American Kennel Club
   Canadian Kennel Club
   FCI
   Kennel Club of Great Britain
   Kennel Union of Southern Africa
     _________________________________________________________________

History

   The Dutch, German, and Hugenout people who emigrated to South Africa
   in the 16th and 17th centuries brought with them Danes, Mastiffs,
   Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, Terriers, and other breeds. Then, in 1707,
   European immigration to South Africa was closed for a hundred years.

   The native Hottentots had a hunting dog that was half wild with a
   ridge on the back formed by the hair growing forward. The only other
   known dog which has such a ridge is found on the island of Phu Quoc in
   the Gulf of Siam. It is unclear whether ridged dogs appeared
   spontaneously in two parts of the world or if they first appeared in
   Africa and then, through commerce, moved with humans to Asia.

   Interbreeding between these dogs and those of the settlers eventually
   established the foundation stock for the present day Ridgeback.

   The abilities the farmers were looking for in their dogs included:
   flushing a few partridge, pulling down a wounded buck, and guarding
   the farm from maurading animals and prowlers at night. They needed to
   be shorthaired to withstand ticks, able to go 24 hours without water,
   and hold up under the dramatic day-night temperatures on the veldt.

   In 1877, Reverend Charles Helm introduced two Ridgebacks into Rhodesia
   where the big game hunters found them outstanding in the sport of
   hunting lions on horseback. They raised and bred these dogs with an
   appreciation of their exceptional hunting qualities. In 1922, a group
   of Rhodesian breeders set up a standard for the Ridgebacks that has
   remained virtually unchanged since.

   No one knows when the Ridgeback was first brought into the United
   States. A few were imported prior to 1940, possibly as early as 1912.
   However, after World War II, quite a large number were imported, not
   only into the US, but also into England and Canada. The Ridgeback was
   admitted into AKC registry in 1955.
     _________________________________________________________________

Special Medical Problems

  HIP DYSPLASIA

   Ridgebacks can come down with hip dysplasia. As in many breeds,
   serious efforts are under way to eliminate the problem. The most
   common tool is by rigorously certifying breeding stock by OFA,
   Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Good statistics are hard to find,
   but according to some, there are fewer cases than Saint Bernards and
   many giant breeds as well as medium sized breeds such as Golden
   Retrievers and German Shepards. This is partly because of the relative
   rarity of the breed. You should make sure that both dam and sire of
   your prospective puppy have their OFA certification.

  DERMOID SINUS

   This condition occurs when the skin is not completely closed along the
   dog's spine. While hard to detect at puppyhood, it can be done by
   those experienced in the breed. If dormant, this condition causes no
   problems and the dog can lead a normal life. Unfortunately these
   sinuses or cysts don't often remain dormant. They become inflammed and
   infected. The surgery to correct the sinus is expensive, painful and
   frequently not successful. Most breeders euthanize puppies with
   demoids as soon as they are detected. This condition is fairly rare.

  RIDGELESSNESS

   Another genetic fault. Some Rhodesian Ridgebacks are born without
   ridges. Again, most breeders euthanize these puppies, a subject of
   some controversy. There is no such thing as a ridge developing later
   in life, so do not believe the breeder that tells you the ridge will
   "come in later." If you buy such a puppy, you should expect a lower
   price and a spay/neuter contract.
     _________________________________________________________________

References

  BOOKS

   Guide to the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Published by the RRC of Great
   Britain. Hardback. 8 pounds sterling should insure air mail, to RRC of
   Great Britain, Miss P. Barber, 22 Queensway, Old Dalby, Melthon
   Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 3QH, England.

   Rhodesian Ridgeback Champions, 1955-1980 and/or Rhodesian Ridgeback
   Champions, 1981-1988. Paperback. $46.50 both or $31 for first, $26
   for second, CA residents add 6% tax). Camino E.E.&B. Co., PO Box 510,
   Camino, CA 95709.

   Carlson, Stig G. The Rhodesian Ridgeback (A Close Encounter of the
   Personal Kind). $15 USD pp. Paperback. Stig Carlson, Tallstigen 8,
   181 62 Lidingo, Sweden (book is in English).

   Hawley, T.C. The Rhodesian Ridgeback, The Origin, History &
   Standard. Hardback. $20 plus postage. Check or money order payable to
   Natalie D. Carlton, 5630 N. Abington Road, Tucson, AZ 85743.

