Origins of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a native of Southern Africa, and his long history dates back to the early sixteenth century. The early explorers of the Cape found the Hottentot hunters, and with them a semi-domesticated dog which had the hair on its spine turned forward - a feature which we now call the Ridge. The only other known dogs with this ridge are to be found on the small island of Phu Qoc, in the Gulf of Thailand. The origin has, however, not been definitely determined, and the debate still continues. These dogs were used to hunt game and to guard their families at night. Their short coats made for easy maintenance, and parasites were easy to distinguish. When, in 1717, European migration was suspended for 100 years, there was already a vast variety of breeds present. The most prominent of these were Mastiffs, Danes, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds and Pointers. Breeding between these dogs, which the Europeans had brought with them, and the half wild ridged dog of the Hottentots, led to the development of a distinct breed..... the Rhodesian Ridgeback. An outstanding website which provides detailed information about the development of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed and its spread throughout the world can be found at : http://murenga.com/irr.htm

Why Choose a Rhodesian Ridgeback

When you have lived with a Rhodesian Ridgeback for a number of years you will have a full understand of the answer to this question. Here are a few suggestions. handsome and good looking short coat easily cared for and clean hardy allround versatile breed loyal, faithful, and devoted easy to care for and feed at low cost highly intelligent with outstanding personality and character excellent with children of all ages loving and affectionate at all times, always ready for a hug outstanding guard and watch dog to protect people and property active, fun, friendly, and playful when you want them to be passive, lazy, couch potatoes when you want them to be

YEELANNA RHODESIAN RIDGEBACKS ... for an all round hound ...

Characteristics of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed

As a puppy, you will find you have an often exasperating bundle of mischief, but the Ridgeback grows out of this by about 12 months of age. They do, however, need a certain amount of discipline and training to bring out the best in them. Dogs do not deliberately cause mischief or do the wrong things. They aim to please you to gain your attention and affection, but need to be taught the right things to do, and the positive and appropriate behaviours you are looking for. This takes time, perseverance, and patience on your part, but will be rewarded with a co-operative and well behaved member of your family who will give you his undivided love, affection, and protection. Remember, all dogs like routine in their lives. A comprehensive library of information about dog training and behaviour can be found at Dr P's Dog Training and Behaviour Library http://www.uwsp.edu/acad/psych/dog/dog.htm With other young dogs they play hard and fast and never turn nasty. Ridgebacks are wonderful with children and can take all the pushing, pulling and sitting on that children can hand out. Even the most capable hunting dogs will show this trait when at home. You will find your Ridgeback an extremely loyal and affectionate dog who will easily fit in and become one of the family, seeking physical contact through hugs and pats, and warm and comfortable places to snooze. They worm their way into your affections and end up being allowed to do things which you consider unacceptable when you first get your puppy. Whilst away from home they treat outsiders with respect, but on their own territory, their protective instincts are strong and they will be wary of strangers until you accept them. They will not attack unless strongly provoked, but will tend to bail up intruders.

YEELANNA KENNELS phone or fax : 08 83 222 550 mobile : 0412 320 512 all hours email : geoff@internode.on.net

Return to Top of Page
Forward to Next Page
Return to Home Page Index