history
History
Long ago, in Southern Africa, lived the "Hottentots".
These people used a crested dog whose role was to protect their flocks from attacks by lions and other predators. They also used it as a "tracker" to force the big cats into their dens where they were more easily vulnerable. Lions and leopards were then shot there with the rudimentary weapons they possessed.
On their arrival, during the 17th century, the colonists (mostly Dutch) found exceptional qualities for this dog and crossed with their own hunting and guard breeds (Bloodhound, Mastiff, Greyhound, etc.). The dogs from these crosses had great hunting qualities, especially for the lion; flair, courage, speed & endurance were at the rendezvous.
1924 will mark the official creation of the "RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK CLUB" with the establishment of the breed standard, official recognition by the Cynological Society of South Africa (KUSA) as well as by the FCI.