   Helgesen, David H. The Definitive Rhodesian Ridgeback. 2nd edition,
   paperback. DH Helgesen, Box 141, Pitts Meadows, Brisish Columbia
   V341AO, Canada. $30 USD pp.

   Murray, J.N. The Rhodesian Ridgeback 1924 to 1974. Hardback.
   Available from the author, 5 Melbourne Road, YEA, Victoria 3717,
   Australia. Write for cost and postage.

   Nicholson, Peter and Janet Parker. The Complete Rhodesian Ridgeback.
   Howell Book House. ISBN 0-87605-295-2. 1991.

   Woodrow, Ann. Rhodesian Ridgeback. Paperback. 11 pounds sterling,
   air mail. Mrs. J.G. Woodgrow, Crookswood Std Farm, Horsleys Green,
   High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 3XB, England.

  PUBLICATIONS

   The RRCUS Annual of Champions (a club sanctioned publication). Years
   1965 to 1988 available from Joe Berher, 12564 Huston St., North
   Hollywood, CA 91607. Write for availability and prices. For 1989 to
   present, contact Cherie Starr, 2008 Dorothy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112.


   The Ridgeback: Bi-monthly official publication of the RRCUS.
   Available only with membership.

   Pamphlets and RRCUS membership applications are available from the
   Assistant to the RRCUS Corresponding Secretary (Ms. Edna Gilbert, Box
   155, Collingswood, NJ, 08108). Send $2.00 to receive the following:
     * Breeder Directory including Code of Ethics
     * 10 page information packet including
          + History of the Breed
          + Dermoid Sinus
          + Frequently Asked Questions
          + Puppy buying tips
          + Standard of the Breed

   An Illustrated Elaboration of the New Standard will be available in
   the near future for an additional cost of $2.00, also from the
   Assistant to the Corresponding Secretary.

   Rhodesian Ridgeback Quarterly (an independent publication). Four
   issues per year. $28 annually in US, add $4 outside US). RRQ, 4401
   Zephyr St. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-3299.

  EMAIL LIST FOR OWNERS

   There is an email list for owners, future owners, former owners, and
   other fanciers of Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This list is maintained by
   Richard Gordon and it was created in September of 1994. To join, send
   email to [e-mail] with
        subscribe your-name email-address

   in the body of the message. Substitute your name for your-name, e.g.
   Jane Doe. Substitute your email address for email-address, e.g.
   [e-mail]. As of January 1995, there are over 100 subscribers
   to this mailing list.

  BREED RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS

   Your best bet is to contact the local or regional breed club in your
   area. Herewith are the rescue/adoption contacts for the regional
   Rhodesian Ridgeback Clubs in the United States, as listed in the most
   recent RRCUS Breeder Directory:

     * Greater Valley Forge RRC (PA, MD, NJ, DE): Richard Gordon (302)
       996-6480 or [e-mail].
     * Midwest RRC (WI, IL): Judy Rochon [phone].
     * New England RRC (CT, RI, MA, ME, NH, VT): Natalie Bandeian-Zoll
       [phone].
     * Northwest RRC (WA, OR): Shirley Wait [phone].
     * Orange Coast RRC (Southern CA): Sandra Abney [phone],
       Jacque Rex [phone], Barbara Rupert [phone].
     * Raisin River RRC (MI): Lina Gonterman [phone].
     * RRA of Western New York (NY): Kelly Byers [phone].
     * RRC of Texas and Trinity Valley RRC of Texas: Tami Satterfield
       [phone].
     * Rocky Mountain Ridgebacks (CO, WY, UT) Patty Olney [phone].
     * San Diego RRC (CA): Dana Steadley [phone], Renee Woods
       [phone].

   For further information about Ridgeback Rescue, contact Dana
   Jefferson, Ph. D., National Rescue Chair [phone], or write to
   Ms. Edna Gilbert (Box 155, Collingswood, NJ, 08108) and request a copy
   of the most recent RRCUS information packet (enclose $2.00). The
   Breeder Directory that comes in the packet contains an extensive list
   of rescue volunteers.
     _________________________________________________________________

  BREEDERS



     * RRCUS Breeders: The maintainers of this file hope to receive
       permission to include the entire RRCUS Breeder Directory on line.
       Until that time, write to Ms. Edna Gilbert (Box 155, Collingswood,
       NJ, 08108) and request a copy of the most recent RRCUS Breeder
       Directory. All breeders listed in this directory have sworn to
       uphold the RRCUS code of ethics. For $2.00 (to cover the cost of
       postage and printing), Ms. Gilbert will send you the breeder's
       directory and a packet of information about the breed. This packet
       and breeder's directory are updated every Spring.

