The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a devoted companion that loves to be around the family, no matter what they are doing!
Personality: Totally devoted and affectionate towards family, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is happiest at your side.
Suitability: A great companion for people who do not spend long periods away from home and enjoy spending time with their dog. A great family companion, the breed enjoys the company of children but because of its size, young children should be supervised around the dog.
Favourite activities: Whatever you are doing! The Ridgeback is content going for a walk or watching television, as long as it is spending time with its family.
Watchdog qualities: The breed is generally not a barker but will alert you to anything unusual happening on your property. If it does bark, its best to check out why!
Backyard requirements: The Rhodesian Ridgeback does not need a large backyard but he will enjoy a daily walk and an off-leash run once or twice a week. This breed is happy to lounge around all day but will become destructive if left alone for long periods at a time.
The breed standard for the Rhodesian Ridgeback was drawn up in 1922 in South Africa. However, references show the Hottentots of Southern Africa kept ridgebacked dogs as far back as the 15th century. In the 1800s, its believed these indigenous ridgebacks were bred with the European settlers mastiffs and scent hounds to produce the breed we know today.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback, also known as the African Lion Hound, was originally used to accompany big-game hunters in lion country or Zimbabwe (formerly known as Rhodesia) and their size, strength and great endurance made them perfect for the role. The breed wasn’t used to attack lions, but rather to trail the game, bale them up and then bark to attract the hunters attention. These days there are few Ridgebacks in a working capacity as the breed is mainly used as a companion dog.
Linda Hardner, devoted guardian and Secretary/Puppy Referral Officer for the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Victoria Inc, purchased her first pup in 1987 and hasn’t looked back since. You could say that we are owned by Rhodesian Ridgebacks, she laughs. We currently own four, ranging from 18 months to 13 years, but we have only bred two litters in this time, being happier to own them rather than breed them, states Linda, who also has two children under 12.
The Ridgeback is a gentle and loyal breed which must be included as part of the family. They want to do things with you, whether that’s sitting on the couch watching television or running at the park, says Linda. They appeal to people of all activity levels but they will still need a daily walk and a big off-lead run once or twice a week, she stresses. On cold evenings they would prefer to stay indoors and forgo a walk but if you insist they will probably bowl you over getting out the door, she says with a smile.
The stubborn nature of the breed can often make training difficult, but they do want to please their guardians and with patience, persistence and gentle training you will get there in the end. Most Ridgebacks get bored with long repetitive obedience classes but given the correct training they can be easily house trained and taught basic obedience work, says Linda. She adds there are several Ridgebacks doing obedience, agility and jumping successfully throughout Australia.
Ridgebacks like having people around and do not like being ignored. They can be destructive if left too long on their own, as Linda found out with her first dog. We arrived home very late one Friday night. As punishment our dog had taken one piece of clothing off the line (my shirt) and was sitting on it at the back door. Of course it was ripped, dirty and belonged to the person who fed him. I got the message, she says. However, this devotion will mean you’ll have plenty of funny tales to tell and a best friend for life.
While Rhodesian Ridgebacks make wonderful family additions, as with all breeds, young children need to be supervised when playing with the family pets. From my experience, this breed is very tolerant of children and can put up with endless harassment, says Linda. When they have had enough, they simply move to another room or outside to have a rest. The biggest danger for small children is being whacked across the face by a waggly tail when the dogs welcome someone home, she says, adding that the breed is also a great watchdog as it will only bark when something unusual is happening. It may be someone arriving at the door or driving up to your gate, or a strange noise outside in the night, but when the dog barks it is best to investigate, stresses Linda, who has heard many tales of dogs chasing intruders away.
A strong breed capable of great endurance, the Ridgeback will certainly frighten off any would-be intruders but overall it is a friendly and affectionate dog. With a ridge of hair along its back, growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat, Ridgebacks are easily distinguishable and the short glossy coat requires only relatively low maintenance and an occasional groom. The short coat is easy to look after, says Linda, and only requires a wipe over with a wet towel whenever needed. An occasional bath or swim is also sufficient to keep the coat clean.
If you are interested in adopting a Rhodesian Ridgeback and are prepared for such a large devoted breed, then contact the canine control council in your state for a list of registered breeders. Puppies are available throughout the year but are not bred on a huge scale. Therefore you may find that it takes a few months from your initial enquiry to get one because of the limited supply, says Linda.
