The breed

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Rhodesian ridgeback

FCI-Standard N° 146 / 10.12.1996.

Origin: Southern Africa.

Standard supplied by the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA) and the

Zimbabwe Kennel Club (ZKC).

Utilization: Rhodesian ridgeback is still used to hunt game in many parts

of the world but is especially prized as a watch-dog and family pet.

Clasification FCI: Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds.

Section 3 - Related breeds.

Without working trial.

Brief historical summary: The Rhodesian ridgeback is presently the only

breed indeginous to southern Africa. Its forbears can be traced to the Cape

Colony of Southern Africa, where they crossed with the early pioneers' dogs

and semi-domesticated ridged Hottentot dogs. Hunting mainly in groups

of two or three, the original function of the Rhodesian ridgeback or Lion

dog was to track game, especially lion, and, with great agility, keep it at bay

until the arrival of the hunter.

The original standard, which was drafted in 1922 by F.R. Barnes in Bulawayo,

Rhodesia, was based on that of the Dalmatian and was approved by the

Kennel Union of South Africa in 1926.

General appearance: The Rhodesian ridgeback should represent a well

balanced, strong, muscular, agile and active dog, symmetrical in outline and

capable of great endurance with a fair amount of speed. The emphasis is on

agility, elegance and soundness with no tendency toward massiveness.

Ridge: The peculiarity of the breed is the ridge on the back which is formed

by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. The

ridge is the escutcheon of the breed. The ridge must be clearly defined,

symmetrical and tapering toward the haunch. It must start immediately

behind shoulders and continue to the hip (haunches) bones. The ridge

must contain only two crowns, identical and opposite each other. The lower

edges of the crowns must not extend further down the ridge than one-third

of its length. A good average width of the ridge is 5 centimeters (2").

Disqualification: Ridgelessness.

Serious faults: One or more than two crowns.

Behavior/ temperament: Dignified, intelligent, aloof with strangers, but

showing no aggression or shyness.

Head

Skull: Should be of fair length (width of head between ears, distance from

occiput to stop, stop to end of nose should be equal), flat and broad

between ears; the head should be free from wrinkles when in repose.

Stop: The stop should be reasonably well defined and not in one straight

line from the nose to the occipital bone.

Nose: The nose should be black or brown. A black nose should be

accompanied by dark eyes, a brown nose by amber eyes.

Muzzle: The muzzle should be long, deep and powerful.

Lips: The lips should be clean, closely fitting the jaws.

Jaws/teeth: Jaws strong with a perfect and complete scissor bite, i.e the

upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

The teeth must be well developed, especially canines or holders.

Cheeks: Cheeks should be clean.

Eyes: Should be moderately well apart, round, bright and sparkling, with

intelligent expression, their color harmonizing with the color of the nose.

Ears: Should be set rather high, of medium size, rather wide at base and

gradually tapering to a rounded point. They should be carried close to the

head.

Neck: Should be failry long, strong and free from throatiness.

Body

Back: Powerful.

Loins: Strong, muscular and slightly arched.

Chest: Should not be too wide, but very deep and capacious; the brisket

should reach to the elbow. Forechest should be visible when viewed from

the side. Ribs moderately well sprung, never rounded like barrel-hoops.

Tail: Should be strong at the root and gradually tapering towards the end;

free from coarseness. It should be of moderate length. It should not be

attached too high or too low and should be carried with a slight curve

upwards, never curled.

Limbs

Forequarters: The forelegs should be perfectly straight, strong and well

boned, with the elbows close to the body. When viewed from the side, the

forelegs should be wider than when viewed from the front.

Shoulders: The shoulders should be sloping, clean and muscular.

Pastern: Should be strong with slight spring.

Hindquarters: In the hind legs muscles should be clean and well defined.

Stifle: Good turn of stifle.

Hock: Strong, well let down.

Feet: The feet should be compact and round, with well arched toes and

tough, elastic pads protected by hair between the toes and pads.

Gait/movement: Straight forward, free and active.

