All about Rhodesian Ridgebacks

South African dogs in our country are considered a wonder. Plant them rarely, the reason for this are the characteristics of the maintenance and breeding of pets who are accustomed to live in a warm climate zone. The material of this article will acquaint readers with the Rhodesian Ridgeback - the only breed from the African continent recognized by the International Federation of Cynologists.

A breed of dog whose appearance attracts the eye, was created in Africa specifically for hunting. It is considered a beagle, appeared in the time of the Cape colony as a result of crossing settlers' dogs with semi-wild ridge congeners used by African tribes for guarding and hunting.

The name "ridgeback" is translated as "Comb back", which is explained by the external feature of each dog: his back hair grows in the opposite direction to the rest of his coat. This is a rare feature of African dogs that have been bred since time immemorial. Initially, shakalopodobnye dogs were needed by the shepherds and those who were engaged in cattle breeding.

The breed developed further in the 19th century, when European nobility was keen on hunting for African lions. Local breeds for such hunting were not suitable, which is why Europeans became interested in native dogs. At that time, they already had the experience of defeating giant wild cats. The first European who decided to start breeding ridgebacks was Cornelis van Royen, who bought dogs from one of the hunters of Southern Rhodesia.

In the process of breeding, genes of mastiffs, dogs, retrievers, pointers, as well as terriers and bloodhounds were added to the Ridgeback genes. Breeding continued, the breeder had a lot of customers, although at that time the dogs were still called dogs of Van Royen. Rhodesian ridgebacks began to call them in 1922. This year, Francis Richard Barnes initiated the definition of a separate standard for the breed, which is why the dogs with a crest on their back were given a new name.

These dogs deftly hunted by a group, they stopped the prey by pack and waited for their owner. That is why the ridgeback was once called the lion dog or Simba-Inya. In our country, these dogs appeared in the early nineties, and a couple of dogs were brought here not from the homeland of animals, but from America. In the first litter that appeared in 1994, 6 puppies were born: 1 male and 5 bitches.

Purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback characterized by muscular and harmonious physique. Depending on a number of reasons, dogs can have not only a different character, but also a different appearance. This dog has the strength to keep an experienced breeder, novice animal lovers to deal with it is not easy. According to the generally accepted description A healthy representative of the breed is distinguished by an athletic physique and a noble posture.

These are rather large hounds of dogs: the weight of males at withers is on average from 63 to 69 cm, the height at withers of a bitch usually varies in the range of 61-66 cm. Weigh dogs in the range of 36-41 kg, females - 29-34 kg. Despite this weight, dogs do not look fat: they are moderately well-fed and, rather, powerful than massive. Unlike their other counterparts, muscles are seen in these animals.

A modern charismatic ridgeback is more like an athlete than a wrestler. This is indicated by a toned body and dry bony legs. Today, these animals are divided into two types: gruffbeating to the molossi as well lightweightcalled bord-shaped. Despite the difference in species, in none of them does the standard accept either excessive massiveness or excessive elegance.

The purebred ridgeback has a triangular shape of a flattened skull. It tapers to the nose, a powerful muzzle is characterized by a small foot. The head of the dog is moderately long, the distance between the ears is comparable to the length of the skull from the occiput to the transition. The skull itself is wide in the area of ​​the ears.

When the pet is calm, the forehead is free from wrinkles, the transition to the face is quite pronounced. If the animal is concentrated, the forehead immediately acquires folds. On the side, the transition from the frontal zone to the back of the nose is especially noticeable. The cheekbones are very pronounced and well developed, the area under the eyes is filled in moderation.

The lips of the ridgeback are thin and neat, they are not sagging and completely cover the teeth, without forming characteristic sagging and folds in the corners. Jaws are very strong, correctly folded, scissor bite, complete dentition. The teeth of the ridgeback are large and powerful (this applies especially to dog canines).

These animals have developed and mobile nose round. Its color depends on the color of the dog and can be both brownish and almost black. The eyes of the representative of the breed are oval and have a wide setting. The eyelid tissue is rather dense, but this does not prevent the dogs from manifesting their emotions. For example, their gaze, unlike many other brethren, can be colored with different emotions, and the folds over the eyelids often resemble shifted eyebrows.

The iris of the dogs of this breed can be painted in different shades of brown (from light to dark chocolate). The ears are large, tight to the head. At the ends they are slightly rounded, when the animal is calm, it touches its cheeks. If the pet is keen on something, its ears are turned forward.

