Roadie's Got Angel Wings...

Me a good puppy - even without a ridge!

November 2010:  Does Roadie look a little concerned?  We were all a bit concerned after finding out about the breeder practice of culling out ridgeless Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies.  This practice may have had something to do with how Roadie ended up in such dire straits on the roadway when we rescued him.  Perhaps he was rejected by a breeder for not having a ridge on his back?  Perhaps the breeder did not want to kill him, so they left him to fend for himself?  For someone wanting a family pet, the absence of the ridge shouldn't matter, not to the point of ending the life of an otherwise healthy puppy!  The ridgeless pups still have other great characteristics of this breed and can grow into amazingly loving and loyal pets.  Having a ridgeless pup spayed or neutered would certainly be more humane option!  For more info. on Rhodesian Ridgebacks in general, see the links at the end of this post...



Roadie showing off his angel wings.

Light-colored "angel wings" on Roadie's shoulders...

Ridgeless Rhodesians may have some interesting traits as well.  Many have lighter-colored patches of fur over their shoulder blade area.  These patches have been referred to as "angel wings" by some ridgeless owners.  In a ridged dog, this area is usually where the "crowns" and ridge begins down the back. Perhaps the lighter patches of the ridgeless dogs are called "angel wings" because the absence of the ridge gives them a better chance of a healthy life, without the problems caused from developing dermoid sinus...

The dark streak down Roadie's back tapers to his tail.

A line of darker-colored fur may also appear down the back of a ridgeless.  Roadie's darker streak tapers down to his tail, and his black-tipped tail has the appearance of having been dipped in ink.

To find out more about Rhodesian Ridgebacks check out these pages:

Wikipedia - Rhodesian Ridgeback page
Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
AKC - Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
Animal Planet Video Page - Dogs 101:  Rhodesian Ridgeback
(There may be a few second delay for advertising while the video loads)
PuppyDogWeb - Rhodesian Ridgeback Photos
Rhodesian Ridgeback Photo Community