Rhodesian ridgeback

Breed of large dog developed by European settlers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) to pursue and hold at bay lions and other big game. Bred partly from European gundogs and mastiffs, it has the distinguishing feature of a ridge of hair that runs back up its spine towards the shoulders. It has a strong build, stands up to 69 cm/27 in tall, and has a smooth red-gold or honey-coloured coat.