Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is the only breed besides the Thai Ridgeback with a ridge of fur along the spine.
Country of origin
South Africa
Classification
FCI: Group 6 Section 3 AKC: Hound ANKC: Group 4 (Hounds) CKC: Group 2 - Hounds KC(UK): Hound NZKC: Hounds
Breed standards (external links)
FCI, AKC, ANKC, KC(UK), NZKC

The Rhodesian ridgeback is a South African dog. They were traditionally hunters, guardians, and companions. They are loyal and gentle, making them good family pets despite their size.

The ridgebacks' distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair along their back running opposite to the rest of their coat. The ridge tapers from just behind the shoulders, extending about a third of the way down its back, and about 5cm in width at its widest point.

Male ridgebacks should be 25-27 inches (64-69 cm) at the shoulder and weigh approximately 85 lb (39 kg), females 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) and approximately 70 lb (32 kg). They are typically muscular and have a light wheaten to red wheaten coat. The coat should contain no black hairs, although white is acceptable on the chest and toes. Ridgebacks have a strong, smooth tail, which is usually carried in a gentle curve upwards. The eyes should be round and should reflect the coat colour—dark in a black muzzle, amber with a brown nose. The brown nose is a recessive gene and is therefore not as common as a black nose.