With all his weight, the dog’s physique seems to be lean, the body has a rectangular shape. The neck of the representative of the breed is not long, strong and muscular, not having a suspension. The thorax of a thoroughbred lion dog is moderately wide, dipped to the elbows. Keel bone is well developed, the ribs are characterized by moderate bending.

Withers pronounced, the line of the spine falls from the neck to the croup. Ridge dogs of this breed has several characteristics. According to the description of the established standard, it is always expressed. Its shape may be tapered or not, but it is imperative that the ridge is symmetrical.

According to the standard The ridge must begin in the zone behind the shoulders without any gap (this is considered a vice). The comb at the femur ends, it must contain two identical crowns (2 curls), which are located directly opposite each other. Offset them relative to each other by more than 1 cm is considered a serious defect. The width of the comb should be at least 5 cm.

As for the limbs, the paws of these dogs are not only strong and straight, but also have a parallel and broad setting. Ridgeback blades are drawn back, shoulders slightly sloping, the amplitude of movements is large. The elbows are clamped to the body, due to better development of the hind limbs the dog can very quickly develop its speed. At the same time the animal can keep it in the process of running.

At the time of the rack, the extremities are pulled back (beyond the croup line). The spaces between the finger pads of pets are covered with a protective woolen cover. The tail is thicker at the base and tapering towards the end. It is covered with shorter hair, its end is usually directed upwards. If the dog is bent in the direction of the spine, it is considered a disadvantage.

The life of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is small and is about 12 years. Some individuals live longer, which is explained by proper care and a good ecological background of a particular region. The life expectancy is influenced by various factors, including the timeliness of preventive examinations to identify diseases in the early stages.

As for the type of wool, the ridgebacks have it short and dense. With regular care, it is fairly smooth and shiny. Her color can be different and includes a lot of shades - from light wheat to almost fiery red. On the muzzle of the hairs are shorter, the veil itself is not prone to puffing, it is rather adjacent to the body.

Colors in shades of brown and red-red are considered the best in terms of standard. However, in the breed there are individuals whose wool color is close to the tones of the mahogany, copper and even Bordeaux. According to the regulations, the color may allow for the presence of a characteristic dark mask, as well as a small amount of white hair in the region of the sternum and on the paws. Big white points are not allowed. Colors of gray (blue) are considered atypical and are subject to disqualification.

Rhodesian ridgeback has many advantages. Is he:

• strong and energetic;
• when learning balanced;
• calm against strangers;
• unobtrusive, but attentive;
• active and enduring;
• neat and tolerant;
• smart and affectionate.

In addition, this dog boasts good learning and quick memorization of various teams. As for the negative aspects of his character, these include:

• caution of individuals to people;
• aggression against cats and other dogs;
• tendency to dominate the house over the household;
• willfulness and laziness in the absence of motivation to learn;
• passion pursuit of conditional "prey".

In addition, these dogs can hardly be called indoor. For accommodation they need more space than other dogs. In addition to the lounger, in the conditions of apartments for them there is usually not enough space, and therefore the movements of these pets are often limited.

The interest of breeders to dogs of this breed is due to various factors, including the character traits of these animals. Despite their visual appeal, dog lovers are precisely the power behind the grace, the ideality of proportions, high intelligence, an amazing reaction to what is happening and excellent instinct. With the right approach to learning and education these animals grow into self-confident, indifferent to outsiders and not cowardly.

They know no fear, and therefore, if necessary, they easily stand up to protect the owner. Moreover, their reaction is always not only fearless, but may be disproportionate to the enemy. It is better to refrain from conflict with the owner of this dog. These are volitional dogs that obey to volitional owners, but may not think about the harm to the abuser.

They need a master with a solid outlook on life, to which they will be able to obey without question. In another way to make them obey will not work. They need a sports owner, with whom “hand in hand” they will be able to run for a long time and do good physical exertion, become some kind of friends.

At the same time, dogs of this breed need long-distance running (for a walk, they are able to run up to three kilometers). Rides must be daily, and for the day the dog needs to be in the fresh air at least three times. It is worth noting that a strong-willed and truly strong dog does not grow in an apartment. With limited space and freedom, she is forced to get rid of excess energy through barking or aggression.

