Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed Quiz

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Question of
The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in
- Scotland
- Africa
- Egypt
- Pakistan
Question of
Where did the Rhodesian Ridgeback rank in aggression toward their owners out of 124 breeds, according to the C-BARQ study?
- 80
- 121
- 62
- 44
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> In the same C-BARQ study from the University of Pennsylvania, the Rhodesian Ridgeback ranked very low—121st out of 124 breeds—in aggression toward their owners. That means they're not prone to growling or getting agitated if you take their toy, step over them, or play rough with them. This is a loyal breed that forms a deep bond with their humans and makes a great family protector. So while they may be reserved with strangers, Ridgebacks are exceptionally gentle and tolerant with the people they love. </div>
Question of
Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred to hunt and keep lions at bay until the hunters arrived.
- TRUE
- FALSE
Question of
In genetic research on modern dog breed development, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has shown the most common DNA with an ancestor of which of the following breeds?
- Doberman Pinscher
- Great Dane
- Basenji
- Saluki
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> In a Landmark Genomic Analyses of modern dog breed development, the Rhodesian Ridgeback shares the most DNA from a common ancestor with the following breeds: Great Dane Boerboel Airedale Terrier </div>
Question of
As timed by the AKC in Fast Cat running trials, what is the average running speed of Ridgebacks?
- 25 mph
- 22.3 mph
- 20.89 mph
- 28.8 mph
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> In the 100 yard sprint conducted by the American Kennel Club each December in Orlando, FL, called the FastCat, the average running speed of Rhodesian Ridgebacks was a little over 25 mph. The fastest speed recorded was by a dog named FC Mwen-yezi's Single Malt Scotch at 33.37 mph! </div>
Question of
According to the book, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, by Stanley Coren, where does the Ridgeback rank in working/obedience intelligence?
- 52
- 29
- 40
- 67
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> According to research on canine intelligence by professor Stanley Coren in his ground-breaking book, "The Intelligence of Dogs" the Ridgeback ranks 52nd out of 130 dog breeds. Essentially, this means they will learn new commands between 25 to 40 repetitions. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn and follow new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions and the least intelligent breeds will require 80-100 repetitions </div>
Question of
Where did the Rhodesian Ridgeback rank in prey drive out of 124 breeds, according to the C-BARQ study?
- 13
- 24
- 37
- 50
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> In the C-BARQ study from the University of Pennsylvania, the Rhodesian Ridgeback ranked high—24th out of 124 breeds—in prey drive, meaning they're very likely to chase other animals like cats, chickens, and squirrels. Is that a surprise? Not at all—Ridgebacks are athletic dogs bred to hunt, so they're natural-born hunters. That's why owners should always keep them on a leash or in a secure area when outside, or they might take off after perceived prey. Many Ridgebacks also love to dig, so a fence they can't dig under or leap over is essential! </div>
Question of
What is the name of a congenital skin defect that effects this breed?
- Dermoid Sinus
- Alopecia
- Seborrhea
- Folliculitis
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> The congenital skin defect that frequently affects Rhodesian Ridgebacks is called a dermoid sinus. It's a tube-like tract or cyst in the skin that forms when the skin and nervous system fail to separate completely during embryonic development. It's usually found along the dorsal midline (the spine or back), near the neck or tail. The condition is genetically linked to the same gene duplication that creates the breed's signature hair ridge. The tube can trap hair and debris, leading to painful infections, abscesses, or deep neurological issues if it reaches the spinal cord. Treatment is usually surgical removal. </div>
Question of
Where did the Rhodesian Ridgeback rank in excitability/hyperness out of 124 breeds, according to the C-BARQ study?
- 117
- 101
- 89
- 72
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> In the C-BARQ study from the University of Pennsylvania—which has studied over 60,000 dogs—the Rhodesian Ridgeback ranked 117th out of 124 breeds in excitability/hyperness. That's one of the lowest rankings, meaning Ridgebacks are not a hyper breed. In contrast, hyper breeds get aroused at trivial events and have a hard time settling down after excitement. Ridgebacks, on the other hand, tend to stay calm and level-headed—which fits their history as steady, independent hunting dogs. </div>
Question of
A Ridgeback with a brown (livernose) does not meet breed standard and cannot be registered by the AKC.
- TRUE
- FALSE
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> A Rhodesian Ridgeback with a brown or liver nose completely meets the breed standard and is fully eligible for AKC registration. The standard specifically states that the nose should be "black, brown or liver, in keeping with the color of the dog." While black-nosed Ridgebacks are more common, the livernose is a recognized genetic variant—not a fault. According to the official AKC Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Standard, only black, brown, or liver noses are permissible. </div>
Question of
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are resistant to ticks and other insect bites.
- TRUE
- FALSE
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not resistant or immune to ticks and insect bites—that's a myth. Some people believe their short coat or historical toughness makes them immune to bugs, but the reality is that Ridgebacks get bitten by mosquitoes, black flies, and deer flies just like any other dog. They're also fully susceptible to fleas, ticks, and tick-borne illnesses (like anaplasmosis), as well as heartworms spread by mosquitoes. So regular flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is just as important for Ridgebacks as for any other breed. </div>
Question of
About 10% of Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies are born without ridges. If you mate two ridgeless dogs, ALL of their puppies will be born without ridges.
- TRUE
- FALSE
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> The ridge trait follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern—meaning a dog only needs one copy of the ridge gene to have a ridge. A completely ridgeless dog is homozygous recessive, carrying two copies of the "no ridge" gene (r/r). When you breed two ridgeless dogs together (r/r Ã— r/r), neither parent has a dominant ridge gene to pass down. So mathematically, 100% of the puppies will be born without ridges. </div>

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Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed Quiz

The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in

Where did the Rhodesian Ridgeback rank in aggression toward their owners out of 124 breeds, according to the C-BARQ study?

Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred to hunt and keep lions at bay until the hunters arrived.

In genetic research on modern dog breed development, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has shown the most common DNA with an ancestor of which of the following breeds?

As timed by the AKC in Fast Cat running trials, what is the average running speed of Ridgebacks?

According to the book, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, by Stanley Coren, where does the Ridgeback rank in working/obedience intelligence?

Where did the Rhodesian Ridgeback rank in prey drive out of 124 breeds, according to the C-BARQ study?

What is the name of a congenital skin defect that effects this breed?

Where did the Rhodesian Ridgeback rank in excitability/hyperness out of 124 breeds, according to the C-BARQ study?

A Ridgeback with a brown (livernose) does not meet breed standard and cannot be registered by the AKC.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are resistant to ticks and other insect bites.

About 10% of Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies are born without ridges. If you mate two ridgeless dogs, ALL of their puppies will be born without ridges.

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