Dingus All Business on Last Hike

HighDesertWalker

HighDesertWalker

Joined
Mar 11, 2008
Messages
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I returned to one of my Rio Grande Canyon hikes (blue dot trail) yesterday for a workout and something was different. Maybe there was an unfamiliar animal in the area. I could not sense anything different, but my Rhodesian Ridgeback was on high alert the whole time.

During the initial descent he spotted a team from the fire department practicing rapelling:

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They came into view for me a little farther down the trail. Here's a telephoto pic:

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Here is Dingus on his favorite observation rock surveying the switchbacks below. I've never seen him so serious:

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Ridgebacks hunt by sight and scent. I suspect he detected the presense of a cougar, which are common in these rocky canyons. Most of our bear are at higher elevations, and we sight coyote all the time. Could have been a bobcat. There was definitely something different in the area. Good to have along such an alert companion. :thumbup: As usual, I had my CCW in my hip pocket.

Dingus remained alert for the duration of the hike:

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What a bitchin looking K9 unit.. Ridgebacks are awesome dogs! If ya dont mind me asking what does a decent RR pup cost?
 
That is a beautiful dog! Are Ridgebacks becoming more popular or am I just being awakened to their breed?
 
that is one solid good looking dog. I use to have a doberman years ago, and he also was a good companion to have on a hike.
 
Trace Rinaldi said:
What a bitchin looking K9 unit.. Ridgebacks are awesome dogs! If ya dont mind me asking what does a decent RR pup cost?
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They start at around $600 and can go up to a couple thousand depending on pedigree. I bought Dingus from a breeder in NE Oklahoma. His background appealed to me because his mama was a coursing champion, and I wanted a dog with good athleticism that could hunt. Dingus weighs over 90 lb and can cover 100 yds of rough, boulder, blowdown and cactus strewn terrain in the blink of an eye. He's been raised in my home and is a great companion and watch/guard dog as well as a hiking buddy.
 
Thanks man.. When I move to Id. I will be getting a new dog for myself. Ridgeback, or Rott. Im thinking. We have an American Bull/ Rott mix that looks almost exactly like your dog. She is close to 150Lbs. I have always heard amazing stories about Ridgebacks, and if I can find a good one that may be my next dog.;-)
 
Great pics and I know I have said it when you have posted before but that's a great looking dog you have there !!!
 
Thanks folks. Here's a few more pics.

Dingus showing Karen a little affection as she plays with her Bassett:

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The dogs are allowed on the blanketed portion of the sofa.

Here's a younger dingus playing with his stuffed rabbit. "What's that in the bushes? Better check".

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"Got him. My vewry first wabbit."

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"Guess this will have to do 'til we get back out in the great outdoors."

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Dingus is obviously a character, and his name, which is meant affectionately, fits him well. Dingus is South African slang for "whatchamacallit".
 
Trace Rinaldi said:
Great pics!! He looks like a really fun dog... How long will he fit in that Dogloo though?;-)
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He doesn't fit, but Crumpet the Bassett does. That's a two layer Dogloo with a smaller one inside. Crumpet only uses it as a temporary shelter while waiting to be let back in again. Both dogs essentially live indoors. Dingus is the only dog I've ever had that actually sits on the sofa and watches television with us. He doesn't get it all, but he's very interested. :p
 
Trace Rinaldi said:
Thanks man.. When I move to Id. I will be getting a new dog for myself. Ridgeback, or Rott. Im thinking. We have an American Bull/ Rott mix that looks almost exactly like your dog. She is close to 150Lbs. I have always heard amazing stories about Ridgebacks, and if I can find a good one that may be my next dog.;-)
Click to expand...


I never did like rotts.
they are some of the most aggressive dogs.
(after they turn a few years old)

dingus looks like a great dog/companion highdeserthiker.
:D

Ab's are great dogs too.
(one of my favorite breeds)
 
I love Rhodesian Ridgebacks, when I move out thats gona be my dog of choice.

I raise aussies so Ridgebacks shouldnt be a problem for me.
 
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