Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog

Origin

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has, as its name suggests, originated in Rhodesia, but in South Africa. It evolved from the mixture of native Hottentot hunting dog, which had a crest of hair on the back different, with different races (Bloodhound, Greyhound, Mastiff, Mastiff, Saluki, and others have proposed) that accompanied the first immigrants Europeans in South Africa. The aim was to create a dog that could hunt, which is very important and courageous enough to protect the home, family and livestock against predators and intruders were resistant to local diseases, could last several days and frosty nights warm and providing the faithful of the company. In the 1870s some of these dogs were taken to Rhodesia, where race has prospered and has been developed by careful breeding programs. In Rhodesia have become popular among the hunters of lion and leopard and bought another Lion Dog African name. The Ridgeback has been found that excellent trail and tracking capabilities, speed to continue his career and courage, agility and intelligence to keep a big cat at a distance until the hunter arrived to dispatch. In 1922, the breed club was established first in Southern Rhodesia and a breed standard developed to stimulate the formation of the breeders. It is believed that the first representatives of the breed were imported to Britain in the 1920s, but numbers remain low until after World War II when, in 1952, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Great Britain was created to promote race. The versatility, simplicity and aesthetic appeal of the Ridgeback has ensured its popularity as a show dog and companion.

Character

Intensely loyal and dedicated to his people the true happiness of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the fact that their loyalty and affection is mutual, and is considered one of the family. A determined, intelligent and voluntary dog needs a leader who, from the beginning, be firm but sympathetic guide and help them learn the rules of the house and the limits of acceptable behavior. Usually very good with children, but their size and energy can make it a suitable companion for older children. With strangers is rather reserved but not aggressive, observation and assessment of people who do not know the distribution of friendship rather blind. It can be very authoritarian with other dogs, especially those of the same sex. However, if raised with dogs and other animals that get along with them, but, being a hunting dog, caring for small pets and wildlife. It can be very protective of their territory and family and is an excellent watchdog and brave. It is always alert and size, bark and the “noise” should be sufficient to deter even the most savage of hackers, but not the type to act first and think later – quite the contrary. Gardens should be well fenced to frustrate any attempt to further tantalizing smells and potential prey, as a great hunter, and once on the track may be lost, hurt or worse. The combination of races, whoever they were, which is the descent of the Ridgeback has forged a dog that is extremely versatile, very intelligent, very loyal, very beautiful and a wonderful family companion.

Exercise

The Rhodesian Ridgeback needs a lot of exercise to stay in excellent condition both physically and mentally. A couple of long walks daily, plus a good race, once or twice a week is the recommended minimum. Caution is advised in the exercise off-lead. He can move with surprising speed to recognize a rabbit or a prey, and talent can also cause errors and problems. A dog of powerful and roomy but not too sensitive to deal directly with a lion, is certainly capable of hunting, capture and kill small animals, it is important to be aware of the presence of livestock if the exercise is carried out lead . The adult is a Ridgeback walking or jogging companion well and can do well in dog sports tracking and agility. Puppies should have little formal exercise. Your joints and bones need time to mature vulnerable in case of irreparable damage and pain is avoided.

Education

Obedience training at least at the basic level, it is necessary for this powerful dog responds to verbal commands. If it is to walk politely on lead and not to jump on people, then the voice command is necessary because, in any confrontation, his master be harmed. The Ridgeback is a breed well trained. He is intelligent and will be eager to work if positive methods to reward effort and good work with treats and praise sincere, they are employees. Training hard is the negative physical and verbal punishment “will have negative results. The dog may obey, but if it does, will the fear rather than a desire to work with you and with trust, respect and affection, which is the cornerstone angular relationship between the dog and his master, will be severely damaged. Socialization should be started as soon as possible. The puppy has become accustomed to several people, animals, pictures and sounds to be prepared to deal with everything in serenity in his life. The well-trained, well socialized dog is a Rhodesian Ridgeback trusted, reliable they can be proud.