A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a muscular hound recognized by a strip of hair growing against the surrounding coat along the back. Plan consistent teaching and exercise around a large dog with both strength and independence.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
A relatively straightforward coat still needs routine checks, appropriate brushing, and attention to nails and teeth. Ask a groomer to demonstrate tools that suit this coat.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Rhodesian Ridgeback questions
What is the ridge on a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
It is a strip of hair along the spine that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. It is the hallmark of the breed, starting just behind the shoulders, tapering toward the hips and ending in two matching whorls, called crowns, at the top. A dog without a ridge is disqualified from the show ring.
Did Rhodesian Ridgebacks really hunt lions?
They tracked lions and held them at bay, but they did not kill them. The dogs worked in packs to keep a lion occupied until the hunter arrived, which is why the breed was once called the African Lion Hound. The same dogs were also expected to course antelope, trot beside horses all day and guard the homestead.
How big does a full-grown Rhodesian Ridgeback get?
Males stand 25 to 27 inches tall and females 24 to 26 inches. A desirable weight is 85 pounds for males and 70 pounds for females.
How long do Rhodesian Ridgebacks live?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks typically live 10 to 12 years, though some dogs have reached 16. These are breed-wide figures, not a prediction for one dog.
Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed?
Somewhat. Shedding is moderate and grooming needs are minimal. The coat is short and dense, so a weekly brushing to lift loose hair and an occasional bath cover most of it.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good with children?
Ridgebacks are devoted to their family and tolerant of children. They are also big, energetic dogs that can knock children over in play, and puppies are very mouthy. Most Ridgebacks are too strong to be walked by a child.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks easy to train?
They are smart but independent. A Ridgeback is not a Labrador in a short coat, and it takes a lot of positive motivation to train one. Early socialization and puppy classes built on positive reinforcement, with firm but patient guidance from the start, work best.
Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback be trusted off leash?
Usually not in an open area. The prey drive is strong enough that a Ridgeback should be in a safely enclosed space whenever it is off leash. A fenced yard is a good idea, and an adult can clear a five-foot fence if it wants to.
