Definition

Noun: A breed of large, muscular dog originally developed in Southern Africa for hunting, particularly known for the distinctive ridge of hair along its back that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat.

Usage

The term "Rhodesian Ridgeback" is a proper noun used as the specific name for this dog breed. It is always capitalized. - It functions as a countable noun (e.g., a Rhodesian Ridgeback, two Rhodesian Ridgebacks). - It is typically used to identify the breed of a specific dog or to discuss the breed in general.

Examples

• As a subject:
• As an object:
• With a possessive:

Advanced Usage

• The breed is sometimes informally called a "Ridgeback," though this can refer to other ridge-backed breeds like the Thai Ridgeback. For clarity, the full name "Rhodesian Ridgeback" is preferred.
• In historical context, they were known as "African Lion Hounds" due to their use in hunting lions, where they would track and corner the game.

Variants and Related Words

• Ridgeback (n): A shortened, informal name for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. (e.g., )
• Ridge (n): In this context, specifically refers to the line of reversed hair on the dog's spine, which is the breed's hallmark feature.

Synonyms

• African Lion Hound (n): An older, descriptive name for the breed, highlighting its historical hunting function.
• There are no true synonyms for this specific breed name, as it is a proper noun identifying a distinct breed.

Related Idioms or Phrases

There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically derived from the term "Rhodesian Ridgeback."

Noun

1. a powerful short-haired African hunting dog having a crest of reversed hair along the spine