• Fact 2 - Description and Definition of Rhodesian Ridgebacks: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a scent hound that comes from Zimbabwe ( previously known as Rhodesia) in Africa and was bred originally to hunt large game including lions. The distinguishing feature of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is the ridge of hair along its back, running in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat.
  • Eight ridge patterns have been identified on Rhodesian Ridgebacks including needle, feather, arrow, lute, violin, bowling pin, leaf, and saddleback
  • Also see Thai Ridgebacks
• Fact 3 - Size: The weight of Rhodesian Ridgebacks range from 65 - 85 pounds
• Fact 4 - Size: The height of Rhodesian Ridgebacks range from 24 - 27 inches, up to the shoulder
• Fact 5 - Alternative Names of Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Nicknames: The Lion Dog
• Fact 6 - Coat and colors of Rhodesian Ridgebacks: The coat is normally short, dense, sleek and glossy and comes in a range of colors from light to red wheaten
• Fact 7 - Life of Rhodesian Ridgebacks: the life expectancy of this breed of dog is between 10 - 12 years
• Fact 8 - The names of dog breeds are separated into different dog types which are referred to as Dog Groups. The name of the dog group for Rhodesian Ridgebacks is the Hound dog breed
• Fact 9 - After the first year of life, dogs are considered to be adults - they equivalent to 16 human years!
• Fact 10 - Choosing Rhodesian Ridgebacks as pets! The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing this particular breed of dog as a pet:
  • How much it will cost to feed and train the dog?
  • How much time will it take to groom the dog?
  • How much time will it take to exercise the dog on a daily basis?
  • Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks suitable for children?
  • How much will it cost for vet bills, pet or dog health insurance, medication and vaccinations?
• Fact 11 - Every breed of dog is susceptible to certain health problems and illnesses. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are prone to health problems and illnesses such as:
  • - Bloat
  • - Hearing problems
  • - Dermoid sinus
  • - Hypothyroidism
  • - Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of joints)
• Fact 12 - Rhodesian Ridgebacks were domesticated by the Khoi-khoi tribes of Africa
• Fact 13 - Breeding Rhodesian Ridgebacks for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century
• Fact 14 - It is estimated that 85% of dogs visit a vet in a year
• Fact 15 - The average cost of owning a medium sized dog, over a 10 year period, is estimated as over $13,000! This provides a good idea of how much it costs to raise Rhodesian Ridgebacks

For in depth information we highly recommend Dog Names and Breeds.