Hair: Should be short and dense, sleek and glossy in appearance, but

neither wooly nor silky.

Color: Light wheaten to red wheaten. A little white on the chest and toes

is permissible but excessive white hairs here, on belly or above toes is

undersirable. A dark muzzle and ears are permissible. Excessive black hair

throughout the coat are highly undersirable.

Size and weight

Height at withers: dogs: 63 - 69 cm (25" - 27")
bitches: 61 - 66 cm (24" - 26")

Weight: dogs: 36,5 kg (80 Ibs)
bitches: 32 kg (70 Ibs)

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a

fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should

be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and

welfare of the dog.

Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioral abnormalities shall be

disqualified.

N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully

descended into the scrotum.

Scale of points

General appearance, size, symmetry and balance	15
Ridge	20
Head	15
Legs and feet	15
Neck and shoulders	10
Body, back, chest and loin	10
Gait	10
Coat and color	3
Tail	2
Total	100

Source: American Kennel Club (AKC)

Temperament:

The Rhodesian ridgeback is intelligent, decisive, independent and

resourceful. He is sometimes overly stubborn. Therefore, it is important for

the owner to impose their will on the dog with gentle but solid domination

This is not a dog for the faint of heart because you only have one chance

to raise and train your ridgeback right. This is why a ridgeback needs

constant, positive training. Rhodesians are sensitive dogs and rough

training can destroy the confidence they have in their owner.

Ridgeback learns quckly and easily. He has strong will and you cannot

force him into obeying you but treats and appraisal do wonders. They are

loyal, love to cooperate but won't stand being treated badly and will

completely stop listening in that case. Early socialization is very important.

A puppy needs to be exposed to other dogs, animals, people, walks

around the city and all situations it would face later on in its life as soon as

possible.

Rhodesian ridgebacks are loyal to their owner and family. This is exactly

why they should not be trained as guard dogs and one should combine

their abilities with obedience and control training. It is not easy to raise and

train a ridgeback and this is why this dog is not a very good choice for

inexperienced owners.

They show different levels of tolerance toward children - from complete

indifference to great affection. Ridgebacks do not tolerate rough play and

do not like to be teased and bothered so they are not ideal pets for

families with small children. On the other hand, a Rhodesian ridgeback can

be a great companion for older kids.

Ridgebacks are reserved with strangers and will rather keep their distance

until they get to know somebody well. It is not natural for a ridgeback to

seek attention from strangers.

These dogs are not pushy around other dogs and most ridgebacks are

friendly. A ridgeback is neither fearful nor aggressive. Contrary to popular

opinion, a ridgeback is not eager to get into a fight with other dogs. On

the contrary, he will try to avoid conflicts whenever he can and sometimes

it may even look like he is a coward. However, a Rhodesian ridgeback will

not put up with insults and will wait as long as it takes to settle the score.

In other words, an RR can hold a grudge.

A young dog is often playful and mischievous and does not reflect a real

nature of a mature ridgeback. Most likely everything will go well in the

beginning because they are clean and learn quickly (if you teach them

right). However, when your ridgeback is about four months old, you may

think that your puppy is deaf or even aggressive. They chew on things, bite

too hard when they play, they won't come when you call them, they pull

on a leash, bark at you when you scold them. But your "monster-puppy"

will soon change and get all those traits an adult dog possesses and that

attracted you to the breed in the first place. You will then be completely

horrified for thinking for even just one moment that you made a mistake

by getting him.

A Ridgeback matures late, between the age of two and three. High self-

control is a characteristic of adult Ridgebacks.

Physical activity:

A Rhodesian ridgeback is a large, muscular, strong, energetic and dynamic

dog. He is extremely hardy and can run for hours (adult dogs can keep up

with a running horse for 30 miles). Therefore it is necessary to provide him

with regular walks that will allow the dog to run freely and burn his energy

in all kind of weather. This is why a Rhodesian ridgeback is an ideal choice

for active families that spend a lot of time outdoor, people who are fit and

walk a lot. They are great partners for those who like to jog or ride a bike.

