Rhodesian Ridgeback: Breed Profile, Characteristics, & Care Guide

Do you love loyal, smart, and athletic dogs? Then you’ll adore the Rhodesian Ridgeback. This breed has a unique ridge of hair on its back, which is where it gets its name. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is also called the African Lion Hound because it was used to hunt lions in its native Africa.

But what’s it like to have a Rhodesian Ridgeback as a pet? How does it look, act, and feel? And how do you get one and take care of it?

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed, from its history to its health. We’ll also give you some tips on finding a good breeder and choosing a puppy.

History of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of the few dog breeds that came from Africa. It was created in the late 1800s by a Dutch settler named Cornelius van Rooyen, who lived in what is now Zimbabwe. Van Rooyen wanted a dog that could hunt lions and other big animals, as well as guard his farm and family.

He mixed different European breeds, like Great Danes, Mastiffs, Bloodhounds, and Greyhounds, with the local dogs of the Khoikhoi people. These dogs had a ridge of hair on their backs that grew opposite to the rest of their fur. This ridge was thought to have magical powers and to protect the dogs from harm.

The result was a big, strong, fast dog with a short, smooth coat with a ridge of hair along its spine. The coat was usually red or light brown in color but sometimes had stripes or spots. The dog had a wide head, a long nose, and a black nose. The ears were medium-sized and floppy, and the tail was long and thin.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was an amazing hunter, able to track, corner, and chase lions until the hunter came. It was also a loyal and brave protector, able to fight off intruders and predators. It was also a loving and gentle friend, devoted to its family and good with kids.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1955 as part of the Hound Group. It is still used for hunting, guarding, showing, and companionship.

What Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback Look Like?

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a big and muscular dog breed that has a unique ridge of hair on its back. Here are some of its looks:

• Size: The Rhodesian Ridgeback stands between 24 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 70 and 85 pounds.
• Coat: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a short, smooth, and thick coat that is easy to groom. The coat is usually red or light brown in color but sometimes has stripes or spots. The coat should also have a ridge of hair along the back that grows opposite to the rest of the coat. The ridge should be clear and even, starting behind the shoulders and ending at the hips.
• Head: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a wide, flat skull, a long, strong nose, and a black nose. The eyes are round and dark, and the ears are medium-sized and floppy. The expression is alert and smart.
• Body: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a strong, muscular neck, level back and deep chest. The ribs are well-sprung, and the belly is slightly tucked up. The long and thin tail should be carried with a slight curve.
• Legs: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has long, straight front legs and muscular and powerful back legs. The feet are compact and round, with well-arched toes and thick pads. The nails are strong and dark.
• Gait: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a smooth and easy gait that shows its power and agility. It can cover a lot of ground with each step and can change direction quickly.

Personality of the Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a confident, independent, and smart dog breed. It’s not a dog for everyone, as it needs a lot of exercise, training, and socialization. It’s also not a dog for beginners, as it can be stubborn and bossy if not trained well.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is very loyal and loving to its family but can be aloof and cautious with strangers. It’s not aggressive by nature, but it will defend its family if needed. It’s also not very noisy, but it will bark if it senses danger or something weird.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is energetic and athletic and needs at least an hour of hard daily exercise. It loves to run, chase, and explore, so it needs a big fenced yard or access to open spaces where it can safely roam. It also enjoys playing with toys and games that challenge its mind and body.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is very smart and learns fast but can also be stubborn and independent. It needs a strong, consistent, and positive leader who can set clear rules and limits. It responds well to praise and rewards but not to harsh or negative methods. It also needs early and regular socialization with people and other animals to prevent shyness or aggression.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is not a couch potato or a lap dog. It’s an active and adventurous dog that needs a lot of stimulation and attention. It’s not suited for apartment living or for people who are away from home for long hours. It can also be destructive or bored if left alone or without enough exercise.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a great dog for people who are looking for a loyal, smart, and athletic companion. It’s best for experienced owners who can give it enough exercise, training, and socialization. It’s also best for families with older kids who can respect its size and strength.

