American Bull Ridgeback

		American Bull Ridgeback
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as			Bull Ridgeback

Initially developed by crossing the Rhodesian Ridgeback with the English Bullterrier in South Africa for hunting purposes, the breed now known as the American Bull Ridgeback was created by crossing these bandogs imported from Africa with American Bulldogs in the late 1980s. Recognized by enthusiasts as the "Classic American" variety of the breed, with the American Pit Bull Terrier lineage is considered to form the "Basic American" type, which is becoming increasingly popular. Some English Bullterriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Zulubulls were introduced to Africa in the 1990s, making the breed more aggressive, but also more tenacious and agile. Some South African lines have also been influenced by the Boerboel, creating greater variety within the country's Bull Ridgeback population. Most modern American lines are based on the 1st generation RR / APBT or RR / AB recipe, as well as crosses between these lines, and have a more bulldogge-esque appearance than Bull Ridgebacks in Africa and Europe. Being essentially a specialized bandogge, this rare working dog is not officially recognized as a breed in the traditional sense, although it is becoming moderately popular in the USA, particularly in the southern regions of the country, where it is used for hunting.

Muscular and athletic, the Bull Ridgeback could have a future in dog sports like agility, but because of its territorial and confrontational temperament, this charming headband is best suited to life on the farm. Only dogs with the branded crest on their back are bred to reinforce the trait. Some specimens are lean and tall, while others are quite "intimidating", resembling larger Pit Bulls. The head is broad and wide, with a strong muzzle and well-developed jaws.

The nose can be black, brown or pink. The ears can be cultivated or left natural, the tail is usually docked and the short, dense coat is preferred in yellow-lion tones, although other colorings exist, including various bicolors. The average size is around 25 inches, but smaller examples can also be found.