A walk around the block on a leash is not enough for a ridgeback. But,

don't expect your ridgeback to have fun on his own while you are sitting.

He won't budge if his owner is not moving. The yard itself is not by any

means a substitute for interactive activities with their owners. That is

exactly why it is necessary to allow your ridgeback to play with other dogs,

chase after a ball, take him to agility or lure coursing etc. As long as they

are interested in some activity, Rhodesian ridgebacks will be thrilled to take

part in it. However, as soon as something becomes boring, they will lose

interest.

Care:

Rhodesian ridgebacks are not weekend-dogs. You cannot neglect them

and only occasionally give them some attention. They need to be a part

of the family and require daily attention and human companionship (they

cannot be kept outside in a kennel). If you are not at home the entire day

and you are out most nights, a ridgeback is not the right choice for you.

This breed is ideal for somebody who truly wants a canine companion that

will be a part of their life.

Ridgebacks do very well in the city but it is necessary to provide them

enough exercise during the day (it is necessary to let them run off leash

and play with other dogs every day) because they can become destructive

if they are under-exercised. Many behavioral problems in ridgebacks occur

because their owners do not give them enough attention and time. This is

exactly why this is not a dog that can be kept in a kennel. Ridgebacks are

relatively inactive and calm inside the house.

You cannot leave your ridgeback outside in cold weather because they do

not do well when it is cold due to their extremely short hair. Although

most ridgebacks like playing in snow, they will feel much more comfortable

if they wear a doggy sweater or coat when it is cold outside. Ridgebacks

can easily get frostbites on their ears, paws, tails and genitalia in very low

temperatures.

These are generally clean dogs. Their hair does not have any odor and they

barely shed. It is enough to brush them once a week and give them a bath

when necessary (usually there is no need to bathe your ridgeback more

than once or twice a year).

Ridgebacks generally like to eat a lot and have a good appetite. They are

usually not picky eaters and should be taught from the very beginning to

eat dry food, fruits and vegetables in order to make their diet rich in

vitamins, minerals and other necessary nutritients. Since Rhodesians have

deep chest, they are prone to bloat (torsion or twisting of stomach) - a

potentially fatal condition. This is why a ridgeback should never be taken

out for a walk after eating - you should wait at least three hours after the

meal. Ridgebacks are also known to gulp any food they find in a park or

a street. Therefore it is important to teach them command "drop" from the

very beginning, i.e. to spit something out when you tell them. It is also

important and very handy to teach them to allow you to open their mouth

and take food and other objects out.

Most Ridgebacks are perfectly reliable off leash but you should never let

your ridgeback off leash in the street. Just like other hounds, ridgebacks

can suddenly chase after a cat and other small animals and they are usually

deaf to the world around them while they are on the chase, including your

calls and approaching cars.

Rhodesian ridgeback at a glance

Trait	High	Moderate	Low
Energy level		X
Exercise level	X
Friendliness		X
Playfulness		X
Affection level		X
Watchdog ability	X
Grooming needs			X
Good with children	X

Source: Fox, Sue, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Barron's Educational Series Inc., Hauppauge, NY, 2003

Health:

A ridgeback is generally a very healthy and sturdy dog. It has relatively few

genetic diseases compared to other breeds. An average life span of a

ridgeback is 10 to 12 years.

Genetic (hereditary) diseases:

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) - is a hereditary, genetic disease that

usually onsets around the age of eight years and leads to paralysis of the

body. The first symptoms are weakness of the hind legs and hind part of

the body, tremors, coordination issues. The illness is progressive and the

dog gradually loses control of the entire body. In the final stages paralysis

occurs, as well as inability to swallow, heart and lung failure. There is no

cure or treatment for this disease, but luckily there is a genetic test thanks

to which transmisson of the disease to progeny can be successfully

avoided.

