Rhodesian Ridgeback< /p>
The ideal male Rhodesian Ridgeback should be approximately 25 to 27 inches tall at the withers; the ideal female dog should be 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers. An ideal male dog should weigh about 85 pounds and an ideal female dog should weigh about 70 pounds.
Physical Characteristics
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a thick, muscular, handsome dog with a uniform and stable shape. A mature Rhodesian Ridgeback appears handsome, strong, athletic, long-lasting and fast. With a gentle and dignified temperament, the Rhodesian Ridgeback loves his owner but has reservations about strangers. What makes this species special is the inverse hair on its back. The inverse hair on the back is a very important characteristic of this breed and should be given sufficient attention.
Head
The head should be of appropriate length, with the skull flat, wide between the ears, and free of wrinkles when resting. The stop is too clear. Eyes: slightly open and round, shining with intelligence and joy, and the expression is consistent with the overall expression. Ears: Slightly high in position, of average size, slightly wider at the base, gradually tapering, and rounded at the top. The ears are droopy and close to the head. Breath: Long, deep and powerful, with clean lips and a firm grip around the jaw. Nose: black, brown or liver color, consistent with the overall color. Nose noses with other complexions did not agree. Black nose with dark black eyes; brown or liver-colored eyes with amber eyes. Bite: The jaws are flat and thick, with well-developed teeth, especially canine teeth. A scissors bite is preferred.
Neck, topline, body
The neck is fairly thick and free of excess flesh. Chest not too wide, but very deep and generous, with well-supported ribs but not round (barrel chest), showing speed capable of delivering ideas. The back is strong and firm, the loin thick, well muscled and slightly arched. The tail is thick, generally slightly thin at the top, not too high or too short, in a slightly forward arc, neither bent nor too wavy.
Forequarters
The shoulder blades are sloping, clean and muscular, showing a sense of speed. Elbows close to body. The front legs are fairly straight, thick and well boned. The claws are tight, the toes are arched, the pads are round, brittle and elastic, and there are hairs between the toes and pads. WolfClaws may be removed.
Hindquarters
Hind legs are well muscled, clean, clear hocks, and set low. The claws are connected with the forelimbs.
Coat
The coat is short and dense, cunning and lustrous, but neither wooly nor silky.
Complexion
Light wheat color to red wheat color. A little white on the chest and toes is allowed, but excess white on the belly or above the toes is not necessary.
Back
This breed has hair on the back that grows in a different direction from other hairs. The most important feature of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the reverse hair on the back. The inverse hairs on the back are very clear, slightly thinner at both ends, and symmetrical. Starting from behind the shoulder blades and extending to the center of the protrusion of the buttocks, it includes two wide rotations, one on each side. The lower edge of the rotation should not be shorter than 1/3 of the reverse hair on the back. Disqualification: No hair on the back. Serious disadvantages: only one spin or more than two spins.
Gait
When trotting, the back should be kept level, and the gait should be efficient, with a long stride, stretching and freedom. The forequarters stretch and the hindquarters start to cooperate, showing functional energy and elegance. In pursuit, the Rhodesian Ridgeback shows explosive power and endurance at high speeds.
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