Performance

The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s heritage makes this breed one versatile breed,
able to work all day or lay around in front of the fireplace.

Lure Coursing…

is probably one of the most enjoyable competitions for our
Ridgebacks. As a Sighthound, giving them the opportunity to basically do
what they were bred to do is what lure coursing gives them. Lure
coursing is best described as a motor that pulls a line, which has a
white trash bag tied to it, around pullies that are at ground level in
order to give the appearance of a rabbit chase. The course is usually
300 – 900 yards from beginning to end. The American Sighthound Field
Association and The American Kennel Club regulate the competition for
titles.

Agility…

is a more difficult sport for Ridgebacks, not that they can’t do
it, but rather they don’t like being told what to do! On the rare
occasion, we do have exceptional agility Ridgebacks and they are
celebrated in the Ridgeback community. Agility can best be described as
a timed agility course with obstacles such as tunnels, ‘A’ frames, jumps
and weave polls that the owner/handler must negotiate with their dog.

Obedience and Rally Obedience…

are similar in that the Rhodesian
Ridgeback and owner follow a course of commands rather that obstacles in
the early stage of competition. Obstacles are added to the course in the
more advance classes. As noted in the agility description, Ridgebacks
aren’t known for their willingness to obey without question, after all
there were no hunters around when hot on the trail. Ridgebacks are best
known for their independant thought process.

Tracking and herding…

are not something Rhodesian Ridgebacks can
title in officially.
They can do it though
(see temperament), both abilities are naturally occurring in this breed.
Ridgebacks where created to track or hunt down large game and keep it
at bay by herding it into a corner until the owner arrived.