|
|
The history of the African Hottentot tribes' ridged dog is a little hazy and a subject of debate, but this much is known of the history of the Rhodesian Ridgeback as we know it today ... |
|
 |
In Southern Africa early European settlers mated their imported sporting and hunting breeds with a small hunting dog owned by the Hottentot tribe. The peculiarity of this dog was the ridge on their back. They did this in order to produce a dog that would not only guard the homestead, but would also be a good hunting dog. Originally called the 'Lion dog' because several earlier big game hunters, such as van Rooyen, Selous, Upcher and others found that they surpassed any other breed when hunting lions. This name led people to assume that the Rhodesian Ridgeback actually hunted and killed lions!! If those people gave any thought to the situation, they would have realised that no dog known would be able to bring down the 'King of the Beasts' !! What the Ridgeback did do was to bale the lion up, then with constant and clever feint attacks keep it at bay, giving the hunter the opportunity for an accurate shot at close range. To do this the dogs needed extreme courage and agility, along with good instinctive skills - all attributes the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed possesses in abundance. |
| The Rhodesian Ridgeback can however pull down lesser game with ease. A trained hunting pack will, upon scenting a lion or other game, fan out, one would run directly towards the quarry and the others would circle the animal cutting off any chance of a retreat. Here was where the dogs' amazing agility was displayed - the ability to turn in a split second, swerve and feint, or maintain a fast pace should their quarry seize an opportunity to break and run, bringing about a chase. Ridgebacks can hunt on their own often using his weight in a direct breast-charge on smaller game. This charge would be very fast, in a kind of hit-and-run attack, leaving the dog on his feet yards away, out of striking distance of his quarry. His excellent scenting powers are scarcely second to the special gundog breeds, and he can be trained to be a very satisfactory gun dog. If you wish to have a brace of birds in the pot, and will take a little trouble to show him what you want, he certainly will find them for you. |
|
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have adapted well to modern day life. They are highly intelligent and have a loving, loyal temperament with those they know, but are distinctly offhand with strangers. His low growl to a stranger is a warning to stop, which is usually obeyed without question! They are good guard dogs, but do not bark unless there is a reason do to so, this may be a neighbour's cat that doesn't belong in 'his patch' or it could be an intruder. They are quite happy to lie around all day doing nothing and yet are very enthusiastic about walks or expeditions. No single breed of dog suits everybody and there are aspects of the Ridgeback character, which would not endear them to some people. They can be strong-willed, determined, independent and extremely obstinate. There is nothing slavish about a Ridgeback - the Man/Ridgeback relationship tends to be one of partnership rather than a master/servant situation. He never forgets love and understanding, nor does he lightly forgive harsh treatment. The Ridgeback is a dog of noble bearing whose physical attributes should reflect his role as guardian, companion and hunter. |
 |
His friendship, once given, is for life. |
|
| Carol Elgie - South Island |
Rachel Janes - North Island |