African Legends Rhodesian Ridgebacks

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General Information about the Rhodesian Ridgeback Information from Scotty Stewart; R.R.I.F. http://www.rhodesianridgeback.org.za/about/general.html  

Character/Temperament in the Original and Contemporary Bush Environments
To obtain some understanding of these magnificent animals it is firstly necessary to appreciate their multi-faceted nature, their flexibility and adaptability, their excessively affectionate and sensitive nature, their highly developed intelligence, but, most importantly, their strong adherence to pack law. This last mentioned feature results in them bonding very strongly with the pack as a whole to insure mutual survival i.e. they are prepared to offer up their lives in defense of the pack. When placed in the company off us humans (when living with us) they will bond with us and, having done so, behave in accordance with their nature which entails defending the family/pack unit to the fullest extent of their abilities.

It is this bonding procedure which is fairly tricky because in their society pack -law is enforced in a manner which we could not possibly contemplate. They must, non-the-less, accept us as leaders in spite of our generally wimpish (in their terms) attitudes. Fortunately they are excessively affectionate and they find our equally affectionate response to them to be a powerful mitigating factor. They still expect strong (in fact harsh) leadership from us from time to time.

Having bonded with you (and one cannot over-emphasize the tremendous importance of this bonding experience in how they will evaluate the position) you have gained the friendship and affection of a truly loyal companion for the duration of his/her life. It is a relationship which is fully experienced by the human and it is probably this quality alone which places the Rhodesian Ridgeback in a position of awe and respect with all of us who have successfully bonded with these fine, brown colored, ever lasting friends.
However, there are good reasons for the behavioral patterns of these dogs. They were carefully and specifically bred in Rhodesia from several well-known (mainly hound) breeds of dogs to perform a specific function which was to bay lion. Now baying entails distracting the "objective" in such a way that it remains in that one location for as long as it takes to complete the exercise which, usually, entailed someone shooting the "objective" from extremely close-up, using the very ineffective rifles of those times. Hence the need for baying that "objective".

The lion is probably the world's most efficient predator (killer). He does not waste his skills; he kills to eat or to protect himself; there is nothing frivolous about his killing capabilities. And the Ridgeback knows this. Our little dogs have tremendous respect, bordering on fear, for the big cats. And quite rightly so .To a lion a Ridgeback, physically, represents no threat whatsoever: further, there is very little effort required of the lion to dispose of this dog. And the Ridgeback is fully aware of this reality. But the lion also knows that the Ridgeback can overcome his fear and proceed to goad and terrorize him (because that is what his activities amount to). In spite of his physical inferiority the Ridgeback represents a very real psychological threat to the lion. And so "the game is on" and one of nature's potentially most unequal contests takes place successfully as a result of the intelligence/cunning and speed/power of the dog.

Fortunately the rifles of today preclude, by and large, the need for the baying capability of these extremely brave brown dogs. No longer is there any necessity for the hunter to close within 30 meters of the lion purely due to the inadequacy of his weaponry. However the dog is possessed of many other qualities which insure him a place in all bush activities on a daily basis. It is out there, running freely in the veld, that you can witness his specialist skills in dealing with every problem the bush can throw at him. That is where he was designed to operate and that is where he reigns supreme.
Just a little tip here. A Ridgeback has much in common with the lion. They stalk in a similar fashion; if his colour is wheaten their coats look the same; they are fearless and highly intelligent etc, etc; so if you are in any doubt about any aspect of the dog just think of the big cat and see if it provides a solution.

Character/Temperament in the Domestic Environment
However, his capabilities are not limited to the bush experience alone. He is adaptable, very adaptable, and is equally effective in the urban environment. To understand this fully one must look at his ancestry. When the Rhodesian Ridgeback was being genetically assembled, use was made off a great selection of hunting dogs in order to obtain a very specific objective. German Short-haired Pointers, Bulldogs, Greyhounds, Great Danes, Deer-Hounds, Fox-Hounds, Bloodhounds, Sitkas, etc, etc, were used to produce a dog that would fit the bill and meet these unusual demands. In South Africa the position had two significant additional twists to it. Firstly the "hunting dog" of that time (the late 1800's), and here we think of the Vuilbaard, Steekbaard etc, were associated with the migration from the Cape to the interior. These dogs were required to protect the goods, the chattels, the farm animals (primarily cattle and sheep), and most importantly the families, as the pioneers moved through uncharted areas across Africa. Secondly, we must remember that until the 1940s and 1950s the dog used predominantly by the hunters, and again this is only a South African condition, was the Boerboel. Before, and more importantly after, the Second World War those hunter's changed over to the faster, more intelligent, breed originally called the "lion dog", though by that stage the name of Rhodesian Ridgeback was well entrenched regardless of genetic history. The consequence is that the Rhodesian Ridgebacks bred in South Africa must inevitably carry a significant component of the genes of dogs actively used at the time. This is so whether these dogs were the property of hunters of those times or descendants of the dogs brought into the heart of the country by migration from the deep South.

