Is my dog a Ridgeback mix, or a ridgeless Ridgeback?
A. If your dog has a ridge, the likelihood is that he is part Ridgeback. Ridges do not “grow in” a dog either has a ridge at birth, or does not. The ridge does not change at birth, except to grow proportionately along with the dog. Ridges do not “come and go,” either: If your dog has a ridge, it will be very distinct. Different color fur along the backline is not the same as a ridge. Neither is hair that rises and lies flat periodically this is more likely the dog raising his hackles when excited or upset. Some shelters have found that labeling a dog a “Ridgeback mix” makes him more “exotic”-sounding to prospective adopters. Many such dogs, however, are often pitbull mixes, especially if they lack a ridge. Because of how ridge genetics work, some purebred Ridgebacks are born without the backward-growing stripe of hair that gives the breed its name. A well-bred ridgeless Rhodesian Ridgeback is often easy for an experienced breeder or rescue volunteer to identify. But in most cases, pare