These dogs can not lie idle, as many of their fellow ornamental breeds. They are inquisitive and eager to take their time studying something, and therefore they need an active owner. If it is possible to somehow agree with the pets of other breeds to an indecisive owner, then it is totally unacceptable to forgive the pranks to the Africans and allow them to cross the boundaries of what is permitted.

A well-trained dog may be loyal to its owner and be balanced in character. She may be indifferent to what is happening, but this does not negate the fact that she is ready at any moment to make her own decision. These animals understand their owners at a glance. They will not chase the cats or bark in their loud and frightening voice.

If absolutely necessary, a well-mannered and silent Ridgeback will allow himself a voice (but only as a warning). In this case, the dog is characterized by self-esteem, it will not behave obsessively, will not be confused under their feet, and moreover, beg for sweets. However, he is always ready to work, and therefore readily responds to the offer of walking.

In everyday life, these animals may seem phlegmatic. However, at heart, the dog is eager to dispose of the accumulating energy at the earliest opportunity. A terrible dog tries not to touch children, even if in the process of communication they allow themselves various tricks. Their pet's cry is not annoying, the dog is able to entertain children himself, but if he is offended, he can retire from their company.

As for very young children, it is undesirable to leave them with the dog.. Despite the fact that the dog towards them does not demonstrate any aggression, in games and caring for them it may not calculate its own strength. At the same time, she will try to entertain them as best she can, knowing that they are small and defenseless.

With respect to other animals, ridgebacks behave differently. Most perceives other dogs as rivals for territory, food, love of the owner. Some do not like cats, not only street cats, but also neighbors. Individual individuals of the same breed conflict with each other, and therefore keeping two ridgeback males at home does not make sense. They will constantly sort things out between themselves.

Interesting behavior of dogs on a walk in bad weather. For example, unlike other fellows of the dog family, ridgebacks will not frolic in the rain. They will not line up to the house in a straight line, but in such a way as to move from shelter to shelter, bypassing the puddles on the way and jumping over the dirtiest places.

Some representatives of the breed demonstrate stubbornness to the owners, testing them for strength. Therefore, the training and training of a pet must begin as early as possible. According to the recommendations of breeders, the most favorable time can be called the first days since the puppy appeared in the house. With each new day, the chances of raising a good dog and companion are becoming less and less.

Some owners believe that they can begin training puppies when they are six months old. However, as practice shows, it is the early upbringing and training that allow the owner to establish himself in the role of master, showing firmness and consistency in teaching. These two criteria are key aspects of the success of the pet's training of a proud African dog.

If the owner tries to offend them, they simply will not take his team, and therefore the training will be ruined in the bud. It is useless to try to grind the pet a specific task and wait for him to master the team in one session. Training should take place in the form of a game and unobtrusive technique. The monotony of day-to-day will be the reason that the dog will consider the team unworthy of its attention, and, consequently, execution.

Do not exhaust the animal with long training. During the walking, the team or task trying to perform only a few times. The rest of the time the pet must rest or spend it with some degree of freedom. For example, a great idea of ​​training can be a hike in the forest, where there will be various obstacles that will force a pet to overcome them, jump over or crawl under them.

At the same time, ridgeback loves rewards for well-executed teams, and therefore it can be trained quickly. In this case, the approach to learning should be creative and correct. In no case can not build training on aggression, because this way you can spoil the animal, turning it into a real killer. No breeder will allow such an animal to breed, such individuals are subject to disqualification.

Besides, evil animal very quickly begins to take the initiative «in their paws», dictating first to the household, and then to the owner, their rules of permissiveness. You can not shift the education and training of dogs on someone from the outside. It is the owner who must do this: only in this way will the dog recognize his authority and obey without question. So she learns to understand the rules set in the house, the team and the mood, because of what will not be to climb with their desires, when the owner will not before.

With the right approach to learning, the pet remembers the team for an average of 20-30 repetitions. You can not try to hammer into the head of the dog several teams at once in one day. This will contribute to the fact that the dog will be lost with the meaning of each task and will cease to understand what exactly the master demands from him, when uttering this or that word. First, the pet is taught the simplest commands, and over time it complicates tasks. More complex activities are necessary for individuals who are prepared for hunting and exhibition events.

Ideally, the Rhodesian should be kept in a private house, where the dog will have many opportunities to throw out the accumulated energy on the street. If the dog was brought into the apartment, it is necessary to take into account the fact that there should be a place for walking near the house. Ridgeback is a restless and agile dog, like all hounds. The hunting instinct forces the animal to explore the area for a long time and look for prey.

