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Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large hound dog breed originating in Southern Africa, known for the distinctive ridge of backward-growing hair along its back.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large hound dog breed originating in Southern Africa, particularly in the region that is now Zimbabwe and South Africa. It was developed for tracking and baying large game, especially lions, and is now also kept as a companion and guard dog. Also known as the African Lion Hound, the breed is named for the distinctive ridge of backward-growing hair along its back.

Origin and development

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed in Southern Africa from local ridged dogs crossed with dogs brought by European settlers. The breed originated in the region that is now Zimbabwe and South Africa. The original breed standard was drafted by F. R. Barnes in Bulawayo in 1922, and the breed was approved by the South African Kennel Union in 1927.

Appearance

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, muscular, short-coated hound with a distinctive ridge of backward-growing hair along the spine. Its coat is typically wheaten to reddish-brown, and the breed is known for endurance and athleticism. The average lifespan is about 10 to 12 years.

Temperament and use

Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred to track and bay large game, including lions, rather than killing them. They are now also valued as companions, watchdogs, and active working dogs.

Breed recognition

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is recognized by major kennel organizations and is commonly classified as a hound. It is associated with Southern Africa, especially Zimbabwe and South Africa. In Canada, the breed is recognized by kennel clubs and breed-reference sources.

Key facts

  • The breed is named for the distinctive ridge of backward-growing hair along its back.
  • It was developed in Southern Africa for hunting and baying large game, including lions.
  • The breed standard was drafted in 1922 and approved by the South African Kennel Union in 1927.
  • The Rhodesian Ridgeback is classified as a hound and is also known as the African Lion Hound.
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Canadian context

Canadian kennel and breed-reference sources recognize the Rhodesian Ridgeback as a distinct hound breed, and Canadian readers may encounter it through breed clubs, registries, and pet ownership guides.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large hound dog breed from Southern Africa, known for the ridge of hair on its back and its history as a big-game hunting dog.
Why is it called a Ridgeback?
It is called a Ridgeback because a strip of hair along its spine grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat.
What was the breed originally used for?
The breed was developed to track and bay large game, especially lions, while avoiding direct killing.
When was the breed standard created?
The original breed standard was drafted in 1922 and approved by the South African Kennel Union in 1927.
What group does the Rhodesian Ridgeback belong to?
It is generally classified in the hound group.
What is another name for the breed?
It is also known as the African Lion Hound.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodesian_Ridgeback
    Supports: Original breed standard drafted by F.R. Barnes in Bulawayo in 1922 and approved by the South African Kennel Union in 1927.
  2. Canadian Kennel Club — https://www.ckc.ca/en/Choosing-a-Dog/Choosing-a-Breed/Hounds/Rhodesian-Ridgeback
    Supports: Recognizes the Rhodesian Ridgeback as a breed originating in South Africa.
  3. American Kennel Club — https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/rhodesian-ridgeback/
    Supports: Describes the ridge, hound classification, and the breed's historical use in tracking and baying lions.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/print/article/501656
    Supports: Summarizes the breed's South African origin, physical characteristics, and uses as hunter, guard, and companion.