According to Wikipedia, "The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog breed developed in Southern Africa. Its European forebears can be traced to the early pioneers of the Cape Colony of southern Africa, who crossed their dogs with the semi-domesticated, ridged hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi.
In the earlier parts of its history, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has also been known as Van Rooyen's Lion Dog, the African Lion Hound or African Lion Dog—Simba Inja in Ndebele, Shumba Imbwa in Shona—because of its ability to keep a lion at bay while awaiting its master to make the kill.
The original breed standard was drafted by F.R. Barnes, in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), in 1922. Based on that of the Dalmatian, the standard was approved by the South African Kennel Union in 1926."
Here are a few useful links to help educate about the breed:
Doglopedia- The Rhodesian Ridgeback
Frequently Asked Questions about Ridgebacks
Things to Know Before You Buy a Ridgeback
Living Happily with your Ridgeback
History of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States (RRCUS)
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States (RRCUS) Code of Ethics
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States (RRCUS) Membership Application