Rhodesian Ridgeback dog

 Rhodesian Ridgeback dog
Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of dog, dog for hunting, Rhodesian Ridgeback is hound dog from Africa, Rhodesian Ridgeback is strong, muscular and energetic dog
Rhodesian Ridgeback, which is sometimes called the African lion hound, comes from South Africa. This dog brought the Boer farmers to hunt in the African wilds.
The Dutch, Germans and Huguenots who emigrated to South Africa in the XVI-XVII century, carried with a Great Dane, Mastiff, Greyhound, Bloodhound, terriers and other breeds of dogs. Beginning in 1707, immigration from Europe ended a hundred years, and the native dogs played an important role in creating Ridgeback in its final form.
Hottentots (Native nation, who lived among these early settlers) had a semi-hunting dog, on the back which had a crest of growing ahead of wool. These dogs were crossed with dogs, the settlers, and was formed as a result of the tribal fund current Ridgeback (ridgeback - literally "back with a comb).
In those days of good hunting dogs almost was not, their cost was high. Boer settler needed a dog that could have raised quail, to drive a wounded animal, protect farm animals from predators and nocturnal thieves, the dog to withstand harsh African conditions with extreme temperature changes and able to for days without water.
He needed a short-haired dog, resistant to diseases transmitted by ticks, as well as the companion dog that would protect him during the nights in the bushes and was betrayed by the family. By necessity, the Boer farmers created by breeding a breed characteristic of the African steppes - Ridgeback.
In 1877, the priest Helm brought two Ridgeback in Rhodesia, where their remarkable ability to hunt for the lions could appreciate such well-known big game hunters, as Celoni, Upcher, Van Roen and others.
The hunters started breeding them, carefully preserving their exceptional working abilities, with the crest on the back was a characteristic difference between this breed - its "brand".

  Rhodesian Ridgeback dog
Rhodesian Ridgeback Male dog around the lake
In 1922 a group of Rhodesian breeders set the standard, which has since remained virtually unchanged.
Several vysokoporodnyh dogs imported into the United States in 1950, and in 1955 this breed was entered in the register AX.
In a relatively short time Ridgeback their working qualities gained fame in the U.S..
He chistoploten, silent, requires no special care and is not engaged in a fight. Ridgeback easy to train, obedient, affectionate, has a good-natured character and loves children - these qualities win the hearts of dog-increasing number of fans Ridgeback.
Rhodesian Ridgeback. Official Standard
Approved in November 1955
The peculiarity of this breed is the ridge on the back, which is formed from the hair growing against the main wool. This crest - «ridge» - a characteristic feature of the breed. It must be clearly distinguishable, tapering to the grits and be symmetrical.
It begins just behind the shoulder blades and goes speakers to the iliac. At the crest of blades form two identical curl against each other. The bottom edge of the navel should not go down more than one-third of the ridge.
General view. Ridgeback - strong, muscular and energetic dog harmonious composition, possessing great endurance and agility

 Rhodesian Ridgeback dog
Rhodesian Ridgeback Male dog in the Wood
Head long enough, the cranial vault is flat and fairly wide. When the dog is in a quiescent state, the head should not be a wrinkle. The transition from forehead to muzzle well defined. Muzzle long, deep and strong. Jaws strong with well-developed teeth, especially teeth, bite the line. Lips dry, tight to the jaw. Eyes moderately well apart, rounded, with an attentive, calm and intelligent expression. The color should blend in with the color of the dog. Ears hanging close to the head, set rather high, medium size, rather wide at the base, tapering to a rounded end. Nose black or brown, respectively color. Other colors are not allowed. When a black nose - dark eyes, and brown - amber.
Neck and shoulder blade. The neck is strong, without dewlap. Vanes sloping, muscular, which is indicative of playfulness

  Rhodesian Ridgeback dog
Rhodesian Ridgeback dog on the beach

Housing, back, chest and waist. Chest not too broad, but very deep and volume, ribs moderately sprung, not barrel (which would indicate a lack of agility), a strong back, loin strong, muscular and slightly arched. Limbs and feet. The forelegs are perfectly straight, strong, with strong bones. Elbows close to the body. Feet are compact, arched, round, with a strong and resilient pads are covered with hair that grows between the toes and pads. Hindquarters well muscled, lean, with angulated. Hocks are low.
The tail is thick at the base, gradually tapering to an end. Supplier is not too high nor too low, the dog should keep him with a slight bend forward (saber), but not curled into a ring.
Coat. The coat is short, thick, straight, tight and glossy, but not coarse and curly, not silky