The Ferocious and The Ferocious and Gentle Rhodesian Gentle Rhodesian

Ridgeback Ridgeback By Johnathan Perkins By Johnathan Perkins

The Ferocious and Gentle The Ferocious and Gentle Rhodesian RidgebackRhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian ridgeback appeals to a certain The Rhodesian ridgeback appeals to a certain type of pet owner, such as Johnathan Perkins, type of pet owner, such as Johnathan Perkins, who received a law degree from the University who received a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2011. A large, of Virginia School of Law in 2011. A large, muscular canine, the breed originated in South muscular canine, the breed originated in South Africa, where Boer farmers bred the dog to Africa, where Boer farmers bred the dog to hunt lions. While Americans will not likely take hunt lions. While Americans will not likely take Rhodesian ridgebacks Rhodesian ridgebacks on big-game hunts, they on big-game hunts, they appreciate the breed’s strength, stamina, and appreciate the breed’s strength, stamina, and loyalty.loyalty.

The Ferocious and Gentle The Ferocious and Gentle Rhodesian RidgebackRhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian ridgeback gets its name from a The Rhodesian ridgeback gets its name from a ridge on its back, caused by hair growing in a ridge on its back, caused by hair growing in a different direction than the remainder of its different direction than the remainder of its coat. Ferocious as hunters and guard dogs, coat. Ferocious as hunters and guard dogs, Rhodesian ridgebacks also make intelligent Rhodesian ridgebacks also make intelligent and gentle home dogs; among other and gentle home dogs; among other characteristics, they can be trusted with characteristics, they can be trusted with children. The breed needs energetic young children. The breed needs energetic young owners who will provide considerable physical owners who will provide considerable physical and mental exercise. A member of the hound and mental exercise. A member of the hound group, the Rhodesian ridgeback arrived in the group, the Rhodesian ridgeback arrived in the United States in 1950 and gained recognition United States in 1950 and gained recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1955. by the American Kennel Club in 1955.