RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK (REVISED MAY 1, 2008)
Sighthound & Pariah Group
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©Copyright 1992, United Kennel Club, Inc.
Revised May 1, 2008.



HISTORY

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is the only registered breed of dog that is indigenous to Southern Africa. Its ancestors trace to the Cape Colony, where they were crossed with the early pioneer’s dogs and the semi-domesticated ridged Hottentots hunting dogs. The original function of the breed was to hunt in packs of two or three, tracking game, especially lion, and keeping it at bay until the hunters arrived. Today, while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is still used to hunt game in many parts of the world, it is especially prized as a watch dog and companion.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1980.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a symmetrical, well balanced, strong dog, yet it must be active and agile, and have no tendency towards massiveness. The emphasis is on agility, elegance and soundness.

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. A good average width of the ridge is two inches.

Disqualification: Lack of a ridge.

Intelligent and dignified, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be aloof with strangers, but is never shy or aggressive.

SKULL - The skull is of fair length. The width of the skull between the ears, the length of the skull, and the length of the muzzle should all be equal. The skull is flat between the ears, and free of wrinkles when the dog is in repose. The stop is reasonably well defined.

MUZZLE - The muzzle is long, deep and powerful, with close fitting lips. The cheeks are clean.

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.

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.

The neck is fairly long, strong and free from throatiness.

The sloping shoulders are clean and muscular

FORELEGS - The heavily boned, strong forelegs are perfectly straight. The elbows are close to the body. The pasterns have a slight spring.

The chest is very deep and capacious, but not too wide. The brisket reaches to the elbow. There should be a visible forechest when the dog is viewed from the side. The back is powerful, and the ribs are moderately well sprung, never barrel shaped. The loin is strong, muscular and slightly arched.

HIND LEGS - The muscles in the hind legs are clean and well defined. There is a good turn of stifle, and the hocks are strong and well let down.

The round, compact feet have well-arched toes and tough, elastic pads. The feet are protected by hair between the toes and the pads.

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.

The short, dense coat is sleek and glossy. It is never woolly or silky.

Acceptable colors include the range from light wheaten to red wheaten. Dark muzzles and ears are acceptable. Excessive black hairs throughout the coat are highly undesirable. A small amount of white on the chest and on the toes is acceptable, but any other white is undesirable.

Disqualification: Albinism.

The height ranges for mature dogs are: males, 25 to 27 inches; females, 24 to 26 inches.

The approximate weights for mature dogs are: males, 80 pounds; females, 70 pounds.

Movement is straightforward, free and active.

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Lack of a ridge. Albinism.