The breed was originally developed as a scent hound in South Africa to track a variety of game. When the breed was taken to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) it was used largely for tracking lions, fast on the scent, athletic in tracking and courageous in holding the lions at bay until the hunters arrived. The breed takes its name from a ridge of hair growing in the reverse direction along its spine. His ancestry is linked to the ancient dogs of the Khoikhoi People which possessed this same feature. Canine folklore suggested that a well-marked ridge was a sign of courage.

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This is  large breed who requires a lot of exercise. Ridgebacks have a short coat that require minimal grooming