Rhodesian Ridgeback

History The origin of the Rhodesian Ridgeback traces back to the hunting dogs used on big game such as lions, cheetahs and baboons by the nomadic African tribes. The Hottentot tribe brought them to southern Africa. The breed went through several transformations before becoming the dog we know today. In 1922, the first Rhodesian Ridgeback Club was formed for the specific purpose of drawing up a breed standard. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was officially recognized by the South African Kennel Union in 1924. It was not until after World War II that the first specimens of the breed were brought to the United States. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1980. General Appearance and Characteristics The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a handsome, upstanding dog; symmetrical in outline. It presents the appearance of strength and agility; and the capability of great endurance accompanied by a fair amount of speed. The distinctive characteristic peculiar to the breed is a ridge on the back that is formed by the hair growing in an opposite direction from the rest of the coat. The ridge is clearly defined, tapering and symmetrical. It begins immediately behind the shoulders and continues to a point located between the prominences of the hips. It should contain two identical crowns opposite each other, the lower edges of which do not extend farther down the ridge than one-third of the length of the ridge. Head and Skull The head is of a fair length. The flat skull is rather broad between the ears. It is free from wrinkles when in repose. The stop is reasonably well defined. The muzzle is long, deep and powerful. The clean lips fit the jaws closely. Faults: Heavy head; round skull; short, snipey muzzle; bulging cheeks. TEETH - A full complement of strong, well-developed, white teeth meet in a scissors bite. The canine teeth are especially well developed. Even bites are acceptable but not desirable. Disqualifications: Overshot or undershot bite. EYES - The round eyes are set moderately well apart. They are bright, sparkling and have an intelligent expression. Eye color is in harmony with that of the color of the dog. A black nosed dog has dark eyes; a brown-nosed dog has amber eyes. NOSE - The nose has black or brown pigment, in harmony with the color of the dog. No other colored noses are acceptable. EARS - The medium-sized ears are set rather high and carried close to the head. They are rather wide at the base and taper to a rounded point. Neck The fairly long, clean neck is fairly strong and flexible. Forequarters The sloping shoulders are clean and muscular, indicating the ability for speed. FORELEGS - The heavily boned, strong forelegs are perfectly straight. The elbows are close to the body. Body The back is powerful. The strong, muscular loins are slightly arched. The very deep, roomy chest is not too wide. The brisket reaches down to the elbows. Body length, measured from the shoulders to the hindquarters, is slightly longer than the height, measured from the withers to the ground. The ribs are moderately well sprung. Faults: Too long or too short in the back; roach back; sway back; round ribs. Hindquarters HIND LEGS - The muscles in the hind legs are clean and well defined. The hocks are well let down. Feet The round, compact feet have well-arched toes and round, tough, elastic pads. The feet are protected by hair between the toes and the pads. Serious fault: Hare feet. Tail The tail is strong at the root and tapers gradually toward the tip. It is free from coarseness. It is carried with a slight upward curve. Faults: Curled tail; set too high or too low. Coat The short, dense coat is sleek and glossy. It is never woolly or silky. Color Acceptable colors include the range from light wheaten to red wheaten. The head, body, legs and tail are uniform in color. Dark muzzles and ears are acceptable, but black ears are not desirable. A small amount of white on the chest and on the toes is acceptable. Excessive white and any white on the belly or above the toes is not acceptable. Disqualification: Albinism. Height and Weight Height is measured at the withers. The height ranges for mature dogs are: males, 25 to 27 inches; bitches, 24 to 26 inches. The desirable weights for mature dogs are: males, 75 pounds; bitches, 65 pounds. Gait Movement is straightforward, free and active. Disqualifications Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Overshot or undershot bite. Albinism.