There are litters in which Rhodesian Ridgebacks are born without a ridge on their backs. This ridge on the back originally occurred as a mutation and then developed into a breed-specific trait. A genetic test has been developed that can determine the predisposition to inheriting the ridge. In my opinion, a Rhodesian Ridgeback without a ridge is just as perfect as a dog with a ridge. 

The ridge on the back doesn't define the dog's beauty and balance.

The Dermoid Sinus (DS)

The dermoid sinus is a skin canal that can lead to the spinal cord. DS is congenital and genetic. If this skin strand is not surgically removed, bacteria can eventually travel through this strand to the spinal cord, inevitably leading to the death of the animal. Whether the ridge on the back can be linked to DS is not conclusively established, but there is a high predisposition, as scientific studies have shown. Litters in which DS occurs frequently occur. By palpating the skin folds, DS can be detected early, so that a puppy with DS can be operated on as early as 4 weeks of age. A life for this dog is guaranteed after surgery. Rhodesian Ridgebacks born with DS may not be used for breeding.

Before a dog is used for breeding, all possible health and genetic examinations are performed. I also perform additional checks beyond the required ones. Genetic testing can be helpful in breeding, for example, to ensure that dogs with certain carrier traits are only bred with dogs that are carrier-free. Of course, the classic examinations, such as ensuring healthy joints (HD, ED, OCD), are also performed.

"Most dogs have 7 cervical vertebrae, 13 thoracic vertebrae, 7 lumbar vertebrae, 3 sacral vertebrae, and approximately 20 caudal vertebrae. The sacral vertebrae, in turn, are fused together to form the sacrum and are in contact with the pelvis. Vertebrae that lie at the junction between two sections are called transitional vertebrae."

The LTV is classified into three or more types. Type 1: without clinical relevance. Types 2 and 3: Possible causes of HD or similar diseases.

"Dogs with the hereditary disease Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) suffer from sudden, involuntary muscle twitches (myoclonus), which occur particularly while at rest. Although these episodes are brief (less than a second), they often occur in series and vary greatly in severity. Many dogs appear confused and anxious during and shortly after these episodes. The seizures occur daily in over 85% of cases. The first symptoms of JME appear early—typically around 6 months of age. As the disease progresses, some dogs experience typical epileptic seizures. Treatment with antiepileptic drugs can lead to improvement," according to LaboGen (Laboratory for Genetics in Dogs and Cats).