Hereditary diseases
According to Linda Hardner there are two hereditary diseases that breeders are concerned about:
1. The first being Hip Dysplasia.
This can be a problem in all big dogs and we therefore insist our breeders have the paren’ts of any litter hip x-rayed and scored to make sure they are suitable for breeding. The lower the hip score the better, with a perfect score being 0, says Linda. Doing this does not eliminate the possibility of a puppy having hip dysplasia but it certainly decreases the likelihood of it occurring. These results are available to potential puppy purchasers from breeders, she says.
2. The second concern is Dermoid Sinus.
This is an inherited condition that a puppy is born with, says Linda. It takes the form of a thin, thread-like hair-lined tube attached to the cervical vertebrae and runs up to the surface of the skin. It is not easily detected and has to be felt for beneath the skin by pulling the skin upwards and running your thumb and finger downwards. If you were to shave the dogs fur you would see the exit point or dimple in the surface of the skin. It is most commonly found in the middle of the back of the neck but has been found elsewhere. Eventually this tube will become infected and an abscess will form. This causes extreme pain for the dog and can only be removed surgically, explains Linda. Most breeders will not put puppies through the trauma of this operation and will humanely euthanase puppies at birth. It is therefore important that buyers question whether puppies have been checked for this condition. Some breeders are unaware of it and will sell puppies with this problem to poor unsuspecting puppy purchasers, stresses Linda.
Daily: The Ridgeback enjoys a daily walk and needs a balanced diet which includes vegetables, raw meaty bones and fresh water. Always leave at least half an hour between meals and exercise.
Weekly: A good run in an off-leash area once or twice weekly will keep your dog in good shape.
Monthly: Ear cleaning and nail trimming. Heartworm and flea treatments.
Regular: Bath when necessary. Gastrointestinal worming every three months for adults and annual vaccinations.
More info?
If you would like to order a book about this wonderful breed, write to The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Victoria Inc, PO Box 7109, Karingal Centre, Karingal Vic 3199. The Booklet of Breed Information also includes information from Pauline Sadler, author of The Rhodesian Ridgeback in Australia. Check out their website at http://rrcv.org.au.
Care and exercise
Most Dachshunds will get all their exercise requirements on their own, but they do enjoy walks and the occasional free run within a contained area. Their short legs and long backs make them more susceptible than most breeds to spinal problems and jumping or stair-climbing activities should be avoided as much as possible. They generally love their food and will put on weight very easily if overfed. Coat care is simple in the Smooth, with a bath every week or two and a regular rub over with a hound glove or brush. Longhairs need the same, but more frequent brushing, with an occasional trim. Wirehairs, as with any wire coat, need trimming or preferably stripping a couple of times a year to keep them neat and regular brushing to keep dead hair and undercoat coming out. All need close attention to nail trimming.
Suitability
Not a breed for big dog people, or for situations where there are many steps and stairs, the Dachshund in its six versions is ideally suited to one-level homes where the children are well beyond toddler stage and where time or other considerations preclude organised exercise sessions.
Looking for a small dog with huge personality? Then don’t go any further the Dachshund has been pleasing homes around the world for decades and is just waiting to become the next family member in your home.
When I was growing up, just about every street had a sausage dog in it, and no-one knew how to pronounce its name correctly! Dachshund is a German word meaning badger dog, since the purpose of these game little dogs was to hunt badger and other burrowing animals. It is pronounced ducks-hoond, not dash-hound! This long, low and level-backed dog comes in three coat types (smooth, long and wire); two sizes standard and miniature and several colours, so there’s a Dachshund for just about everyone. Probably the best known and most popular over the years has been the Standard Smooth variety. While this larger of the two sizes may look rather small, try lifting its 12 or more kilos of solid dog! Or try telling a Dachshund its only a little dog all Dachsies firmly believe they’re BIG dogs!
Excellent family and housedogs if brought up correctly, they are usually somewhat suspicious and reserved with strangers and make very good watchdogs. The miniature varieties share these characteristics, but should not exceed 5kg in weight. The easiest coat to care for is, of course, the Smooth, but the Longhaired variety is very glamorous, with a coat similar to a Setter, with feathering and tail flag. The Wirehaired Dachshunds coat resembles a rough-coated terriers. Dachshunds come in many colours, the most usual being red, brown and black, with or without tan markings.
