Ridgebacks!

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are so cool so why don't you have a look at some facts about them!

#1. "The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, muscular hound."

#2. "The broad head is flat between the ears."

#3. "The nose is either black, brown or liver, depending on the coat of the dog."

#4. "The eyes are round and are usually brown depending on the shade of the dog."

#5. "The medium sized ears are set high, dropping down, wide at the base and tapering to a point."

#6. "The chest is deep."

#7. "The front legs should be very straight and strong."

#8. "The tail is fairly long, thicker at the base, tapering to a point curving upward slightly."

#9. "The coat is short and dense with a clearly defined symmetrical ridge of hairs growing in the opposite direction down the middle of the back. Coat colors include light wheaten to shades of red sometimes with a little white on the chest and toes."

#10. "A fine hunter, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is ferocious in the hunt, but in the home it is a calm, gentle, obedient, good dog."

#11. "Good-natured, but some do not do well with small children because they may play too roughly and knock them down."

#12. "They are intelligent, skillful and straight-forward dogs that are loyal to the family."

#13. "They are brave and vigilant."

#14. "Can be reserved toward strangers, socialize well."

#15. "They possess considerable stamina and without enough mental and physical exercise they can become high strung and unmanageable. This breed needs a firm, confident, consistent pack leader who can provide rules the dog must follow and limits to what it can and cannot do. Meek and/or passive owners, or owners who treat the dog like a human rather than a canine will have a hard time controlling this breed and may also cause them to become combative with other dogs."

#16. "When given what they need as the canine animal they will be excellent companion dogs, but are not recommended for most people, as most do not have the time nor energy to put into them."

#17. "Ridgeback's react best to an extremely consistent and firm but calm approach to training. They are intelligent and learn quickly, but will be stubborn and willful if they are stronger-minded than the humans. Training should be gentle, but firm and should start young while the dog is still small enough to manage."

#18. "They are also very good watch dogs, but not suggested for guard dogs. They are very protective of owners. This has to be addressed during their early training."

#19. "This breed can be more destructive than a Lab if not given enough exercise and is not convinced the humans are his authority figure."

#20. "Do not overfeed this breed."

#21. "Provided this dog meets cats and other pets when it is young, any potential problem will be prevented."

#22. "Ridgebacks make excellent jogging companions."

#23. "Height: Dogs 25-27 inches (63-69cm)

Bitches 24-26 inches (61-66cm)."

#24. "Weight: Dogs 80-90 pounds (36-41kg)

Bitches 65-75 pounds (29-34kg)."

#25. "Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a hardy breed, able to withstand dramatic changes of temperature, however they are susceptible to hip dysplasia, dermoid sinus, and cysts."

#26. "Rhodesian Ridgebacks will dog okay in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with a large yard."

#27. "These dogs have great stamina and you will tire long before they do. They need to be taken on daily, long, brisk walks or jogs. In addition, it needs plenty of opportunity to run, preferably off the leash in a safe area. If these dogs are allowed to get bored, and are not walked or jogged daily, they can become destructive and start to display a wide array of behavioral problems."

#28. "Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years."

#29. "The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder."

Info from: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/rhodesianridgeback.htm

Pic from: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/rhodesianridgeback.htm