A dog can have one of the following genotypes:

1. N/N - the dog has two normal copies of the gene, i.e. it does not have a

mutation that causes the disease. The dog is healthy, cannot develop the

disease, it is not a carrier of the disease and therefore cannot pass it on to

its progeny. The progeny of the N/N dog can never be affected by DM.

2. N/A - the dog has one normal copy of the gene and one copy of the

mutated gene. Such dog cannot develop the disease but it is a carrier of

the mutated gene which causes the disease and can pass it on to its

progeny.

3. A/A - the dog has two copies of the mutated gene. Such dog will be

affected by degenerative myelopathy and will inevitably pass on the

mutated gene to its progeny.

The inheritance pattern is as follows:

1. If both parents are N/N, i.e. they are not carriers, all puppies will be N/N,

i.e. they will be healthy and will not be carriers.

2. If one parent is N/N (not a carrier), and the other is N/A (a carrier), all

puppies will be healthy (not affected) but all of them will have a 50%

chance not to be carriers (N/N) and 50% chance to be carriers (N/A).

3. If both parents are carriers (N/A), all puppies will have a 25% chance of

being healthy and not carriers (N/N), 25% chance of being affected by the

disease (A/A), and 50% chance of being healthy (not affected) but at the

same time carriers (N/A).

4. If one parent is not a carrier (N/N), and the other is affected (A/A), all the

puppies will be carriers but non of them will be affected.

5. If one parent is a carrier (N/A) and the other is affected (A/A), all the

puppies will have a 50% chance of being healthy but at the same time

carriers of the diease (N/A), and 50% chance of being affected by the

illness (A/A).

6. If both parents are affected (A/A), all the puppies will be affected (A/A).

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) - is a genetic, hereditary disease

which unlike classic epilepsy appear at a young age - between six weeks

and 18 months of age. It is characterized by so called myoclonic

movements, i.e. jerking of the head and the whole body. The myoclonic

spasms or jerks usually occur when the dog is resting or is relaxed, but

the seizures can also be caused by bright light. Unlike with the classic

epilepsy, there is no loss of consciousness, salivation, foaming etc.

Intensity and frequency of seizures vary from dog to dog. Those with

milder symptoms have seizures less often and the myoclonic jerks are not

as strong, while those with severe symptoms have seizures very often

(several times a day) and the jerks are so strong that a dog awakens from

sleep, falls down if sitting or standing, cannot normally eat, drink etc.

Sadly dogs with severe symptoms have a very poor quality of life and

owners usually decide to have them euthanized. Fortunately, scientists

have developed a test which helps responsible breeders remove affected

and carrier dogs from breeding plans. A dog can have one of the

following genotypes:

1. N/N - the dog has two normal copies of the gene, i.e. there is no

mutation that causes the disease. The dog is healthy, it cannot develop

the disease and it cannot pass it on to its progeny. The progeny of the

N/N dog can never be affected by JME.

2. N/A - the dog has one normal copy of the gene and one copy of the

mutated gene. The dog cannot develop JME but it is a carrier of

the mutated gene which causes the disease and it can pass it on to its

progeny.

3. A/A - the dog has two copies of the mutated gene. Such dog will

be affected by JME and it will always, without an exception pass on the

mutated gene to its progeny.

The inheritance pattern is as follows:

1. If both parents are N/N, i.e. they are not carriers, all the puppies will be

N/N, i.e. they will be healthy and will not be carriers.

2. If one parent is N/N (not a carrier) and the other is N/A (carrier), all of

the puppies will be healhy (not affected by JME) but each of them will

have a 50% chance not to be a carrier (N/N) and 50% chance to be a

carrier (N/A).

3. If both parents are carriers (N/A), all puppies have a 25% chance of

being healthy and not carriers (N/N), 25% chance of being affected by the

disease (A/A) and 50% chance of being healthy (not affected) but being

carriers of the disease at the same time (N/A).

4. If one parent is not a carrier (N/N) and the other is affected (A/A), all

the puppies will be carriers (N/A) but none of them will be affected.