Health Concerns in Rhodesian Ridgebacks

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a generally healthy dog breed that lives for 10 to 12 years. However, like any dog breed, it can have some health problems, such as:

• Hip dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint is not formed right or does not fit well, causing pain, limping, or arthritis. It can be found by X-rays and treated by surgery or medicine.
• Elbow dysplasia: This is a condition where the elbow joint is not formed right or does not fit well, causing pain, limping, or arthritis. It can be found by X-rays and treated by surgery or medicine.
• Dermoid sinus: This is a birth defect where a tube-like opening forms along the spine, connecting the skin to the spinal cord or other tissues. It can cause infection, swelling, or nerve problems. It can be found by physical exam or ultrasound and treated by surgery.
• Thyroid problems: This is a condition where the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones, causing weight gain, tiredness, hair loss, or skin problems. It can be found by blood tests and treated by medicine or diet.
• Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood flow and causing shock. It can be caused by eating too fast, too much, or exercising after eating. It can be prevented by feeding smaller meals more often, avoiding stress, and raising the food bowl. It can be treated by emergency surgery if caught in time.

To prevent or reduce these health problems, you should buy your Rhodesian Ridgeback from a good breeder who tests their dogs for genetic diseases and gives health certificates. You should also take your Rhodesian Ridgeback to the vet often for check-ups, shots, and parasite prevention. You should also feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback a high-quality food that meets its nutritional needs.

Grooming a Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an easy dog to groom, as it has a short and smooth coat that sheds a little. Here are some of its grooming needs:

• Brushing: You should brush your Rhodesian Ridgeback once or twice a week with a soft-bristled brush or a rubber curry comb to remove loose hair and dirt. This will also keep its coat shiny and healthy.
• Bathing: You should bathe your Rhodesian Ridgeback only when needed, as too often bathing can dry out its skin and coat. You should use a mild shampoo that’s made for dogs and rinse well.
• Nail trimming: You should trim your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s nails once or twice a month with a nail clipper or grinder to prevent them from cracking or breaking. You should also check its pads for cuts or injuries.
• Ear cleaning: You should check your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s ears once a week for dirt, wax, or infection. You should clean them with a cotton ball moistened with an ear cleaner that’s made for dogs. You should also dry them well after bathing or swimming.
• Teeth brushing: You should brush your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s teeth at least twice a week with a toothbrush and toothpaste that are made for dogs to prevent plaque buildup and bad breath. You can also give it dental chews or toys to help clean its teeth.

Trainability

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an intelligent dog that learns quickly but can also be stubborn and independent. It needs a firm, consistent, and positive leader who can set clear rules and limits. It responds well to praise and rewards, but not to harsh or negative methods. It also needs early and regular socialization with people and other animals to prevent shyness or aggression.

Here are some of its training needs:

• Basic obedience: You should teach your Rhodesian Ridgeback the basic commands, like sit, stay, come, heel, and leave it. You should use a leash, collar, or harness to control your dog and prevent it from pulling or chasing. You should also use treats and toys to motivate your dog and make training fun.
• Housebreaking: You should housebreak your Rhodesian Ridgeback as soon as possible, as it can be hard to train an older dog. You should use a crate or a confined area to teach your dog where to go and where not to go. You should also take your dog out often, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. You should praise your dog when it goes in the right place and ignore or correct it when it goes in the wrong place.
• Socialization: You should expose your Rhodesian Ridgeback to different people, animals, places, sounds, and situations from a young age to make it well-adjusted and confident. You should also enroll your dog in a puppy class or a dog park where it can play with other dogs and learn social skills.
• Exercise: You should give your Rhodesian Ridgeback at least an hour of hard exercise every day to keep it fit and happy. You should also give it mental stimulation, such as toys and games that challenge its mind and body. You can also involve your dog in activities like hiking, jogging, biking, or agility.

