Breed Clubs - South Africa
- Alaskan Malamute
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- Rhodesian Ridgeback
July/August 2009
Order the Ridgeback back issue ...
- Rottweiler
- Saluki
- Scottish Terrier
- Setters
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Spaniels
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- White Swiss Shepherd
- Xoloiztcuintle
- Yorkshire Terrier
Rhodesian Ridgebacks
It is recommended that only reputable breeders should be approached when seeking breed information or if you wish to purchase a puppy.
See the advertisements in either this month's issue, our classifieds section, or our back issues featuring your breed of choice. Alternatively contact one of the clubs listed below for breeders in your area.
Gauteng |
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SA Rhodesian Ridgeback Clubs |
SA Rhodesian Ridgeback Club
The Rhodesian Ridgeback of the Free State
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| Hound Clubs | Sporting Dogs Association
Gold Reef Sighthound Club
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Kwazulu Natal |
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| Hound Club | Natal Sporting Hound Association
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Eastern Cape & Border |
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| Hound Club | Algoa Hound Club
Kaffrarian Hound Association
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Western Cape |
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| Hound Club | Cape Hound Club |
Fact File - Rhodesian Ridgebacks
| KUSA Group | Hound | |
| FCI Group | Group 6 Scenthounds & Related Breeds (146) | |
Original Function |
Hunting dog used for tracking game and well-known for keeping lion at bay until the arrival of the hunter. | |
| Modern Function | Devoted companion, guard dog. | |
| Appearance | Well-balanced, strong, muscular, active. Beautiful-looking dogs! Capable of great endurance and fair amount of speed. Escutcheon of the breed is the ridge on the back, formed by hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. | |
| Weight | From 32 kg (bitches) to 36.5 kg (dogs). | |
| Height | Dogs 63cm – 69cm; bitches 61cm to 66cm. | |
Coat Colour |
Light wheaten to red wheaten. A little white on the chest and toes permissible. | |
| Coat Texture | Short, dense, sleek and glossy. | |
| Grooming | Minimal – weekly groom with a rubber curry-comb and wipe with a chamois will keep him free of dirt and remove loose hair. Bath only when necessary. | |
| Personality/Temperament | Dignified, intelligent, loving dogs. Have a stubborn streak. Never aggressive or shy. Loyal, devoted family dogs. | |
Compatibility with other dogs |
Stable-natured breed which should get on well with other dogs. The usual precautions should be taken when introducing dogs of the same sex. | |
| Compatibility with cats and other animals | Very good if raised with them. However, a Ridgeback is a natural hunter and should be supervised when interacting with other family pets. | |
Compatibility with people/children |
Excellent. Naturally aloof with strangers. Love their family and adore children, but this is a BIG dog which could hurt small children when playing. | |
| Living Space – Indoors/Outdoors | Need outdoor exercise but after-hours they are strictly indoor dogs. Will claim all the comfortable spots in the house! | |
Space and Exercise |
This athletic dog requires daily exercise so if kept on a small property, should be given regular opportunities to run and get the stimulation he requires. | |
| Trainability | Easily trained but this intelligent dog requires consistent, kind handling to obtain the best results. | |
Suitability as Watchdog |
Excellent natural watchdog – very protective of his family. | |
| Noise Factor | Usually only bark for good reason. | |
| Average Lifespan | From 10 – 14 years on average. | |
| Feeding | Feed a good quality dog food, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for age and weight. Fresh water always available. | |
Health |
Excellent. Reputable breeders x-ray for hip dysplasia, check for elbow dysplasia, and do not breed from lines carrying dermoid sinus. This breed can also be susceptible to certain eye disorders. | |
| Availability | Enquire via Clubs for reputable breeders and healthy puppies. Be prepared to wait for well-bred puppies! | |
| Some questions to ask Breeders | Ask to see the Sire & Dam. Are the puppies KUSA registered? Have the parents been x-rayed and suitably certified for hip dysplasia, and screened for Elbow Dysplasia? Are the puppies free of dermoid sinus? Have they been de-wormed and vaccinated? |