Ridgeback needs long walks, and not only to manage the natural needs on a leash. It is vital for a pet to run, roll on the grass, splash in the water, play actively and run. Given the fact that these dogs are prone to corral prey, in the process of walking with them there may be certain incidents. For example, the same yard cats or domestic rodents of neighbors in their eyes may seem to be potential prey, which, as they say, nature itself ordered to catch.

If the animal is still being trained, walking in public places can only be done with a leash. When a dog is trained and obedient, she is busy with her walking, rather than searching for adventure.As for a more comfortable time of the year, then it’s summer for dogs. In winter, they need an extra coat, and therefore the owners have to buy special clothes for them.

In addition, the time of year significantly affects the duration of walking. If in summer the dog needs to walk for two hours, in winter this time has to be greatly reduced so that the animal does not catch a cold. These dogs are not kept outside, although it seems to some breeders that this is possible. During walking, it is preferable to play with a pet or engage in a certain sport (for example, agility).

After an African dog puppy appears in the house, the breeder will have to consider buying many things. For example, in addition to its own sunbed, a pet should have its own dishes, toys, and equipment for walking. As for the beds, it can be bought or made from scrap materials (say, an old suitcase). From the first days of stay in the house, the pet must understand its own place.

This is his first team, at the same time the rule of the house and the guarantor that the dog will not claim ownership of its owner. Do not ignore the importance of buying a cot and offer the baby to lie on the master's sofa or chair. Day by day the puppy will be approved in the fact that this furniture belongs to him. Subsequently, it will be problematic to explain the reverse to the dog.

The same applies to personal dishes, which many owners do not pay special attention. Despite the degree of closeness of the relationship between the owner and the dog, the owner's dishes cannot be used for the animal. Firstly, it is unhygienic, and secondly, every time, seeing a plate of food, the dog will think that the sweets in it are meant for him. In addition, you see, not every guest and household will be happy to eat from the bowl that the animal licks.

For the street, you must select individual items so that the animal can play more vigorously.

Equipment for walking is selected on the basis of the type of wool, size and weight of the pet. For puppies, leashes and collars are smaller; an adult dog needs a leather muzzle.

Due to the short length of the coat, caring for her is not as problematic as with long-haired dogs. These pets do not need haircuts and all elements of expensive grooming. It is often not necessary to wash the pet, even if the breeder is convinced that it will be possible to get rid of the smell of the dog 100%. This is not worth doing because frequent washing washes away the protective layer from the skin and coat. In addition, these animals do not exude a characteristic dog's aroma.

However, in summer and in bad weather you will have to bathe the dog more often. It is better to teach her to water procedures from childhood, so that they become the norm, and the dog calmly endured them. Paws she needs to wipe with a damp cloth or wash after each walk. In the summer, you can walk with your pet near a shallow reservoir, where he can cool off in the heat.

It is necessary to bathe a dog with special detergents developed specifically for short-haired dogs. To make the hairs more silky, a rinse can be used. The products that people use for the animal is not suitable. In rare cases, this can cause hair loss or an allergic reaction.

It’s impossible to wash the dog with a zoo shampoo every time sometimes normal warm water is enough for swimming. If the animal is too dirty, not to do without shampoo. Usually pets are washed at least several times a year.

In addition to bathing, the owners pay attention to such a procedure as combing out. It is necessary not only during the molting period to save the house from dead wool. It is necessary to comb out dogs infrequently, without much fanaticism.

The fact is that dead wool prevents the growth of new, in addition, it can be the cause of animal discomfort. For combing the owners of dogs acquire special combs, selecting the width of the comb and the frequency of its teeth, taking into account the peculiarities of the structure of the hair of a particular pet. During the shedding you can comb the dog's wool coat. furminator, which will accelerate the combing of dead wool and massage the skin, which will ease the condition of the animal at this time.

The claws of the animal grow, and therefore from time to time they must be trimmed using a special device - claw cutter It will save the pet from a long and unpleasant procedure, shorten its duration. If the animal walks on hard ground, its claws can be ground independently.

In cold weather, the skin on the pads of the pups' paws can crack and get damaged quickly. Therefore, the owner must treat it with a special wax agent. Every time after walking paws need to inspect, clean.