Diet and Nutrition

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a big and active dog that needs a high-quality diet that meets its nutritional needs. Here are some of its feeding needs:

• Amount: You should feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback according to its age, weight, activity level, and health condition. You can use the feeding guidelines on the dog food package as a starting point, but you may need to adjust the amount depending on your dog’s individual needs. You should also ask your vet for advice on how much to feed your dog.
• Type: You should feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback a high-quality dry or wet food that’s made for its size and life stage. You should look for food that has a high percentage of animal protein, like chicken, beef, or lamb, as well as healthy fats, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You should avoid foods that have artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or fillers.
• Frequency: You should feed your Rhodesian Ridgeback two or three times a day, preferably at the same time and place every day. You should also provide fresh water at all times. You should avoid feeding your dog before or after exercise, as this can cause bloat or stomach upset.
• Treats: You can give your Rhodesian Ridgeback occasional treats as a reward for good behavior or training. However, you should limit the amount of treats to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. You should also choose healthy treats that are low in fat and sugar, like fruits, veggies, or lean meats.

How Much Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Cost?

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an expensive dog to buy and keep. Here are some of the costs you need to think about before getting one:

• Purchase price: The average price of a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy from a good breeder is between $1,000 and $2,500. However, the price can vary depending on the breeder’s reputation, location, demand, and quality of the puppy. You may also find cheaper puppies from backyard breeders or pet stores, but these are likely to have health or behavior problems.
• Adoption fee: If you prefer to adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback from a rescue or shelter, you may have to pay an adoption fee that ranges from $50 to $300. This fee usually covers the cost of spaying or neutering, shots, microchipping, and other medical care.
• Registration fee: If you want to register your Rhodesian Ridgeback with the AKC or another organization, you may have to pay a registration fee that ranges from $30 to $80. This fee usually covers the cost of issuing a certificate and providing access to various services and benefits.
• Supplies: You will need to buy various supplies for your Rhodesian Ridgeback, such as a crate, a bed, a collar, a leash, a harness, a food and water bowl, a nail clipper, a brush, a shampoo, a toothbrush, a toothpaste, toys, treats, and food. The initial cost of these supplies can range from $300 to $500, depending on the quality and quantity of the items. You will also need to replace some of these items regularly as they wear out or run out.
• Veterinary care: You will need to take your Rhodesian Ridgeback to the vet often for check-ups, shots, parasite prevention, and other medical care. The average yearly cost of veterinary care for a Rhodesian Ridgeback can range from $500 to $1,000, depending on the health condition and needs of your dog. You may also have to pay extra for emergency care or surgery if your dog gets sick or hurt.
• Grooming: You will need to groom your Rhodesian Ridgeback at least once or twice a week to keep its coat clean and healthy. The average yearly cost of grooming for a Rhodesian Ridgeback can range from $100 to $300, depending on the frequency and type of grooming you do. You can also save money by grooming your dog at home with the right tools and products.
• Training: You will need to train your Rhodesian Ridgeback from a young age to make it well-behaved and obedient. The average yearly cost of training for a Rhodesian Ridgeback can range from $200 to $500, depending on the type and level of training you choose. You can also train your dog at home with the help of books, videos, or online courses.
• Insurance: You may want to get insurance for your Rhodesian Ridgeback to cover the cost of veterinary care or liability in case your dog causes damage or injury to someone or something. The average yearly cost of insurance for a Rhodesian Ridgeback can range from $300 to $600, depending on the coverage and provider you choose. You can also compare different plans and providers online to find the best deal for your budget and needs.

Final Thoughts

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a loyal, smart, and athletic dog breed that came from Africa. It has a unique ridge of hair on its back that gives it its name. It is also known as the African Lion Hound because it used to hunt lions.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is not a dog for everyone, as it needs a lot of exercise, training, and socialization. It is also not a dog for beginners, as it can be stubborn and bossy if not trained well. It is best for experienced owners who can give it enough exercise, training, and socialization. It is also best for families with older kids who can respect its size and strength.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a great dog for people who are looking for a loyal, smart, and athletic companion. It is an excellent hunter, guardian, and friend. It is also a loving and gentle family member who will always be by your side.

We hope this article has helped you learn more about the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. We’d love to hear from you!

More Dog Breeds

If you’re interested in learning about similar dog breeds, check out:

• Weimaraner
• Thai Ridgeback
• Dalmatian

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