iMBUKA Rhodesian Ridgebacks©

The Ridgeback has the advantage of having keen sight and a good nose. Due to the wide open terrain of the Southern African veldt, coupled with the habits of the game being hunted and the techniques required, the Ridgeback was developed as a silent trailer, characteristic of its sight hound ancestry.

Possessing many of the traits generally associated with hounds, the Ridgeback has a quiet, gentle temperament, rarely barking. When they do bark, it's never for no reason. It's usually to warn of or scare off an intruder. The deep, throaty bark has scared a few varmints off our place--both the two- and four-legged varieties.

While able to enjoy lazing around in a patch of sun, or even in front of a winter fireplace, a Ridgeback can be instantly alert if a stranger should appear. Where they gave the impression of a big, lazy, slow- moving animal, the Ridgeback can become a threatening presence as a watchdog. I've seen them go from sound asleep to a full, flat-out run in a matter of seconds, when the situation calls for it.

Developed not only to hunt but as a family protector, their affectionate disposition makes them a trustworthy companion for a small child. They are easily trained, being, more than many hounds, of above-average tractability. Because of their innate ability to protect their family, a Ridgeback should not be trained as a guard dog, but rather the basic natural protective qualities should be supplemented with basic obedience training for control.

They are known for their courage and heroism. Newspapers in South Africa are always running stories about Ridgebacks who have saved their owners from poisonous snakes, accidents and other catastrophes.

Some owners/breeders have recently begun ridgeback training as companion dogs, therapy dogs and seeing eye dogs. Ridges have achieved awards in the herding ring as well. Their uses seem limitless, and are growing every day.

As puppies, they are fun loving, exuberant, inquisitive, and somewhat rambunctious. Mature Ridgebacks and school age children are best buddies and friends for life, the key is to bond early and teach mutual respect.

Ridgebacks require a different type of relationship than you would have with other breeds. Harsh methods and a heavy hand should never be used in training. In spite of their boldness, they are extremely sensitive to discipline and correction, and they respond well to praise. The relationship between dog and owner is never slave and master, but of mutual cooperation. The Ridgeback works as a partner with a person or it doesn't work at all. A Ridgeback can be taught nearly anything, but it cannot be driven.

Our Ridgebacks have a sense of humor. They'll hide each other's blankets, or trick each other to get what they feel is the most comfortable pillow, or the tastiest morsel. They will deliberately drip water on us when they know we have somewhere to be and they can't go with us. Madison is very good at getting what she wants. We call her our spoiled little brat.

Our ridgebacks are extremely clean dogs, almost cat-like. Morgan will sit and groom himself for hours at a time. Ridgebacks are very easy to house and crate train, and their short coats keep shedding to a minimum.

These dogs have a lot of stamina and require daily exercise. Remember, they were bred to run down lions, and you know how fast a lion can run. For this reason, they are not recommend for apartment dwellers unless they have a place to exercise regularly (they are adaptable). Our Ridgebacks like to run full speed and will sprint around the pastures for hours at a time.

You do have to be careful when they're playing, because they will ram you with their shoulder while running. I've been rammed several times, especially when I'm trying to video tape or photograph them. Morgan is not camera shy, but Madison thinks it's funny to watch me run for cover. He'll pose for me and she rams me from my blind side, or charges me head on. It's that wacky sense of humor again!

American Standards | African Standards

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