Live Life Team
Also known as the African Lion Hound and the African Lion Dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is indigenous to Southern Africa. It is named after the country of Rhodesia, which is now known as Zimbabwe. They have been referred to as Lion Dogs because they were used in hunts for lions. They would distract a lion, and once the lion’s attention was focused on the dog, the hunting owner of the Rhodesian Ridgeback would seize the opportunity to kill the lion.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a similar build to Dalmatian dogs, although they do not have the black and white colouring that has made Dalmatians so famous. While Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a lean and muscular appearance, they are actually quite large. They stand at an average of 61 to 69 centimetres tall and their weight ranges between 32 and 37 kilograms. Male Rhodesian Ridgebacks are typically larger than the female dogs both in height and weight. Although Rhodesian Ridgebacks have had brindle and sable coat colours in the past, this has come out of favour. They are now usually either red or light wheaten in colour. They are referred to as Ridgebacks because of the unusual fur pattern along the ridge of its back.
While Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very friendly with the people they know, they can seem aloof toward strangers, although rarely aggressive. With proper socialisation as a puppy, a Rhodesian Ridgeback can become very friendly to strangers and other animals and with the right training can also be an excellent guard dog due to their protective natures.
