The Rhodesian Ridgeback, sometimes referred to as the African Lion Hound, is a native of South Africa bred by the Boer farmers to fill their specific need for a serviceable hunting dog in the wilds. A mature Ridgeback is a handsome, upstanding and athletic dog, capable of great endurance with a good amount of speed. Of even, dignified temperament, the Ridgeback is devoted and affectionate to his master, while reserved with strangers. The hallmark of this breed is the ridge on the back which is formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. Ridgebacks are hunting dogs and have a high prey drive. They are quite independent - they do not fawn over your every word, they can be oblivious to being called and require a lot of positive motivation to train them in traditional obedience. A weekly obedience training class and daily practice is a must for your Ridgeback.
The sad fact is that this noble dog is no longer regarded as unique and deserving of special treatment by shelters throughout the country. Overbreeding and overcrowding of shelters now mean that Ridgebacks are put to sleep every day. Rescue groups are often not contacted, and usually are full to capacity. Before you make the choice of where to obtain a dog, please take a moment to view this note on puppymills.
"Sadie"
"Eddie Merlin" is a two year old purebred ridgeless male. Neutered and good with one other (female) dog.
"Nadia" was rescued from San Antonio animal control in February 2007. She is a beautiful light wheaten
color, fully house-trained and good with other dogs. Breeder unknown.
"Pebbles" was rescued from a puppy mill last year and is no longer shy or fearful of people. She is
looking for a home with one other dog, preferably male, and a lot of room to run and play. Breeder unknown.
"Angel" is a senior female purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback.
She came from a puppymill. She has good hips, no medical issues, and a very sweet personality.
"Honey" is a female purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback. She is spayed, heartworm negative and utd on shots.
This is "Joanie", a female purebred Ridgeback rescued from a puppy mill in Missouri.
As you can see from her picture, she has had more than her fair share of puppies. Joanie is approximately four years old and is heartworm negative.
She is spayed and up to date on shots.
Because she suffered abuse at the hands of the mill operator, Joanie will forever be leery of people she doesn't know. She has learned to trust her caregivers at Etosha, however, and would make a fine companion for someone willing to invest the time needed to earn her trust.
"Kwanza" is a large female Rhodesian Ridgeback/Labrador mix.
She is two years old, good with other dogs, prefers being outside. Kwanza is negative for heartworm.
Kwanza is up to date with routine shots, altered and microchipped. Breeder Unknown.
"Daisy Mae" is a purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback.
"Daisy Mae" lived in a vehicle for several days, in north Texas, with her owner. Both had been forced from their home by an abusive family member. Daisy's owner took her to a kill shelter, but they told her Daisy would be euthanized. At six years old, and due to whelp any day, Daisy was considered "unadoptable". The owner took Daisy and went to a nearby fire department, where she was given the phone number for Roy Hughes. She has not recovered from her ordeal. She is not young, or particularly beautiful. But she is a purebred Ridgeback, probably from a decent bloodline, and just one more example of how important a breeder/buyer agreement contract really is. Such a contract might have gotten Daisy safely back to her breeder when the owner could no longer care for her.
"Omar" is a male ridgeback who came from a very abusive mill situation. He will need
an extremely understanding and patient owner to help him work towards trust of people.
"Redford" -Redford is an extremely handsome boy born on Christmas of 2006. He loves to play ball and swim, so his home will need to have a pool.
"Taz" - Taz is a five year old purebred, spayed, utd on shots and heartworm prevention and completely house-trained. Good with children and animals big or small. Breeder is unknown.