THE ORIGIN

Origin of the Rhodesian Ridgeback goes back to the ancient and almost extinct Hottentot dog. The Hottentots, a nomadic African tribe which can be tracked back in history for more than a millennium, originated from the southern borders of what once was the Egyptian empire (Ethiopia, south Sudan and Somalia are mentioned). As a shepherd tribe they were constantly on the move, travelling through Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), bringing along not only their big horned cattle and fat-tailed sheep, but also their dogs, whose purpose was twofold. The dogs were used for hunting, but were at the same time keeping the herds safe from predators. The dogs were relatively small (45 cm in height), jackal-like, with fur on their backs growing in the opposite direction. Those were unattractive dogs, but very valuable and useful in daily confrontations with danger. Also mentioned are dogs of a different type - the hound-like, lightweight dogs, distinguished by their extraordinary speed and agility, red-brown to yellow in colour.

The oldest recording of the Hottentots and their dogs is a cave painting called “Diana's Pledge”, found on the Valhalla farm in Zimbabwe. Another interesting fact is that the Hottentot dogs were first mentioned and described as such in 1505. Drawings of these dogs were published in an 1857 book by David Livingstone.

Herero, a Bantu tribe which gradually moved from the north towards Namibia, also brought their dogs which had somewhat different features. They were sharp and heavy, but still fast, also fawn-red to yellow in colour.

All three types of dogs had a common characteristic - the before mentioned stripe of fur growing in the opposite direction along the spine, from the withers to the haunch.

THE BIRTH OF A BREED

During the 16th and 17th century the white settlers, Dutch Boers, Germans and Huguenots who immigrated to South Africa brought with them their working and hunting dogs. Mentioned were Bloodhounds, Pointers, German Pointing Dogs, Airedale Terriers, various types of Mastiffs, and sometimes even Collies and Retrievers. Recognizing the excellent hunting skills of native dogs, they cross-bred them with their own, producing excellent hunting dogs and an incorruptible watchdogs. The best characteristics of several European breeds combined with the Hottentot dog, which played the crucial role in the development of the new breed, produced an excellent hunting dog, which was highly valued. The ridge was appreciated and preserved as the identifying mark of the highest quality dogs.

Mentioned as the founders of the breed were missionary Charles Helm and a famous big game hunter Cornelius van Rooyen. They paid special attention to hunting capabilities of the dogs while attempting to retain all good characteristics. Additionally, they tried to breed a dog that would be resistant to disease and almost impervious to insect bites.

In 1902 the "Lion Dog Club" was founded in Bulawayo, and in 1922, thanks to a fancier of the breed and breeder Francis R. Barnes, a meeting was held in Rhodesia in order to establish the name and the standard of the breed. Thirty dogs were displayed, and the first standard of the breed was drafted (based on the Dalmatian). Since 1922 the Ridgeback has been bred in South Africa and Rhodesia under its current name as a recognized dog breed with its own standard. In September 1924 the first dogs of the breed were officially registered, and in 1926 the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA) recognised it as a hunting dog.

From Africa this proud lion hunter spread throughout the world, gaining admiration of all canine fanciers.

DISTANT COUSINS?

An interesting enigma remains the connection of the Rhodesian Ridgeback with the ridged dogs from Southeast Asia: the dogs from the Phu Quoc Island and the contemporary Thai Ridgeback. One assumption is that the Phu Quoc dogs, transported by the Phoenician traders, or in some other way, reached southern Africa, becoming the origin of Hottentot dog and, indirectly, the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The other theory postulates that the ridged dogs along with the black slaves were brought to what is now Thailand. The primacy was never positively determined, however, it is believed that these dogs are related to some extent.

Until recently, the Thai Ridgeback was relatively unknown outside eastern Thailand. The breed has characteristics of a good watchdog and hunting dog. It is used to hunt deer, tapir and birds, as well as a guardian of the flock and a companion. It is mid-sized and short-haired, with good jumping ability, extremely active and alert. The head is broad with strong cheeks and the upright ears are set high. The short coat comes in four colours: black, red (from deep mahogany to light hazelnut), blue (silver) and fawn. Along with the distrust of strangers, the existence of a ridge is the only similarity to the Rhodesian Ridgeback.