The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of dog from Southern Africa, originated in Rhodesia (modern day Zimbabwe). The Rhodesian Ridgeback descends most likely from the Saluki and the Pharaoh Hound, and possibly the Hottentot Dog which is extinct. The first European settlers decided to cross the breed with they’re own dogs in order to impart certain attributes needed in a lion-hunting dog. Once complete, the Rhodesian Ridgeback got standardised and registered 1922 in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). The Rhodesian Ridgeback is presently the only registered breed indigenous to southern Africa. In the United States and Canada, the Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very popular and still used for bear hunting.  

Appearance
The Rhodesian Ridgeback represents a well balanced, strong, muscular, agile and active dog, symmetrical in outline and capable of great endurance with a fair amount of speed. The mature Rhodesian Ridgeback is handsome and upstanding. The movement should be similar to the Foxhound's gait. The Rhodesian Ridgeback's distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair along its back running in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat. The ridge must be regarded as the escutcheon of the breed. It consists of a fan-like area formed by two whorls of hair (called "crowns") and tapers from immediately behind the shoulders, down to the level of the hips.

Character
The Rhodesian Ridgebacks do well with other dogs, cats ore other animals, if they’re well trained and socialized at an early stage. Males can be combative with other males. The Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very friendly and tolerant with children, if they’re also careful and respectful to the dog. The Ridgebacks are also very good watch dogs, but not suggested for guard dogs. They’re very protective of his owner and territory! The Rhodesian Ridgeback should not be left unsupervised for a longer time because they have the tendency to become frustrated.
 

Temperament
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal, intelligent, gentle, and very independent. They are, however, aloof to strangers. This breed requires training and dedication and is only for the experienced dog owner. They are strong-willed, exceptionally clever, and many seem to have a penchant for mischief. They do not make a good first dog, though the same traits that make them difficult often appeal to the more experienced owners. Although they can withstand wide temperature variations due to their African heritage, they are sensitive and prefer to be with their human families inside. They were traditionally hunters, guardians, and companions.

Exercise/Training
The Rhodesian Ridgeback loves to run, and it needs daily mental and physical exercise to keep it from becoming frustrated. It can be a good companion for jogging, hiking ore running along side a bike. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Rhodesian Ridgeback will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.
Despite their athletic, sometimes imposing exterior, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has also a sensitive side. Excessively harsh training methods that might be tolerated by a sporting or working dog will likely backfire on a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Intelligent to a fault, the Rhodesian Ridgeback accepts correction as long as it is fair and justified, and as long as it comes from someone he knows and trusts.

Color
The coat of the Rhodesian Ridgeback has the color of light wheaten to red wheaten. A little white on the chest and toes is permissible, but excessive white hairs here, on belly or above toes is undesirable. A dark muzzle and ears permissible. Excessive black hairs throughout the coat are highly undesirable.

Grooming
The coat of the Rhodesian Ridgeback needs only a very little grooming and coat maintenance. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Rhodesian Ridgeback as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Rhodesian Ridgeback should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.