RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK

also called African Lion Dog, South African hound dog breed characterized by a narrow band of hair that grows forward along its back, against the direction of the rest of the coat. The ridge is inherited from a half-wild Hottentot hunting dog, which, by breeding with various European dogs, formed the stock that gave rise to the Rhodesian ridgeback. Typically strong, active, and of great endurance, the Rhodesian ridgeback is a trim, short-haired dog, with hanging ears and a glossy, yellowish- to reddish-brown coat. It stands 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 centimetres) and weighs 65 to 75 pounds (30 to 34 kilograms). A versatile dog, it has distinguished itself as a hunter (especially of lions), as a guard, and as a companion.