Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Rhodesian Ridgeback
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | ||||||||||||
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| Country of origin | ||||||||||||
| South Africa | ||||||||||||
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| Breed standards (external links) | ||||||||||||
| FCI, AKC, ANKC, KC(UK), NZKC |
The Rhodesian ridgeback is a South African dog. Known as the "Lion dog" because of their unique ability to taunt a lion and keep them at bay while awaiting their master to make the kill. They rarely bark while hunting.
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Appearance
The ridgebacks' distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair along their back running opposite to the rest of their coat. It consists of a fan like area formed by two whorls of hair (called "crowns") & tapers from just behind the shoulders, down to the level of the hips. The ridge is usually about 5cm in width at its widest point. The ridge is believed to originate from the dog used by the original African population, who carried a similar ridge. The first picture of a Ridgeback is a wall painting describing the life of the boers. The painting is situated in South Africa in the voortrekker monument.
Male ridgebacks should be 25-27 inches (64-69 cm) at the shoulder and weigh approximately 85 lb (39 kg), females 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) and approximately 70 lb (32 kg). They are typically muscular and have a light wheaten to red wheaten coat. The coat should contain no black hairs, although white is acceptable on the chest and toes. Ridgebacks have a strong, smooth tail, which is usually carried in a gentle curve upwards. The eyes should be round and should reflect the coat colour—dark in a black muzzle, amber with a brown nose. The brown nose is a recessive gene and is therefore not as common as a black nose.
Temperament
They are loyal, intelligent and gentle, making them good family pets despite their size. They were traditionally hunters, guardians, and companions.
Sighthound or Scenthound
There is some debate whether the rhodesian ridgeback is a sight or scent hound. In general ridgeback pursue prey by sight, after the prey is no longer in sight ridgebacks continue tracking with scent.
History
First admitted into the American Kennel Club in 1955 as a member of the Hound Group.
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