5 Things to Know Before Getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback
The ridge on a Rhodesian Ridgeback’s back is one of those features that stops people in their tracks. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked, “Is that scar from surgery?” or “Is your dog’s hair just standing up?” Nope — that ridge is completely natural, and it’s one of the things that makes this breed so special.
Where the Ridge Comes From
The Ridgeback’s ridge isn’t just a quirky feature — it’s part of their history. It dates back to a native African dog known as the Hottentot dog, which lived with the Khoikhoi people in what is now Zimbabwe. These dogs had a distinctive ridge and were known for their resilience in harsh climates.
When European settlers arrived in southern Africa in the 16th century, they brought their own dogs — breeds like Great Danes, Bloodhounds, and Terriers — but those dogs didn’t do so well in the local conditions. So they started crossing them with the Hottentot dogs, and over time, one particular line stood out for its hunting skill, endurance, and that ridge down the back. That’s how the Rhodesian Ridgeback we know today came to be.
No one really knows how the ridge first came about in the Hottentot dog — some say it’s just nature doing its thing. There’s even a little legend that says the ridge is “where God sews them up when he’s done stuffing them.” Cute, right?
The Ridge Today: What Counts and What Doesn’t
If you’re planning to show a Rhodesian Ridgeback, the ridge matters a lot. The American Kennel Club requires it as part of the breed standard. It needs to be symmetrical, start just behind the shoulders, and taper off near the hips. There should be exactly two “crowns” or whorls in the ridge — no more, no less. If the dog doesn’t have a ridge or has a “faulty” one, it can’t be shown.
But if you’re just looking for a family dog, a missing or imperfect ridge is no big deal. It doesn’t affect their health or personality one bit.
How the Ridge Is Inherited
The ridge is passed down genetically. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can carry one or two copies of the “ridge gene.” Dogs with two copies (homozygous) will always produce ridged puppies, while those with one copy (heterozygous) might not.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Two ridge genes = puppies will have ridges.
- One ridge gene = 50/50 chance.
- No ridge gene = ridgeless puppies.
And no — ridges don’t “grow in later.” If a puppy is born without one, it’s not going to show up down the line.
The Dark Side of the Ridge: Dermoid Sinus
As much as we love the ridge, it’s not without its downsides. The same gene that gives Ridgebacks their signature look is linked to a condition called dermoid sinus. It’s a congenital defect — basically a tube or cyst under the skin, usually along the ridge, that can get infected or even reach the spinal cord.
Some symptoms to watch for:
- A small opening or dimple along the back
- A ropey feeling under the skin
- Discharge or infection
- Neurological issues (in severe cases)
It’s something you can sometimes feel on a young puppy, but diagnosis should always be confirmed by a vet — ideally one familiar with the condition. Treatment usually involves surgery, and for most dogs, recovery is smooth with proper care. Still, it’s serious enough that some breeders have even debated whether we should breed the ridge out entirely.
What You Can Do as a Pet Parent
If you’re thinking about adding a Ridgeback to your family, choose a breeder who tests for dermoid sinus and takes their breeding program seriously. Good breeders will be upfront about the risk and may even screen puppies at birth.
You might also consider a ridgeless Ridgeback. They’re just as loving and capable, and less likely to develop dermoid sinus — though they can’t be shown in conformation events. Or if you’re open to mixes, Ridgeback crosses (with breeds like Labs, Boxers, or German Shepherds) can be healthier overall and just as wonderful.
The ridge is a beautiful, mysterious part of what makes Rhodesian Ridgebacks who they are. But like everything in dogs, it comes with responsibility. If you’re informed and proactive, you can enjoy all the charm of this breed — ridge and all — while keeping your pup healthy and happy.