In November, 1955 the AKC admitted the Rhodesian Ridgeback to
its Stud Book as the 112th breed. This breed is listed in the
Hound Group. This breed has increased in recognition throughout
the United States. The Ridgeback has excellent sight and an
excellent nose. They are quiet, of a gentle temperment and
rarely barks for no reason. They love lazing around in the hot
summer sun or in a sleeping bag in the winter. A Ridgeback can
be instantly alert if a stranger should appear or if he is in
pursuit of prey. He gives that impression of a big, lazy lap
dog, slow-moving animal (walks just like a lion). They are an
excellent presence as a watchdog. They are not only developed to
hunt, but also as an excellent family protector, his/her very
affectionate disposition makes him/her an extremely trustworthy
companion for children of all ages.  When European Boer settlers
arrived in South Africa in the sixteenth and seventeenth
centuries, they brought with them such breeds as the Mastiff,
Great Dane, Bloodhound, Pointer