5. If one parent is a carrier (N/A) and the other is affected (A/A), all the

puppies will have a 50% chance of being healthy but carriers at the same

time (N/A) and 50% chance of being affected by the disease (A/A).

6. If both parents are affected (A/A), all the puppies will be affected (A/A).

Hemophilia B (factor IX deficiency) - is a genetic, hereditary disease.

Affected animals have a factor IX deficiency. Factor IX (F9) is in charge of

blood clotting. Due to the disease, the blood cannot clot properly, which

leads to excessive bleeding, even bleeding to death is possible. Bleeding

can be caused by injury, trauma or surgery (just like in healthy individuals),

but sponataneous bleeding in the internal organs is possible in the

affected individuals. Bleeding is not heavier or faster in the affected

individuals, it rather lasts too long and cannot be stopped.

Depending on sex, each dog can have one of the following genotypes:

FEMALES

1. Xn/Xn - the dog has two normal copies of the gene, i.e. there is no

mutation that causes the disease. The dog is healthy, she cannot be

affected, she is not a carrier, and cannot pass it on to her progeny.

2. Xp/Xn - the dog has one normal copy of the gene and one copy of the

mutated gene. The individual is healthy, but she is a carrier of hemophilia,

and she will pass it on to her progeny. 50% of her male progeny is at risk

of being affected by hemophilia B. 50% of her female progeny is at risk of

being a carrier of the disease.

3. Xp/Xp - the dog has two copies of the mutated gene. This dog is sick

(affected by hemophilia B), and she will pass on the disease to her offspring

without an exception. All of her male progeny (100%) will be affected, and

all of her female progeny (100%) will be carriers of the disease.

MALES

1. Xn/Y - the dog has a normal copy of the X gene. He is healthy, cannot

be affected and therefore cannot pass it on to his progeny.

2. Xp/Y - the dog has a mutated copy of the X gene. He is affected and

he will pass on mutated X gene to all of his female progeny without an

exception, i.e. all of his female progeny (100%) will be carriers of

hemophilia B.

The inheritance pattern is as follows:

1. Female (Xn/Xn) and male (Xn/Y) - both parents are healthy and are not

carriers of hemophilia B, and therefore produce healthy offspring. All

progeny is healthy and not carriers.

2. Female (Xn/Xn) and male (Xp/Y) - as the female is healthy and not a

carrier, all male progeny will be healthy and will not be carriers. As the male

is affected, all female offsprings will be carriers of the disease.

3. Female (Xp/Xn) and male (Xn/Y) - as the female is a carrier, 50% of all

male progeny is at risk of being affected and being a carrier, and 50% of

all male progeny has a chance of being unaffected and therefore not a

carrier. 50% of all female progeny is statistically at risk of being a carrier

of the disease (Xp/Xn), but as the male is healthy none of the female

progeny will be affected.

4. Female (Xp/Xn) and male (Xp/Y) - as the female is a carrier and the male

is affected, all female puppies will be carriers, and 50% of those female

puppies is at risk of being affected (Xp/Xp). 50% of male puppies is at

risk of being affected (Xp/Y), and 50% of male progeny has a chance of

being unaffected (Xn/Y).

5. Female (Xp/Xp) and male (Xn/Y) - as the female is affected, all male

progeny will be affected (Xp/Y). But thanks to the healthy male, none of

the female progeny will be affected, although each female puppy will be

a carrier of the disease (Xp/Xn).

6. Female (Xp/Xp) and male (Xp/Y) - as both parents are affected, all of

their progeny will be affected by hemophilia B - males will be Xp/Y and

females will be Xp/Xp.

Early Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD) - is a genetic, hereditary disease.

It is characterized by the hearing loss between the age of one and two,

and it is therefore different from the deafness puppies are born with and

old-age deafness. Affected individuals lose hearing completely and the

condition cannot be treated or reversed.

Each dog can have one of the following genotypes:

1. N/N - the individual has two normal copies of the gene, it will not lose

its hearing, it is not a carrier of the disease and therefore cannot pass it on

to its progeny.

