Rhodesian, << roh DEE zhuhn, >> ridgeback is a large hound that originated in southern Africa. It is also called the African lion hound because it was bred to find and hold off lions so that hunters could get a good shot at their prey. The dog has a ridge of hair on the back that grows in a direction opposite to the rest of the coat. The coat has a light to reddish-wheatlike color. The ridgeback stands 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 centimeters) high at the shoulder. It makes an excellent watchdog and is good with children.
