Rhodesian Ridgeback: A Fierce Lion Hunter Yet A Gentle House Companion

Everyone knows that when a lion gets mad, it wrecks unimaginable and irreversible havoc that’s why only those skilled enough and experienced hunters can face and elude this creature’s wrath. Humans and animals are known to shiver in fear over the sight of a lion gone mad but not this one breed of dog. Instead of running for its dear life, it unabashedly challenges and faces the king of the jungle’s fury and succeeds at it most of the time: this is the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog.

This breed, in all its handsomeness and masculinity, is a native of South Africa where lions are a common sight. Originally, some native tribes of this country owned a ridgebacked breed of dog used as hunting aids and household companions. The Boer farmers, another tribe, realized the potential of this breed and so they bred it with the Khoikhoi dog, Mastiff and Deerhound to produce the modern day Rhodesian Ridgeback.

In 1877, a Reverend Helm brought two of these new breed to Bulawayo, Rhodesia- today’s Zimbabwe, and it was there that more people discovered this dog’s ferocity towards lions and excellent hunting skills. In 1922, the first standard of the Rhodesian Ridgeback was created and the breed was remarked as a game hunting breed. There had been a debated conundrum regarding this dog’s classification in terms of hunting as it is both excellent in hunting big games as the ferocious and large as a lion and hunting small games as tiny as a squirrel.

The breed’s name, Ridgeback, is a manifestation of its appearance because it certainly possesses a symmetrical ridge running along its back. The ridge is made prominent by its growth which is in the opposite direction of the dogs overall coat. This breed’s coat appears sleek and glossy colored in either light wheat or red wheat.

In hunting, the Ridgeback is ferocious and accurate but inside the home, it transforms in to a gentle, calm and biddable pet. It is playful and patient with children, kind and strongly protective of its owners. It is also an outstanding watchdog as it is intent, sharp and alert in observing unfriendly people or forces.

Additionally, this renowned hunter is naturally intelligent, cunning, and independent and these sometimes may lead to difficult training sessions. However, if you have a firm and patient disposition towards this dog, you will gain its trust and thus will never have to handle difficult trainings. This breed has a tendency, too, to be aloof towards strangers and will always be on its guard if it chances upon one.

It is also a suitable dog for apartment living so long as it is provided with an everyday lengthy and fast-paced walking or jogging. Inside the house they are relatively dormant but once outside they tend to be energetic and eager huge pets. Their exercise needs to be done in an open space such as large backyards or parks.

Knowing the harsh conditions of Africa, we can easily understand why this dog can stand unforgiving situations at times. In fact, this dog can withstand flaring hot days and damp and cold nights. It can also go on for 24 hours and more without food and water.

Published on May 18, 2009 under Dog Breeds (Articles)
Tags: animals, breed history, breed information, breeds, Dog Breeds (Articles), Dog Grooming, Dog Training, Dogs, rhodesian ridgeback breed, rhodesian ridgeback grooming, rhodesian ridgeback history, rhodesian ridgeback information, rhodesian ridgeback training

Related Posts

1. West Highland White Terrier: A Magnificent Breed Saved From Cruelty
2. English Bulldog: Ugly Outside but Beautiful Inside
3. The Ultimate Lap Dog of Europe, The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
4. The Things That Make the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel an Adorably Elegant and Affable Creature
5. Why Institutions Continue to Develop the Labradoodle Breed
6. The Fluffy and Famous Pomeranian
7. Information You Need to Know About The Lovable Toy Dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
8. The Ongoing Development of the 21st Century Breed, Labradoodle
9. The Vicious and Courageous Hunter of Lions, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed
10. Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie): The Diminutive Herder of Shetland Island, Scotland