The Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred in Africa to hunt big game such as lions, bears and boars. They are instantly recognisable by the ridge of hair running parallel to the spine and reverse to the rest of the coat.
They are incredibly active, intelligent and confident dogs. You may have found your perfect breed if you are looking for good hiking, walking, jogging, agility partner or a vibrant addition to your family.
Working dogs need a lot of exercise and this guy is no different. They need plenty of exercise and playtime. They could make the perfect running partner, this is not a breed for couch potatoes, and you will need to be able to commit to long walks and endless games to keep them happy. This is not really a suitable apartment dog.
They love their families and being with people. They are unsuitable for families with young children as they have their limits to being pulled around. They are very playful, so older children and those used to being around dogs will play endless games running around the garden with them.
This is an intelligent and active breed; a bored dog usually becomes mischievous, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to ensure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is dignified and reserved toward strangers. An intruder may think twice with one of these around, as they will protect you at all costs. They are quiet dogs around the house and seldom nuisance bark.
They should be OK with other dogs, but you might want to avoid two males together. Cats may be OK if brought up in the same household. They were bred to hunt small animals, so they will typically chase neighbourhood cats with delight and are quick. Make sure they can’t escape from your garden.
They are very intelligent and, due to their independent nature, are challenging to train. These are large, powerful dogs. You will need to establish yourself as the top dog early on, and then you will have a lovely well-trained companion for life. Try to keep training exciting and fun for the best results and avoid being harsh with them. Identifying their motivation reward early will get you the best results, and it is usually food.
Their hair is low maintenance, it’s short, and they shed very lightly all year round, and they tend to shed worse during autumn and spring as they change their coats. Weekly brushing should be enough to keep it under control.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Stats
Centuries ago, when the first white people arrived in South Africa, they found that the Hottentots at the Cape were using dogs of the Ridgeback type for hunting purposes. The peculiar ridge of hair, running parallel to the spine and in reverse to the rest of the coat, distinguished it from other breeds. During the 19th Century, big game hunting flourished in Southern Africa, particularly in the area north of the Limpopo River, later to become known as Rhodesia (after its founder Cecil John Rhodes).
- Weight -32kg –37kg
- Size – 61cm – 69cm
- They live for 10-12 years