Personality: The Greyhound is a quiet, unassuming and gentle dog. It is very laid-back and is tolerant of strangers and children. It is a loyal and loving companion to its owners and should be taken in as one of the family.
Favourite activities: Despite its racing dog image, this pooch loves nothing better than whiling away the hours in comfort. In fact, “couch potato” is the Greyhound’s middle name! It will enjoy an outing once a day and is then satisfied to stay home and relax.
Backyard requirements: Because the Greyhound was bred to hunt and is part of the sighthound group of dogs (pursuing prey by sight rather than scent), it is important you have a securely fenced yard to prevent your dog from escaping to chase something that catches its eye. Because this pooch needs less exercise than you think, it’s not imperative that it has a large backyard in which to run around.
Watchdog qualities: The Greyhound is not known for its watch-dog qualities but will alert the family to strangers. Although it is a generally friendly dog, it will be aloof with those it does not know.
Inherited diseases: Most Greyhounds are healthy and free of the inherited diseases many other breeds suffer from. Dogs taken from the Greyhound Adoption Program are normally very healthy as racing dogs are usually kept in optimum condition.
Despite being the fastest dog on earth, the affable Greyhound likes nothing more than spending the day relaxing, surrounded by family and friends.
The gentle Greyhound has to be the most misunderstood of all breeds. With its racing track image and muzzled appearance, it comes across as a tough working dog born and bred for the track alone, a breed that does not fall into the category of pet or household companion. In fact, this assumption couldn’t be more wrong. Ask any Greyhound enthusiast who has taken one of these amazing dogs into their lives and you’ll hear stories of coach potatoes, gentle strolls around the neighbourhood and cherished companionship.
The Greyhound is one of the oldest breeds and has appeared in art and literature dating back thousands of years. They were especially popular with the ancient Egyptians and were often mummified and buried with their owners. It was in the desert areas of North Africa and the Middle East where the Greyhound was developed as a sight hunter, the breed being especially trained for increased speed.
The Greyhound went on to become popular with the aristocracy in many countries, where they were used for sport hunting, notably chasing hares in the English sport of coursing. This eventually gave rise to Greyhound racing, which placed the Greyhound firmly in the domain of the general populace and not only the aristocracy.
While Greyhound racing is still very popular in many countries (since the 1920s Greyhound racing has taken place on a circular track using an artificial lure), the intriguing Greyhound is slowly making its mark outside of the gaming industry and becoming accepted as a great household pet.
Greyhounds are superb sprinters – the fastest of all dogs and able to sprint up to 65km/h – but their endurance level is low and after sprinting, they will want nothing more than to relax for the rest of the day. According to the experts, the Greyhound needs less daily exercise than a working dog, perhaps only 15 to 20 minutes a day.
As with all dogs, young Greyhounds should be socialised to ensure they get on well with other dogs. However, because many Greyhounds will have come from the racing environment, they are usually well socialised as they would have spent most of their time in kennels around the other racing dogs.
Being a sighthound, the Greyhound will run after anything which catches its eye, so ensure you have a well-fenced yard to prevent your inquisitive hound from trying to escape. You should also exercise your pooch on lead.
If it’s an easy-care dog you’re after, you couldn’t do better than this breed. The Greyhound is known to many as the “drip-dry” dog because after a bath it can go for a short walk and be dry in no time. The Greyhound coat does not shed a lot so it’s ideal for those who don’t like hair around the house.
Many ex-racing Greyhounds will be used to living around other dogs and having constant company, so if you’re looking for a backyard dog, avoid this breed. Like most dogs, the Greyhound is very much a pack animal and although it will not object to staying outside while you are away from the house, it will want to be with you and the family when you return home. And according to the experts, if you welcome this breed into your home and life, you will be rewarded with a great and loyal companion.
Daily: The Greyhound is one of the cleanest dogs, almost cat-like in its fastidiousness. It is also an extremely easy-care breed and needs very little maintenance. Ensure it is fed an adequate diet and has fresh water daily. Due to its short coat, the Greyhound feels the cold more than other dogs so it must be kept warm in cold weather. It is very much a pack dog and enjoys being inside with the family when everyone is home.
Weekly: A quick brush with a hound glove once a week will get rid of any dead hairs. Provide bones to keep teeth clean. Check ears and eyes and make sure they are clean.