So we end up with a dog which draws its roots from a broad selection of very well-known international (hound) breeds and also from a relatively small number of purpose-designed dogs which accompanied/worked for the Voortrekkers (pioneers) and the hunters.
From this variety of forebears it is easy to concentrate on breeding for specific features regardless of whether they comprise character, conformation, or cosmetics. If the breeder fails to comply with the original formula it is obviously a very simple matter to emphasize this or that feature and to come up with his particular and personal "Ridgeback". That is why it is so important for us to keep producing broadly based Ridgebacks which do not take any particular or specific direction. That is also why the word "moderate" appears so frequently in the Breed Standard.

Intelligence as a Characteristic
One aspect though, where we have not disrupted the basic RR, is his intelligence. Perhaps we're losing the powerful resolve so necessary in a dog which must face the world's most efficient and powerful predator. Whether we are or not is hardly critical as we definitely are not destroying the innate intelligence of the breed. This manifests itself clearly in the oft held misconception that the RR is stubborn; and so may it, hopefully, continue to be maligned for many years to come. The reasons are obvious.

The Ridgeback is a highly intelligent animal. It is also emotionally very sensitive, and it is not prepared to suffer the injustice of being treated like a circus performer. Life to him is a survival exercise and wasting his efforts on fruitless entertainment performances is not his forte. If there is something valid to prove your RR will do his best, dying for that proof if required.

We give two examples to describe the modus operandi of our favorite breed. The first one is well known and it concerns the retrieval capabilities of these dogs. I observed my dog catching a Francolin (Partridge) in flight which had not even been shot at. Having personally been presented with the bird in a perfect airworthy condition (it flew away like a bat out of hell) I can vouch for the soft -mouthed performance of our brown haired retriever. That is how he handles a live object, his action suited to the demand.

When it comes to an inanimate object his behavior is universally known. (It is almost included in the Breed Standard.) Let us say you throw a ball past him and without any effective communication he knows to run after it, catch it and bring it back to you. (Perhaps he is a little bit reluctant about surrendering it.) So you do it again and, lo and behold, you get it back even more swiftly. You are now really on top of the performance so you throw it for a third time. Ridgeback psychology is not your strong point, and even you can read his expression which says "go fetch it yourself". He loves you dearly but didn't he already fetch it twice, and what was the beneficial object of the whole exercise, nothing, absolutely nothing. You must not stretch his credulity beyond the limit. Because that is how he values the action. Is it credible? What does it prove? Does it help you and him to survive?

The following example is perhaps easier to understand. There is this very well trained RR who bays lion brilliantly. He goads them into advancing towards and concentrating solely on himself to the total exclusion of the human, 30 meters away, with a very effective high-powered rifle in his hands. This presents that by-standing hunter with the perfect opportunity to remove the faintest tip from the lion’s nose or the blackest hairs in his tail. As is so often the case the hunter prefers to gaze upon the lion and enjoy the presence of the "gentleman of the Bush", and lets him "play" with his Ridgeback in the full knowledge that the lion wont seriously go for him. (Who else gets the chance to enjoy such a spectacular view of a fully-grown male lion?) Here the Ridgeback will work on the lion again and again, because there is a reason. He was bred to bay lion: it is his life’s calling. There really is no "play" here, everything is deadly serious and all the participants know that. But if it goes according to plan they will all survive and that is why the Ridgie will participate fully, again and again, and yet again. The ball exercise proved nothing in comparison with the real thing. That game was a bore, and because the Ridgeback will not persist in performing tricks he can be typecast by some as being "stubborn" .

So what has this got to do with the average home-owner and the Ridgeback he maintains in a residential type of environment. Quite a lot in fact; let us look at the behavior of that dog mentioned earlier which bayed lion. He is also responsible for security at a gate which opens on to the lane at the back of his home in Pretoria. He is sent out to report on its status; he must bark once if no one is there and twice if there is a visitor. All very well, but should you require that he re-check the gate within three minutes he won't even move because he knows that no one could have walked there within that period of time who was not within eyesight when last he checked. So you say he is not so smart because someone could have run, (not walked) or arrived there on a bicycle. And this has in fact previously happened; he heard them, went to the gate without instruction, and barked twice: he automatically does so for anyone who arrives at the gate should he not be instructed in time to check them out.

Exercise Requirements
He needs regular exercise, say twice a week, off lead and in open country. Take note; he can cover half a kilometer in a frighteningly short matter of seconds. So you usually keep him on lead because, even if he has no evil intent whatsoever, the manner of his advance doesn't look at all friendly to the average dog he might approach. No, your problems are much more likely to involve other dogs having a go at you Ridgie. Maybe I’m prejudiced but the only strange dogs my Ridgeback shows any interest in whatsoever are other Ridgebacks. On the other hand, just about every second strange dog wants to have a go at my little fellow; all too often they are off lead, or they break away. But I'm proud of his ability to shoulder them off repeatedly until his patience (mine?) runs out, the lead is released, and equilibrium is restored.

