| History Records show that ridgebacked dogs | | | | although they are generally aloof with |
| were used in South Africa as hunting and | | | | strangers.With their imposing size and a big bark, |
| companion dogs as far back as the 15th Century. | | | | these dogs make good guard dogs and are likely |
| They were used to track big game (hence the | | | | to deter intruders.Grooming With their very short, |
| name "Lion Dog") and were trained to trap the | | | | dense coat, a minimal amount of grooming is |
| prey without attacking, and to alert their masters | | | | required.Exercise Ridgebacks are big dogs and |
| by barking.In the 17th Century, these dogs were | | | | therefore require a significant amount of exersize |
| bred by European settlers with their own scent | | | | - in the region of an hour a day as a minimum |
| hounds and mastiffs, into the Ridgeback of | | | | although they will keep going for as long as you |
| today.Appearance Ridgebacks are large, | | | | ask them to!Health Problems As with many large |
| handsome and althletic looking dogs. Their name | | | | dogs, hip and elbow dysplasia is not uncommon. |
| comes from the ridge of hair on their back which | | | | Parents "hip" scores should be checked to |
| grows in the opposite direction to the rest of | | | | minimise the risk of this hereditory disease being |
| their hair.They have a broad skull with big round | | | | present - good breeders will only breed from |
| eyes which are quite wide set. They can have a | | | | parents with low hip scores.It is estimated that |
| black nose with dark eyes or a brown nose with | | | | about 5% of Ridgebacks have Dermoid Sinus; this |
| amber eyes.They have a deep set chest with | | | | relates to a tube like piece going from the surface |
| strong, muscular shoulders and loins.Temperament | | | | of the skin into variable depths of the tissue. This |
| Ridgebacks are stubborn and determined dogs; it | | | | has a tendancy to become affected. Breeders |
| is essential that they are properly socialised and | | | | should ensure that puppies are tested for this |
| receive some proper training at an early age. | | | | condition before they go to their new homes; if a |
| Because of their stubborness, they can be a | | | | puppy is free of Dermoid Sinus, it is not |
| challenge to train and may not be suitable for | | | | something that will develop at a later age.It is |
| inexperienced dog owners.Having said this, they | | | | possible for vets to operate to remove the |
| are a pleasure to own. They make lovely family | | | | Dermoid Sinus.Stephanie has written many articles |
| pets; they are confident and placid at home | | | | on dogs. |