K-9 LifeSavers

Known at one time as the African Lion Hound, the Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in South Africa where it was used as a guard dog and a lion hunter.

The breed standard was written in 1922, based on a Dalmatian, but the Rhodesian Ridgeback can trace its origins back to the Khoikhoi people that occupied the Cape Peninsula during the mid- 17th Century. Described as ugly, this lean, muscular dog with a distinctive length of hair growing along its back, was a hunters companion noted for its ferocity as a guard dog.

As European settlers made their way into this section of Africa, they brought a variety of dogs, including Bloodhounds, Greyhounds, terriers and foxhounds that crossed with the native African dog, resulting in the Boer hunting dogs, a forerunner to the modern Rhodesian Ridgeback.

In 1870 Reverend Charles Helm brought two ridged dogs to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) where big-game hunter Cornelius van Rooyen bred them with his own dogs. The offspring were dogs with red coats and ridges, the foundation of a kennel that would develop dogs for the next 35 years that could "bay lions," that is hold lions as bay while hunters made the kill. These dogs were start of the modern Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal and intelligent, if somewhat aloof to strangers. While they are protective of their families, these are dogs are more inclined to ignore rather than challenge a stranger. They are strong-willed and some have a bit of a mischievous side, and need early, consistent training; however, these dogs are often described as sensitive and will not do well with rough treatment, or heavy-handed training methods.

Positive, reward-based training, good socialization and consistency will allow a Rhodesian Ridgeback to become a happy member of the family, but may not be the best breed for first time dog owners.