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Ridgebacks
The Rhodesian Ridgeback 
is one of the most loyal dog breeds and is very distinct, as you will notice with the ridge of hair running down the spine.
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The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is one of the dog breeds that is said to have a typical temperament. They are strong, canny, brave, and very independent...
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The Rhodesian Ridgeback
A long time ago, after the first Caucasians ventured to south Africa, they quickly learned that dogs of the Ridgeback variety were being used to assist in the hunting process. The breed is very distinct, as you will notice with the ridge of hair running down the spine. The hair on the ridge is also running in the opposite direction of the rest of the coat. South Africa really began to hunt more and more, and in the 19th century it was plentiful. The hunting in the area of the Limpopo River really flourished, and later that are became known as Rhodesia. It was named that after Cecil John Rhodes, the founder. 
Naturally, the dogs became quite popular to hunters in a hurry. These hunters realized that they needed a dog that could trust to bring with them. They knew they could count on a dog that has already proven itself to the locals time and again during battles and things of that nature. No one is completely sure what the breed origin is. Most people have accepted the conclusion that it is a mix between a Hottentot Hunting Dog and a Cuban Bloodhound. The Hottentot part of the mix is the part that provides the ridge that makes this dog such a recognizable breed. 
The breed was originally used when hunters (another popular hunting dog is the English Setter) would go on their hunts for lions. They even got the nickname of lion dog. They would be able to use their speed and courage to keep the lions occupied long enough for the hunter to get a shot off. It was widely rumored that the dogs got their name because they killed several lions, but as we all well know, a lion would win that fight any day of the week. Long range rifles were born and the dog had to come up with something else to be useful for. The Ridgeback was considered a guard dog after that. 
Indigenous to south Africa, this breed is traceable all of the way back to the early settlers of the Cape Colony in south Africa. These early settlers crossed bred their dogs with the hunting dogs that were native to the area. Shortly thereafter, the breed was distinguished and people took to them very well.
As stated previously, one of the dominant features that you are going to notice right away in the Ridgeback is the patch of hair that runs parallel to the spine. It runs backwards when compared to the rest of the hair on the coat. You will notice that it runs from the shoulders all of the way down to the hips.