2. P/N - the dog has one normal copy of the gene, and one copy of the

mutated gene. The individual itself is healthy, it cannot lose its hearing, but

it is a carrier of the disease and will pass on the mutated gene on to its

offspring.

3. P/P - the dog has two copies of the mutated gene. The dog is affected,

i.e. will develop the disease (hearing loss), and it will pass on the mutated

gene to its progeny without an exception.

The inheritance pattern is as follows:

1. If both parents are healthy and not carriers (N/N), all of their puppies

will be healthy and will not be carriers of the disease (N/N).

2. If one parent is healthy and not a carrier (N/N), and the other is a carrier

(P/N), none of their progeny will be affected but each will have a 50%

chance of not being a carrier (N/N), and 50% chance of being a carrier (P/N).

3. If both parents are carriers (P/N), all of their puppies have a 25% chance

of being healthy and not being carriers (N/N), 25% chance of being affected

(P/P), and 50% chance of not being affected but being carriers (P/N).

4. If one parent is healty and not a carrier (N/N), and the other is affected

(P/P), all of their progeny will be carriers but will not be affected by the

disease (P/N).

5. If one parent is a carrier (P/N), and the other is affected (P/P), all of their

progeny has a 50% chance of not being affected and being carriers (P/N)

and a 50% chance of being affected (P/P).

6. If both parents are affected (P/P), all of their progeny (100%) will be

affected (P/P).

Hip dysplasia (HD) - is a genetic, congenital condition. It is a

developmental deformity of the hip. The ball of the femur is loose in the

socket due to weak ligaments, tendons and muscles. Due to the improper

position of the joint, the cartilage and the bone wear and tear, causing

pain, lameness and difficulty moving. Hip dysplasia can only be surgically

treated.

A certified radiographic examination (x-rays) which is used to score dog's

hips should be done once a dog has finished its growth and development

(for ridgebacks ideally at or after the age of 18 months).

FCI hip classification is as follows:

A - a normal hip without signs of dysplasia.

B - an almost normal hip (transition from normal toward dysplastic hip).

C - mild hip dysplasia.

D - moderate hip dysplasia.

E - severe hip dysplasia.

Each hip is scored separately so the result is displayed as A/A, A/B, B/B etc.

FCI allows breeding of dogs with A, B and C hips, while dogs with D and E

hips must not be used in breeding. Naturally, a breeder should for

breeding use dogs with the best possible hips (A hips ideally), and avoid

those with poor(er) hips (B and C) whenever possible.

Elbow dysplasia (ED) - is a genetic, congenital condition. It is

represented by improper and disproportional development of bone and

cartilage components of the elbow. These lead to mechanical and

inflamatory changes in the joint which cause pain and lead to degenerative

changes on the cartilage. The affected elbow is painful and the joint's

movement is limited and improper. Just like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

can only be surgically treated.

A certified radiographic examination (x-rays) which is used to score dog's

elbows should be performed once dog's growth and development has

completed (for ridgebacks ideally at or after the age of 18 months).

FCI classification of elbows is as follows:

0 - a normal elbow without signs of dysplasia.

1 - mild dysplasia (transition from normal to dysplastic).

2 - moderate dysplasia.

3 - severe dysplasia.

Each elbow is scored separately and results are presented as 0/0, 1/1, 2/3

etc.

Only healthy dogs with 0/0 elbows should be used for breeding.

Other illnesses:

Bloat - Just like other breeds with similar built (large dogs with deep chest)

a Rhodesian ridgeback is prone to bloat (torsion or twisting of stomach).

This is a serious, potentially fatal condition that requires immediate

surgery. The bloar occurs when a dog's stomach twists around its own

axis so the amount of accumulated fluid and gases cannot be reduced by

burping or vomiting. When a stomach twists the blood circulation in the

stomach and small intestine gets cut off. The bloat usually happens when

a dog overeats, gulps down food and air fast, drinks large amount of

water immediately after the meal or when a dog jumps or runs after the

meal. Symptoms develop very quickly - the dog tries to vomit but cannot

throw up the content from the stomach, he is agitated, the stomach swells

up, mucous membranes become pale, the dog becomes weak and the

heart rate increases. If left untreated, bloat can quickly cause shock and

death.

