Rhodesian Bernard

Dog Breed Profile

Rhodesian Bernard History

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a South African working and herding breed of domestic dog. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a medium to large-sized muscular hound with a distinctive ridge of hair running along its spine and down its neck and back. The first recorded use of the name “Rhodesian” in reference to this animal is in 1895. The ridge is the result of a mutation of the gene for merle coat color in the recessive black/tan (B/T) variety. The ridge is more prominent in some sub-types of the breed than others, such as the rough-coated, which is typically completely coated. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is descended from a pack of African hounds brought to the Cape Colony by Dutch settlers in the 17th century. The dogs had great usefulness as hunters of big game such as lion and elephant, and their thick coats helped them to survive the cold winters in the Cape. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was introduced to the United States in 1938, where it was crossed with Bull Terriers for show purposes. The popularity of the hybrid led to the creation of the new American Kennel Club (AKC) breed called the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Time of Origin

Unknown

Country of Origin

Unknown

Ancestry

Rhodesian Ridgeback, Saint Bernard

Rhodesian Bernard Physical Characteristics

The Rhodesian Boerboel is a large, medium-to-large sized breed of working Dog. They are similar in appearance to the Old English Mastiff, but smaller.

Eye Colors

Brown, Amber

Nose Colors

Black, Brown

Coat Colors

Red, Fawn, Black, Brindle

Height Range

Male Height Range: 26 – 29 inches

Female Height Range: 25 – 27 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 110 – 130 lbs

Female Weight Range: 90 – 105 lbs

Rhodesian Bernard Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

6-12 yrs

Rhodesian Bernard Health Concerns

Distichiasis, Gastric Torsion, Elbow Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia, Dermoid Sinus, Heart Conditions, Wobbler’s Syndrome, Entropion, Deafness, Cataracts, Pyotraumatic Dermatitis, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Degenerative Myelopathy

Rhodesian Bernard Temperament and Behaviour

The Rhodesian Bernard is a large, confident and outgoing breed of dog that loves to be around people. They are very intelligent and can learn quickly, so they are easy to train. They have a natural hunting instinct and are likely to chase small animals, so they are not recommended for homes with cats. They are sweet, gentle and good-natured, but can sometimes be stubborn.

Rhodesian Bernard Activity Requirements

The Rhodesian Bernard is a small, sensitive, and gentle dog. They are generally quiet, calm, and passive, but they can be lively and playful when the mood strikes them. While they do not need a ton of exercise, they do require daily walks. These do not need to be long, brisk runs, but they should be regular in order to keep their spirits and bodies healthy.