What breed of dog was originally bred to hunt lions?

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is the dog breed originally bred in Southern Africa to help hunt lions.

Early Ridgebacks descended partly from hunting and guardian dogs associated with the Khoikhoi people. European colonists crossed these dogs with imported breeds, creating tough, athletic hunting dogs suited to the region. Breeders selected dogs that could track and bay lions—keeping the animal at a distance, distracting it with quick movements, and holding it there until the hunter arrived.

The breed’s name refers to the distinctive ridge of hair running backward along its spine. This ridge usually contains two whorls, or “crowns,” and is the feature most strongly associated with the modern breed. The first formal breed standard was drafted in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, in 1922.

The Ridgeback was not intended to kill lions alone. Its role was to locate, harass, and contain dangerous game. That history explains its courage, stamina, independence, and strong prey drive.