This is why it is necessary to take special care while feeding your ridgeback,

i.e. prevention. The dog should be given several smaller meals during the

day (at least two) always AFTER a walk or exercise. Do not allow your dog

to overeat, run or jump at least three hours after the meal. Do not let him

drink water immediately after eating and wait at least an hour before you

let him drink.

Dermoid Sinus - This is a hereditary, genetic disease. A dermoid sinus is an

abscess (or a tube) that runs from the surface of the skin down to the

spinal cord. The tube fills with hair and skin debris and fluids accumulate in

it. It leads to infection that eventually reaches the spinal cord and leads to

a painful death. The affected puppies have a small lump (usually on their

necks and backs) and a small hole is visible when the hair is shaved off. The

only treatment is surgery but it is usually unsuccessful and puppies with

dermoid sinus are usually put to sleep. Thanks to proper selection and

breeding, dermoid sinus is not very common anymore.

Other genetics:

D-locus (blue gene, blue dilute) - in certain ridgebacks D-locus, or so

called blue gene or diluted gene can occur which leads to dogs who have

bluish hair, nose and eyes. The blue gene is a genetic mutation which is

absolutely unacceptable and represents a disqualification fault. It usually

does not cause health issues, although the affected, "blue" dogs often have

skin issues and suffer from allergies.

These dogs must not be used for breeding and thanks to genetic testing

breeders can successfuly avoid having "blue" puppies in their litters.

A dog can have one of the following genotypes:

1. D/D - the dog has two normal copies of the gene, it has normal coloring

and it is not a carrier of the mutated, blue gene and therefore cannot pass

it on to its progeny. Such dog's progeny can never be "blue" regardless

of the other parent's genotype.

2. D/d - the dog has one normal copy of the gene and one mutated copy.

The blue coloring cannot appear in such dog but it is a carrier of

the mutated gene, it can pass it on to its progeny and can produce "blue"

puppies if the other parent is also D/d or d/d.

3. d/d - the dog has two copies of the mutated gene, it is affected and has

bluish hair, nose and eyes coloring, it always, without an exception, passes

the mutated gene onto its offspring and can produce "blue" puppies if

the other parent is D/d or d/d.

The inheritance pattern is as follows:

1. If both parents are D/D, i.e. not carriers, all puppies will be D/D, they will

have normal coloring and will not be carriers of the mutated gene.

2. If one parent is D/D (not carrier) and the other is D/d (carrier), blue

coloring will not be visibly present in any of the puppies but each of them

will have a 50% chance of not being a carrier (D/D) and 50% chance of

being a carrier (D/d).

3. If both parents are carriers (D/d), all the puppies will have a 25% chance

of having normal coloring and not be carriers (D/D), 25% chance of being

"blue" (d/d) and 50% chance of having normal coloring but being carriers

(D/d).

4. If one parent is not a carrier (D/D) and the other is "blue" (d/d), all the

puppies will be carriers (D/d) but none of them will be "blue".

5. If one parent is a carrier (D/d) and the other is "blue" (d/d), all the

puppies will have a 50% chance of having normal coloring but being

carriers of the mutated gene (D/d) and 50% chance of being "blue" (d/d).

6. If both parents are "blue" (d/d), all the puppies will be "blue" (d/d).

B-locus (brown gene, livernose gene) - is a gene that causes the

livernose variety in ridgebacks. This is a recognized variety of the breed and

is fully equal to the much more common variety which has dark (black)

nose and dark eyes. A livernose ridgeback has brown (liver) nose, and

amber eyes.

A ridgeback can have one of the following genotypes:

1. B/B - the dog has dark nose and dark eyes, it is not a carrier of the

brown (livernose) gene and cannot produce livernose progeny regardless

of the other parent's genotype.

