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Glite Dictionary
Rhodesian ridgeback

Rhodesian ridgeback

9.3
A large hunting dog from Africa with a line of hair along its back
  • noun
  • /roʊˈdiːʒən ˈrɪdʒbæk/
translation icon : perro de caza de Rhodesia
  • The Rhodesian ridgeback is known for its strong hunting instincts and a distinctive ridge of hair along its back.

And shout out to Dulce, our beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Examples

  • Many families love their Rhodesian ridgebacks for their loyalty.

  • The hunter relied on his Rhodesian ridgeback to help track game in the African bush.

  • A Rhodesian ridgeback can be an excellent companion for active families.

  • The Rhodesian ridgeback is known for its loyalty and distinctive ridged spine.

  • The Rhodesian ridgeback is known for its strength.

  • Many families choose a Rhodesian ridgeback for its loyalty and protective nature.

  • When we went hiking, our Rhodesian ridgeback kept a watchful eye on the trail.

Surface Forms

Rhodesian ridgeback singular
Rhodesian ridgebacks plural

Morphology

Rhodesian + ridgeback

The compound is directly compositional: 'Rhodesian' specifies origin (from Rhodesia) and 'ridgeback' transparently describes an animal with a ridge on its back (ridge + back). This is a descriptive breed name rather than an idiom, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent meanings can infer it refers to a dog breed with a distinctive ridge of hair along its back.

Etymology

Rhodesian ridgeback comes from dogs first bred 'in Rhodesia' and from the narrow ridge of fur along the back that grows the opposite way to the rest of the coat. Because hunters there wanted dogs with that clear 'ridge', the name now means a strong hunting dog known for the strip of hair on its back.