My best guess is that a lab would be a close approximation to a Golden Retriever.
However, I have my heart set on owning one or two Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs. My dog who recently died was a Ridgeback. The breed is *outstanding*, but not very well known. They are an active lot, so a backyard is essential. They're loyal, protective, good with the family and very intelligent. Because they are so strong and so smart, they do need a sharp owner to train them well.
Here's what they look like (thank you to Emoyeni's Kennel and the Association of Rhodesian Ridgeback Fanciers for the terrific photos):
Close up!
Full shot
Check out the ridge!
Also, here is some information on the Rhodesian Ridgeback courtesy of yahoo! and the AKC.
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General Appearance
The Ridgeback represents a strong, muscular and active dog, symmetrical and balanced in outline. A mature Ridgeback is a handsome, upstanding and athletic dog, capable of great endurance with a fair (good) amount of speed. Of even, dignified temperament, the Ridgeback is devoted and affectionate to his master, reserved with strangers. The peculiarity of this breed is the ridge on the back. The ridge must be regarded as the characteristic feature of the breed.
Owning
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of dog able to retrieve, track, hunt game, and protect property. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are remarkably clean dogs. They are easy to keep as they are rarely noisy or quarrelsome, unless provoked. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is not the dog for everyone; he needs an owner who will invest the time it takes to build a bond of trust.
Characteristics
A mature Ridgeback should be symmetrical in outline, slightly longer than all but well balanced. Dogs--25 to 27 inches in height; Bitches--24 to 26 inches in height. Desirable weight: Dogs--85 pounds; Bitches--70 pounds. The hallmark of this breed is the ridge on the back which is formed by the air growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. The ridge must be regarded as the characteristic feature of the breed. The ridge should be clearly defined, tapering and symmetrical. It should start immediately behind the shoulders and continue to a point between the prominence of the hips and should contain two identical crowns (whorls) directly opposite each other. The lower edge of the crowns (whorls) should not extend further down the ridge than one third of the ridge.
Temperament
Dignified and even tempered. Reserved with strangers.
Did You Know
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, muscular dog originally bred in South Africa to hunt lions. It is also known as the African lion hound. The peculiarity of this breed is the ridge of hair which grows forward on his back. In 1922, a group of Rhodesian breeders set up a standard for Ridgebacks which has remained virtually unchanged ever since. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was admitted to registry by the AKC in 1955.
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I know, I know, I'm being a bit overzealous. But I hafta tell you I LOVE THESE DOGS!!
.....Kelly