2. B/b - the dog has dark nose and dark eyes, but it is a carrier of the brown

(livernose) gene. The dog can pass on the livernose gene to its progeny and

in combination with the right mate (B/b or b/b) can produce livernose

puppies.

3. b/b - the dog is a livernose, it will without an exception pass on the

brown gene to its progeny, and in combination with the right mate (B/b or

b/b) can produce livernose puppies.

Mating between the two varieties is allowed. Thanks to a genetic test it is

possible to check whether a dog is a carrier of the brown gene or not,

which makes it easier for breeders to make litter plans, choose a stud etc.

The brown, liver gene is recessive and the inheritance pattern is as follows:

1. If both parents are B/B, i.e. not carriers of the brown gene, all the

puppies will be B/B, meaning they will have dark nose and dark eyes and

will not be carriers.

2. If both parents have dark nose and eyes and one of them is B/B (not

carrier) and the other is B/b (carrier), none of the puppies will be livernose

but all the puppies will have a 50% chance of not being carriers (B/B), and

50% chance of being carriers of the brown gene.

3. If both parents have dark nose but are carriers of the brown gene (B/b),

all the puppies will have a 50% chance of having a black nose and not be

carriers (B/B), 25% chance of being livernose (b/b) and 25% chance of

having a black nose but being carriers of the brown gene (B/b).

4. If one parent is not a carrier (B/B) and the other is livernose (b/b), none

of the puppies will be livernose but all of them will be carriers of the brown

gene (B/b).

5. If one parent is a carrier (B/b) and the other is livernose (b/b), all the

puppies will have a 50% chance of having dark nose and eyes but being

carriers of the brown gene (B/b), and 50% chance of being livernose (b/b).

6. If both parents are livernose (b/b), all the puppies will be livernose (b/b).

Ridge - is a characteristic of the breed in a form of hair which on the dog's

back grows in the opposite direction. However, there are ridgebacks

without a ridge. The occurence of ridge is hereditary (genetic), but

scientists have not been able to determine how its shape, size, width,

position and number of the crowns etc. is passed on from parents to

progeny. There is a genetic test which is used to determine a dog's

genotype.

Each ridgeback falls into one of the following genotypic groups:

1. R/R - the dog is a dominant homozygote, i.e. it has two copies of the

ridge gene. Such dog has a ridge and always, without an exception passes

on the ridge gene to its progeny, i.e. all of its progeny will always and

without an exception have a ridge regardless of the other parent's

genotype (because the ridge gene is dominant).

2. R/r - the dog is a heterozygote, i.e. it has only one copy of the ridge

gene. Such dog has a ridge and can pass on the ridge gene to its progeny.

Therefore, such dog's progeny can have a ridge but not necessarily

(depending on the other parent's genotype).

3. r/r - the dog does not have a ridge gene and therefore does not have a

ridge; as it is not a carrier it cannot pass on the ridge gene to its progeny.

Ridgeless ridgebacks are never used for breeding.

The ridge inheritance pattern is as follows:

1. If both parents are dominant homozygotes (R/R), all the puppies will

have a ridge and all of them will be homozygous (R/R).

2. If one parent is a homozygote (R/R) and the other is a heterozygote (R/r)

all the puppies in the litter will have a ridge.

3. If both parents are heterozygous (R/r), all the puppies will have a 75%

chance of having a ridge (R/R or R/r), and 25% chance of being ridgeless

(r/r).

Thanks to genetic testing of the ridge gene, breeders can successfully avoid

having ridgeless puppies in their litters.

Literature:

1. Fox, Sue, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Barron's Educational Series Inc., Hauppauge, NY,

2003

2. Federation Cynologique Internationale, Rhodesian Ridgeback FCI standard at

www.fci.be/nomenclature.aspx

3. Rhodesian Ridgeback Club Zagreb at www.rhodesianridgeback.hr

4. Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies at www.rhodesianridgebackpuppies.org

5. American Kennel Club (AKC) at www.akc.org/breeds/rhodesian_ridgeback