Monthly: Heartworm and flea treatments. Check if toe nails need clipping.
Other: Three-monthly gastro-intestinal worming, regular vaccinations. Bath once in six weeks or when necessary. Because of its short coat, the Greyhound dries very quickly, referred to by some as the “drip-dry” dog.
Grooming: Little grooming required
Exercise: Medium-high (they require daily exercise)
Size: Average
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Originating in Africa, the Basenji is an ancient breed and has changed little over thousands of years. Dating back to the pharaohs and as far back as 4000BC, the Basenji is still highly prized by the natives in Southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo for its intelligence and courage in pointing, retrieving and flushing game.
The Basenji is extremely affectionate and loyal, a fact corroborated by someone who knows the Basenji all too well, breeder and enthusiast Doreen Duffin. The Basenji is extremely intelligent, independent, alert and affectionate to those he knows and loves. They adore to be with you, being part of the family and think beds are made just for them, Duffin said.
The Basenji is also known as the Barkless Dog, she told Dogs Life. They are certainly not mute, being capable of all other doggy noises plus a delightful yodel or chortle when happy. They can be very vocal, she said. Basenjis have a great sense of humour and will join in any game going. Even when they are old, they will still play. We currently have one almost 16 years old and she will join in a game with the others, although she doesn’t have the energy to keep up with them for long.
A child-friendly dog
These dogs get along wonderfully with children and other animals, but early socialisation is a must. As with all breeds, children should be supervised.
Despite its barkless traits, the Basenji makes a good watchdog. Even though the Basenji cannot bark like other dogs, their hearing and scenting powers will alert them to strangers approaching long before domesticated dogs are even aware of anyone there. When someone comes to the door, they will madly rush around from door to window with hackles up before you even hear the doorbell ring, Duffin said. If he senses danger he will give a growl so loud and prolonged one would expect to hear it emanate from a Mastiff rather than a dog that only stands 17 inches high.
This breed loves human companionship and does not adapt well to solitary life in a backyard. A good, safe, high fence is required. A very large backyard is not necessary and many Basenjis live happily in units provided they can have daily walks, she said. They will have as much exercise as you care to give them and if they can have off-lead exercise, that is great.
Duffin recommends keeping your Basenji on a lead if out and about due to their scent and sight instincts, as they are known not to have good road sense. They love to romp and can keep going for hours, although they are also more than happy to just sit by your side and sleep quietly.
Basenjis hate being the only dog. They can be a bit of a problem by howling and crying when left alone all day. We always recommend having company for a Basenji, either another Basenji or another breed, but always one of either sex. In the native villages they are a part of village life so have always had companionship, Duffin said.
Great in agility
The Basenji is extremely intelligent and responds well to training, but can be stubborn at times.
Because of their independent nature, they are not particularly easy to train but are trainable, especially if you can think the way the dog thinks, she said. Their extreme intelligence permits them to work things out for themselves and they are very good at that. Many Basenjis around the world have obedience and agility titles.
The Basenjis coat is relatively easy to look after; their short coat takes a minimum amount of brushing and sheds little to no hair, making them perfect for people with allergies. He is a remarkably clean dog and hates being dirty. He will lick himself and his kennelmates clean in no time and he has no doggy odour, Duffin said.
The Basenji is quite a healthy breed and has few hereditary diseases, howe’ver Fanconi Syndrome can appear in this breed. This syndrome is when the renal tubes of the kidney begin to fail to do their job of reabsorbing nutrients, resulting in the loss of multiple vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and bicarbonates, Duffin said.
Scientists in the USA have now isolated the gene and are very hopeful of finding the inheritance mode and a cure within the near future. Fanconi Syndrome is very rare in Australia, with only three to four cases diagnosed. Purchasing your pup from a registered breeder will help eliminate these problems.
Although the lifespan of this loving breed ranges from 12 to 16 years, it is not unheard of to see Basenjis reaching 19 years. If you have the time and dedication to allow one of these admirable dogs into your home, you will be blessed with an extremely loving and intelligent companion for life.
For more information
The Basenji Club of Victoria: www.basenjiclubvic.org
The Basenji Club of NSW: www.basenjiclubnsw.org
The Basenji Hound Association of Queensland: www.bhaq.org.au
Basenji Club of WA: Mrs Y Morant (08) 9386 4564 or email morant&4u.com.au
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