Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is one of the most famous dog breeds from Africa and originated in South Africa. It was originally bred to hunt lions, but today they are very popular as family dogs. In this article I will tell you all about the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed.

History

The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed originated in South Africa. The breed was bred in the 17th century by European settlers who came to Africa to live and work. The settlers crossed different breeds of dogs such as the Khoi-Khoi dog, the African wild dog and the Saluki to create a breed that was suitable for hunting lions. The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed was named after the British colonialist, Cecil Rhodes, who owned the first specimen of this breed.

Appearance

The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed has an athletic and muscular build. They are large dogs that can reach an average height of 65 to 70 inches. They have a short, shiny coat that comes in colors such as light brown, red, tortoiseshell or dark gray. The most famous feature of this breed is the "ridge", a raised crest of hair that extends in the opposite direction from the spine.

Personality

The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is a very loving, friendly and affectionate dog. They are very good natured and have a strong bond with their owners. They are also very intelligent and trainable dogs that love to learn and enjoy new challenges. Despite this, they are also very alert and protective of their family and home from strangers.

Care

The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed requires regular brushing to keep their coat in good condition. Their coats are relatively low maintenance and they are not prone to skin problems. They also need plenty of exercise and physical activity to stay healthy and happy.

Health

The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is generally a healthy dog breed, but there are some health issues to watch out for. One of these is hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joints that can lead to pain and joint problems. Other possible health issues include eye problems such as cataracts or retinal detachments. It is important to make regular veterinary visits to detect and treat potential health problems early.

Summary

The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is a large, athletic and muscular dog breed with a short, shiny coat and the distinctive "ridge" on their back. They are friendly, loving and affectionate dogs that have a strong bond with their owners. They require regular brushing, exercise and physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Although they are generally a healthy breed of dog, watch out for possible health problems such as hip dysplasia or eye problems.