     * Ridgeback Breeders With Internet Access: A growing number of
       Ridgeback Breeders have Internet accounts--or accounts on systems
       that allow e-mail access to the Internet. If you are viewing this
       file with a WWW browser, use your viewer to browse the Internet
       breeders' list. If you are reading this file on an ftp archive or
       in the rec.pets.dogs hiearchy, send e-mail to
       [e-mail] requesting a copy of the file.

     * The maintainers of this FAQ make no warranty express or implied
       with regard to any breeder listed in either item above. It is up
       to the buyer to ascertain whether or not a particular breeder
       meets the buyer's standards and needs.

     * You should feel free to ask a breeder for references. Further, you
       should expect a responsible breeder, whether a member of RRCUS or
       not, to exhibit evidence of careful and prudent breeding.
          + A responsible breeder X-rays the hips of all breeding stock.
          + A responsible breeder will only use dogs free of hip
            dysplasia and free of other major health problems as breeding
            stock.
          + A responsible breeder will have obtained an OFA certification
            of clear hips, or an OFA preliminary X-Ray for all breeding
            stock. (OFA=Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)
          + A responsible breeder will have you register your puppy with
            AKC at the time of your purchase.
          + A responsible breeder will supply you with
               o your puppy's medical record
               o a pedigree
               o an instruction sheet
               o a small supply of your puppy's current food and water
                 (or instructions where to purchase the puppy's current
                 food)
               o information about the breed
               o a guarantee that the dog will be free of hip dysplasia
                 and dermoid sinus and free of vicious propensities if
                 the dog is properly trained and treated.


     * And be forewarned: A responsible breeder will probably want to
       determine whether or not you meet his or her standards as a home
       for a puppy. Just as you may ask a breeder for references, don't
       be surprised if a breeder asks you for references.

  BREED CLUBS

   Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
   Office of the Corresponding Secretary
   Ms. Betty Epperson
   P.O. Box 121817
   Ft. Worth, TX 76121-1817

   Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
   Assistant to the Corresponding Secretary
   Ms. Edna Gilbert
   P.O. Box 155
   Collingswood, NJ 08108


     _________________________________________________________________

Selected Other WWW Links of Interest

     * Tom Baker's The Visual Ridgeback:
       http://wintermute.sr.unh.edu/ridgeback/ridgeback.html
       Tom is recruiting pictures from RR owners for this page. Access
       the page for details.

     * Richard Gordon's Gallery of Ridgeback Rescue Stars (coming soon).
       Breed Rescue is a very important part of what RRCUS and all the
       local clubs do. I will scan in pictures of several of the dogs we
       have helped place in new homes and may include other RR Rescue
       material here later.

     * Cindy Tittle Moore's List of canine WWW resources:
       http://www.io.com/user/tittle/dogs-faq/lists/www-list.html
       This page includes pointers to lots of other canine related
       items--not just the rec.pets.dogs. FAQ files.

     * Cindy Tittle Moore's rec.pets.dogs FAQ Homepage:
       http://www.io.com/user/tittle/dogs-faq/homepage.html
       This page includes pointers to her list of Canine WWW sites, Breed
       FAQs, Activity FAQs, Kennel Club FAQs, General Canine FAQs, and
       Canine Mailing Lists.

     * Terri Watson's Canine Web:
       http://snapple.cs.washington.edu:600/canine/canine.html
       Another excellent collection of canine material, including the
       Canine-L mailing list archive, Service Dog Info, Iditarod Info,
       Vet Info, Lost Dogs, and more.

     * Dennis Martinez's canine site:
       http://zoo.vet.cornell.edu/~dlm7/canine.html
       A new site of canine info, maintained by an RR fancier at Cornell.


     _________________________________________________________________

  AUTHORS AND SOURCES FOR THIS DOCUMENT
     * Richard Gordon, January 29, 1993, ([e-mail])
     * Cindy Tittle Moore, February 15, 1993, ([e-mail])
     * David Prager, March 15, 1993, ([e-mail])
     * Handouts from the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the U.S.
    Rhodesian Ridgebacks FAQ currently maintained by
    Richard Gordon, ([e-mail])
    Cindy Tittle Moore, ([e-mail])
    Last Content Update: Feb. 1, 1995
    Last Format Update: Feb. 1, 1995