In addition, after walking, you need to inspect the pet for ticks and bites of other insects to which these dogs are exposed. In view of this, ridge breeders process pets with special means before walking.

Eyes and ears must be cleaned regularly, in addition, the pet must be periodically taken to an appointment with the vet. Conducting timely vaccination and prophylactic manipulation of parasites will increase the vital resource of the pet and eliminate the likelihood of any disease.

Wipe the eyes with a cotton swab, pre-wetting it in a special lotion. Ears get rid of sulfur through a damp cloth or cotton swab.

If an unpleasant smell spreads from the ears, as well as if inflammation is detected, the animal should be immediately taken to the veterinarian.

Do not forget about brushing your teeth, because without it, the pet's teeth are very quickly covered with yellow bloom. In addition, if you do not follow them, they start to erase faster, they can get tartar and hurt. For cleaning, you can use special tools sold in pet stores, or dog toothpaste.

Despite the fact that the Rhodesian Ridgebacks themselves are very active and energetic, they are naturally subject to various diseases. For example, in individuals of this breed there are such diseases as congenital deafness, cataract, volvulus, myelopathy. In addition, they are prone to various ear infections, allergic reactions and the dermoid sinus.

However, despite the nuances of genetics, life expectancy will depend on the care of the owner. Often the development of a disease is triggered by malnutrition. It is important to bear in mind that the health is affected by the degree of mobility of the pet. The limitation of motor activity for him is equivalent to the loss of health and leads to a weakening of the immune system.

Ridge food should be correct and complete, rich in vitamins and essential nutrients. It is selected on the basis of the mass of the animal and its size. Feed the dog can be industrial feed, although, given the weight of the pet, this product will be very expensive. Cheap feeds for these dogs are harmful and, if used regularly, lead to liver problems.

In addition, in cheap feed there is no benefit, as well as meat. Instead, they use meat flour, at best, which is the product of the processing of by-products, if not shredded hooves.These feeds affect the appearance of the pet, as evidenced by the condition of its wool cover. He loses shine, over time becomes more rough and tough.

In the premium feed more meat, and it can be very diverse. When you buy food for these dogs, you need to take into account the nuance that granular type products are not fit for weight. Firstly, they deteriorate too quickly, and secondly, they begin to oxidize immediately after a huge package of food is opened for sale.

If natural food is chosen as the basis of nutrition, the owner tries to offer those products that will not disturb the digestive process. For example, it is undesirable to treat a pet with food from the master's table, it is also important that its food is not smoked, spicy or fatty. Speaking of meat, it is worth considering that it should not be fatty, too salty or overcooked.

In the dog's food, it can be boiled or raw. If the animal eats raw meat, the owner conducts more frequent preventive measures for antiparasitic treatment. Someone freezes meat to get rid of small bacteria.

For example, besides meat, the dog should receive and rice, buckwheat, eggs (quail or chicken). Also in the diet should be dairy products (cottage cheese and kefir). Despite the heavy weight and craving for meat, the dog needs to be given and vegetables (for example, pumpkin, zucchini, beets, broccoli), occasionally it can be treated apples.

Concerning banned products list, then they include millet and oatmeal porridge, canned food, sausages, sausages, sweets and flour. You can not treat the animal or mashed potatoes, or fried potatoes, or potato chips. Also, you can not add to the dog food seasoning and water it with milk.

An important aspect when choosing a dry food as the basis of the diet is the fact that it is a concentrated food. Therefore, its amount per feeding cannot be compared with the volume of natural products recommended for feeding pets of different ages. In addition, the breeder must take into account the excellent appetite of ridges, and therefore overfeeding can not be.

As for water, this bowl, on the contrary, should stand in the dog regardless of what kind of food it provides. It is especially important to ensure that water was constantly choosing "drying" (granular dry food). If the animal is fed "naturalka", a side dish should be served with the meat at each feeding.

Puppies are fed more than adult dogs. As a rule, they are fed about 5-6 times a day. With age, the frequency of feeding is reduced. At about 8 months, the pet should eat no more than 2 times a day. At the same time, the dog’s food is not piled up in a bowl, but given in doses to prevent obesity or digestive problems.

In addition to dry food, these dogs need natural food. That is why it is not worth relying only on “drying” when feeding them, even if it is more convenient for the owner and saves time for cooking.

The features of the breed will tell the video below.