A Powerful Dog Capable of Protection Duties
One must understand that the RR is powerful, even stronger than he looks. His muscles are clearly defined, but his ability to generate power far exceeds his appearance. Further he is possessed of very strong jaws which he can use, if ever the need arises, in a most effective manner. Consequently we strongly advise people against taking their Ridgeback to Attack Training. He will leap to your defense should the need arise. We can put you in touch with Ridgeback owners who have graphic experience of the Rhodesian Ridgeback in his protection role.

His Attitude Towards Children
The approach of the Rhodesian Ridgeback towards children is legendary. They, the children, are the weakest members of the pack and must be defended with increased vigor. The RR's are very conscious of those "soft" targets and make a greater effort to protect them. But the Ridgeback is aloof with strangers, and his attitude is not age-related. So your dog will be as reserved when dealing with a strange child as with a strange adult. If he must take action he will be most gentle with the child (they have an emotional appreciation of the young and adjust their responses accordingly). If needs be he will retreat from the path of the child, usually after a gruff exclamation.

The Hunter
As with most Hounds, the RR can prove to be a most formidable hunter. He is equipped with enough "fire power" to cope with most bush-related situations. However one should never forget that he was bred to BAY Lion, not kill them, which is in any event a ludicrous concept at the best of times. He has been provided with great intelligence and physical power. Add to this his extreme sensitivity to the mental posture of others and he has the opportunity to assess the future intentions off his adversary well before the opposition has had a chance to move. When over-faced he must use his considerable physical attributes to make good his escape, but this of course hinges on his pack loyalties and responsibilities at the time. His success at baying, and escaping, depends upon his strength, his maneuverability, his feinting tactics, but more importantly upon his ability to make the correct survival decisions. He should be possessed of a strong fore-chest because that is his primary strike weapon. We have all observed their very robust tactics while at play and how the one can crash into the other with significant sound effects.

There are stories that he can hit a kudu (say 300kg) with sufficient force to cause it to stumble and provide him with an opportunity to obtain a good throat-hold. Perhaps, but these are stories from long ago and have little relevance in today’s world with its high-velocity long-range accuracy rifles.

There is still much discussion about whether the RR is a sight- or a scent-hound. Suffice it to say that he is excellent in both regards, and for someone who takes a Ridgie with him in the bush the comment is justified, "who cares?" He will give you ample warning of any "nasties" in close proximity, and is unequalled when tracking down wounded animals. He is so efficient in the latter duty that several hunters believe he can "feel" where the injured animal is; he often tracks far from the original spoor.
But when all is said and done there is nothing more reassuring than the company of a Rhodesian Ridgeback when walking through the African bush, regardless of the purpose or pursuit.

Nutrition
This breed is basically healthy, strong, illness-free and operates extremely well on a low-cost diet. The original examples, whether in Matabeleland or what is now the Kruger National Park, were not raised on steak. They doubtless received their share of scraps from the kill. Like most dogs they really enjoy a large bone to chew over, but they work through them very quickly. The dog's diet must bear a strong relationship to his lifestyle. There are plenty of feeding systems available today, most of which are more than adequate. However, a fat Ridgeback is a seriously sick Ridgeback and he should be maintained, if at all possible, in slightly "lean" trim. In the case of dogs taken into the bush regularly, and which are brought into "bush-trim" as it is called, there is a distinct loss of weight accompanied by a significant increase in performance; and all without any noticeable change in dietary requirements. That supposedly healthy, sleek dog off 43 kg comes down to 38 kg after a few months of hard work in the bush. Though this is probably how he should look it certainly doesn't make him any more attractive. His coat is sparse, the skin is paper-thin, and his muscles and bones seem to stick out everywhere.

Very few of our dogs will be brought into this condition. (It is just as wearing on the human as the dog). But for the average owner he must insure that the dog is given no more food than is absolutely necessary to maintain him in good condition, increasing the exercise level/reducing the intake when he gains a bit too much.

Avoid giving him bones which can splinter: concentrate rather on those bones which keep him busy for lots of hours on lots of days. Most brands of food are cereal based and if you feel that he needs a bit of "extra" you can sprinkle on some "sawdust" obtained from your butcher. Consisting of equal amounts of bone, fat, and meat, a level soupspoon full is more than adequate for your adult dog, and if mixed in well will encourage your four-legged friend to attack his meal with more gusto. Remember however that this material is very perishable and you must exercise great care while storing it.

Information from Scotty Stewart; R.R.I.F. http://www.rhodesianridgeback.org.za/about/general.html