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The Rhodesian Ridgeback, sometimes referred to as The African Lion Hound, was developed in South Africa by the blending of dogs brought by Dutch immigrants such as Mastiffs, Danes, Greyhounds, Terriers with the Hottentot tribe's half wild dog that had a distinctive ridge of hair that grew backward along its spine. The Dutch farmers needed a versatile dog that could hunt game, protect the farm from marauders (human and animal) and would stay with him in the bush and also be devoted to his wife and family. Big game hunters in the late 1800's like Van Rooyen and Upcher and others, who enjoyed hunting lions by horseback, found that the Ridgeback had exceptional hunting qualities and an innate enmity with lions. In 1922, a group of Rhodesian breeders set up the standard for the breed that has remained virtually unchanged since that time. The Ridgeback was accepted to registry by the AKC in 1955.
Ridgebacks are family dogs, with a keen intelligence for discerning friend or foe, and are never noisy or quarrelsome. By nature a calm, easy-going hound, they can live up to their hunting heritage when used to hunt game such as deer, cougars, wild hogs, and panthers. They are at their best as a companion to their family and can be destructive to property or other animals if left on their own without human interaction.
For more good information about the Rhodesian Ridgeback, see the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States web-site: http://www.rrcus.org/.
It is rare to find wrapped up in one package a staunchly pointing bird dog, a keen-nosed night trailer, a proven duck dog, a natural retriever on land and water, pleasing conformation and markings, great powers of endurance, and an intelligent family watchdog and companion. The German Shorthaired Pointer is such a dog and has earned its reputation as one of the most versatile of the sporting breeds. Equally at home hunting quail, grouse, duck, rabbits, coon and possum, it has also been used to trail and handle deer. It is biddable and does well in obedience and agility as well as being a 'show' dog in every sense of the word. Sometimes a high-energy dog, it is also a wonderful companion noted for its sound temperament and longevity.
Go to Frequently Asked Questions about German Shorthaired Pointers