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 website on puppymills.
"Goldie" was born in May of 2008, is spayed, heartworm negative, and up to date on vaccinations. Goldie is a sweet girl but a little nervous and shy of strangers. She needs an adopter who will work with her to build her confidence and self esteem. Goldie is house trained and good with other dogs, but not small children. Fine with cats.
"Nonnie" was born in June, 2006. She is spayed, current on vaccinations and heartworm negative. Nonnie has a great temperament and was raised with children, two other dogs and several cats. She was rescued from a kill shelter in Fort Worth, Texas. Breeder unknown. Adopted!
"Payson" was born in February of 2007 and is a very sweet boy. He is house trained, good with one other dog (preferably female) okay with cats and loves kids of all ages. Payson is neutered, heartworm negative and up to date on all vaccinations. Breeder unknown.
"Calvin" was born in August, 2008, and is a high-energy Ridgeback. He would do best with an adopter who enjoys short-distance running, hiking, and swimming. Calvin is okay with other, smaller dogs, but no cats. Good with children of all ages. He is house-trained but still needs supervision due to his young age. Breeder unknown.
"Luddie" is a male ridgeback born in 2002.
"Diego" was born in June, 2005. He is looking for a special home without small children, cats, or multiple dogs. Diego is good with females, no males. He is loyal and protective, with a strong will that requires an adopter of equal or greater determination. He would do best in a home with previous RR experience. Diego is neutered, fully vaccinated, heartworm negative and house-trained. Breeder unknown.
"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. Pedigree unknown.
Adopted!
"Honey" is a female purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback. She is spayed, heartworm negative and utd on shots. Pedigree unknown.
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. Pedigree unknown.
"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. Pedigree Unknown.
"Kantcha" is a Ridgeback mix approximately one year old. Neutered, utd on shots, on heartworm preventative, and crate trained. Gets along with other dogs and cats. For more information on this dog please contact his
foster family: David B. Worthen, 254.289.9288 cell, david.worthen@us.army.mil.
Adopted!