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| Rhodesian Ridgeback |
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The Rhodesian Ridgeback could easily be the creation of someone seeking a superhero. Mild mannered expression and athletic, yet subtle lines seeming to minimize the intensity of this russet coat and startling ridge down the back. |
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| General Information |
| Group(s):
Hounds, Sighthound |
Height: 24-27 inches |
| Weight: 65-85 pounds |
Longevity: low-mid teens |
| Colors: deep russet red occasionally with masking |
Coat type: smooth, thick hound |
| Recognized Registries: AKC and others |
| Overall Appearance: When working, an intimidating and intense powerhouse of bold demeanor and substantial presence. In secure environments or with their family, relaxed and affable. |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: moderate |
| General Nature: |
varies but typically confident, interested and congenial |
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with Children: big and strong, not always aware of their strength, better with older kids |
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with other pets: can be good but instinctively HIGH prey drive |
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with dogs: can be unpredictable; better when neutered |
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| Socialization requirements: fairly high, this is a dog that needs confidence and security to be reliable, socialization is the only way to achieve that |
| Ideal home characteristics: understanding of occasional bull in the china shop syndrome, very sighthoundish in their napping habits |
| Temperament Notes: similar in the complexity of Sighthound personality with a boldness not typically seen in other recognizable Sighthound breeds; intelligent and confident of their opinion.. after all they depend on their decisions to take down Lions! Can be destructive. |
| Training requirement: moderate - more training will build a stronger bond and make a better companion and family member |
| Trainer notes: As many Sighthounds, developing solid motivation can be challenging. This breed is easily bored, and when bored, will fall asleep. Work in very short sessions that are ended while the dog is still interested. Keep exciting as possible to help increase the stamina of focus. |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: |
| Country of Origin: Africa |
| Original Function: Lion Hound |
| History: |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: |
| Health Notes: Canine Hip Dysplasia, skin problems |
| Health Testing: OFA or Penn Hip |
| Questions to ask Breeder:
How long have you had Ridgebacks?
Why do you have Ridgebacks (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a Ridgeback?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you send your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Ridgeback?
How would you describe the ideal Ridgeback home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training an Ridgeback?
How do you assist or help Ridgebacks in need of rescue? |
| Web Sites: Wonderful, fun Ridgeback story - www.digitaldog.com/ridgebackstory.html
Suirac Art Gallery for wonderful purebred dog art of Stained Glass and Etched Glass.
www.ridgebackrescue.org - Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue of US and Canada
www.ridgeback.org - Ridgeback Rescue of Northern CA
www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX179.html - Texas Ridgeback Rescue
www.geocities.com/~kalahari/rescue/rescue.html - Gulf Region Ridgeback Rescue
www.rrus.org - Ridgeback Rescue of the US
www.coloradorhodesianridgebackrescue.org - Colorado Ridgeback Rescue |
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| Other Resources |
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