Rhodesian Ridgebacks origin is Southern Africa. They are also called African lion hounds or South African hound dogs. 

Rhodesian Ridgeback roots can be traced to the semi-domesticated ridged hunting and guardian dogs of the Khoikhoi. These dogs were interbred with European dogs (Greyhounds, Mastiffs, Great Danes and Bloodhounds) by the early colonists of the Cape Colony for assisting in the hunting of lions.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is presently the only registered breed indigenous to southern Africa. Its forbears can be traced to the Cape Colony of Southern Africa, where they crossed with the early pioneer’s dogs and the semi- domesticated, ridged Hottentot hunting dogs. Hunting mainly in groups of two or three, the original function of the Rhodesian Ridgeback or Lion dog was to track game, especially lion, and, with great agility, keep it at bay until the arrival of the hunter.

FEDERATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE FCI

Standard N° 146