| og world is blessed with many wonderful breeds, | | | | intelligence, its loyalty and its natural hunting ability. |
| from the tiny Chihuahua to the giant Mastiff. | | | | These same qualities make the Rhodesian |
| However, dog lovers in search of a unique | | | | Ridgeback a superior watchdog, and the breed is |
| personality and an equally unique look may want | | | | known for its fierce loyalty to its family. |
| to look a bit further a field for their new canine | | | | Rhodesian Ridgebacks are highly intelligent, loyal |
| companion. For many years discerning dog | | | | and affectionate, and they make wonderful pets |
| owners have been charmed by the beautiful and | | | | for active families. They make wonderful running, |
| highly intelligent Rhodesian Ridgeback, and this | | | | jogging and hiking companions as well, and they |
| wonderful breed certainly makes an impact | | | | have amazing stamina. |
| wherever it goes. | | | | On the downside, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be |
| As the name implies, the Rhodesian Ridgeback | | | | a stubborn breed, and it is important to properly |
| originally hails from Africa, although its origins lie in | | | | train and socialize them as puppies. Those dog |
| the country of South Africa and not Rhodesia. | | | | lovers considering buying a puppy should keep in |
| This unique breed was originally bred as a hunting | | | | mind that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very large |
| dog, and it often accompanied big game hunters | | | | dogs, and it is important for the dog owner to |
| as they sought at their quarry. In fact, the | | | | establish themselves as pack leader right from |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback is also known as the African | | | | the start. |
| Lion Hound, no doubt a tribute to its big game | | | | The appearance of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is |
| hunting heritage. | | | | regal and elegant, and the breed seems to know |
| The ridge for which the Rhodesian Ridgeback is | | | | just how handsome it is. The most prominent |
| named is a product of its wild heritage, and one | | | | feature of the breed, of course, is the ridge of |
| of the most prominent features of the breed. For | | | | hair on its back. This ridge, for which the breed is |
| hundreds of years, European immigrants living in | | | | named, runs the opposite direction from the rest |
| Rhodesia, the country known today as Zimbabwe, | | | | of the short coat. |
| had crossed their own dogs with the native dogs | | | | Of course there is much more to the Rhodesian |
| the region. These native dogs featured a | | | | Ridgeback than mere beauty, and these |
| prominent ridge along their back, and they passed | | | | wonderful dogs make wonderful companions. |
| that distinct feature on to their crossbred | | | | They are also the perfect canine companions for |
| offspring. | | | | those seeking a low maintenance dog. The short |
| Of course these early Rhodesian Ridgebacks | | | | coat of the Rhodesian Ridgeback means that its |
| were valued for far more than their unusual | | | | grooming needs are minimal. For the most part all |
| coats. The natives of this wild land needed dogs | | | | these dogs need is an occasional brushing with a |
| that could perform multiple duties, from hunting | | | | dense wire brush or a relaxing rubdown with a |
| and herding to protecting the property of their | | | | smooth cloth. This type of grooming will help to |
| masters. | | | | bring out the natural oils in the coat and help keep |
| In addition, those early dog owners needed dogs | | | | these beautiful dogs looking their best. |
| that were easy to keep and that required little in | | | | So if you are looking for a unique and beautiful |
| the way of grooming. They found all that and | | | | canine companion, you may want to consider |
| more in the Rhodesian Ridgeback, and the | | | | bringing a Rhodesian Ridgeback into your life. |
| modern breed continues to exhibit all of these | | | | When you welcome one of these lovely dogs into |
| highly desirable qualities. | | | | your home and your heart you can enjoy many |
| These days many Rhodesian Ridgebacks continue | | | | years of loyalty, companionship and protection. |
| their lives as top quality hunting dogs. Although | | | | From the wilds of Africa to the heart of the |
| fewer may hunt lions and other big game these | | | | biggest city, these wonderful dogs bring a wealth |
| days, they also excel at retrieving and flushing out | | | | of history, a natural hunting ability and a regal |
| smaller game. Sportsmen from around the world | | | | charm to their surroundings. |
| continue to value this unique breed for its | | | | |