Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is also known as the African Lion Hound because of its historic use to hunt lions.

The breed can be traced back to the 16th century when Europeans arrived at the interior of the Cape in South Africa. The Europeans discovered the local KhoiKhoi tribes living with a semi-domesticated dog with a ridge on its spine - a line of hair growing in the wrong direction - and they used this dog as a hunting companion and guardian.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred by farmers who required a large, strong, endurance dog to protect their farms, flush game, and takedown large game animals during a hunt. The dog needed to survive the harsh conditions of the African bushveld, such as cold nights and hot days, shrubby vegetation, hours without water, and ticks.

In 1922, breeders in Zimbabwe (then called Rhodesia) set up the breed standard for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. By the 1950s the dog was introduced in the United States and was admitted to the American Kennel Club in 1955. Today, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club in the United States still maintains all the data on the Ridgeback and promotes research into the breed.

Who are Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs best for?

Rhodesian Ridgebacks make great companions because of their calm demeanour. They are gregarious pack animals and enjoy being around other dogs. That said, caution should be taken if there are several male dogs in the house, as Ridgebacks enjoy being dominant.

With proper training, your Rhodesian Ridgeback can live with a cat and other animals. They are good with children, but both the child and the dog should be trained on how to interact with each other.

Your Ridgeback is a hunting dog, bred for big game hunting and chasing wild animals, and will require plenty of exercise and stimulation each day. If bored, they might start barking, chewing and digging.

They are extremely tolerant dogs but can be very protective of their family members. Pet parents will have to assert their dominance and make it clear that they are the pack leader.

All these qualities make Rhodesian Ridgebacks the perfect family dog, as long as they get proper training, socialisation, and exercise.

How much grooming does a Rhodesian Ridgeback need?

Ridgebacks are low maintenance and are extremely clean dogs because of their short, tough coat.

Although this breed does shed throughout the year, they do not require intensive grooming. You can simply give them a quick weekly brush to remove excess hair and the occasional bath to keep them soft and shiny.

If the nails are not worn down from walks, pet parents will have to trim them every so often to prevent discomfort. Brush your dog's teeth daily to prevent dental issues, and clean the ears every so often (but only clean as far as you can see into the canal).

Do Rhodesian Ridgeback bark much?

The Rhodesian Ridgeback will only bark on occasion and is not a yappy dog. They tend to bark when they want to alert their owner of a possible threat. These athletic dogs require plenty of exercise and might bark to let you know they are bored and want some entertainment.

Do Rhodesian Ridgeback bite?

Your Ridgeback puppy might show some biting behaviour. This is not a cause for concern, as these dogs are guard dogs and hunters, and biting comes naturally to them. Fortunately, you can use some simple tricks to train your Ridgeback to stop its biting behaviour.

• Use toys when the dog is young so he learns what is okay to bite and what is not. The chew toys will keep them busy, and stop any destructive or nippy behaviours.

• Properly socialise your dog, especially if it is young. A well-socialised animal will be more confident in foreign situations, which means it won't resort to biting when startled or fearful.

• Don't unnecessarily punish your dog. Ridgebacks respond well to positive reinforcement, and punishing a dog for biting could worsen the behaviour. Rather praise good behaviours.

• Be consistent with training. Unlike other dogs, the Ridgeback can be very stubborn and aloof, meaning if they are not regularly trained, they will not obey commands.

• Get ahead of the problem. Don't wait for your dog to start biting before you do something about it. Most large dog breeds have an affinity for biting on occasion, so be prepared and train the dog from a young age.

What is the temperament & personality of a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

The Ridgeback has many innate qualities and characteristics that are commonly associated with hounds. Despite its "hound" UKC classification, these dogs are tougher but calmer than many other dogs. They are quiet dogs that won't bark for no reason and have a gentle temperament.

They can be described as protective, loyal, brave, and independent, which are traits that were originally bred for their hunting purpose.

Ridgebacks can be trained for various dog sports as they are eager to please. Although they are great watchdogs and guardians, they should not be used as protection dogs as this can bring out an assertive, aggressive side.

What is the weight & size of a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

Height:

• Male: 63 - 67 cm

• Female: 61 - 66 cm

Weight:

• Male: 38.5 kgs

• Female: 32 kgs

How much training does a Rhodesian Ridgeback need?

This dog breed is highly intelligent, but also very independent and strong-willed. This can make training them tougher than with other dogs. Staying consistent and using positive reinforcement is the way to go when training Ridgebacks.

It is best to train your dog while it is still young, as an adult Ridgeback that was not properly trained could cause a lot of issues. Don't hesitate to take your pup to training classes so it can learn basic commands and socialise with dogs and people.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

This typical hound breed generally has good health. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can still get some minor hereditary health issues, and breeders should screen their breeding dogs for some of these conditions.

Some common hereditary health concerns include:

• Hip dysplasia.

• Elbow dysplasia.

• Thyroid problems where thyroid hormones are not being produced.

• Eye problems.

• Dermoid sinus which causes a skin indentation along the spine.

With proper exercise and diet, you are guaranteed to have a healthier dog.

What is the lifespan of a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

They have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

How much should you feed a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

Your Ridgeback should always have access to fresh water. You should purchase high-protein, quality food from a reputable pet store, and feed two meals each day. Follow the feeding guidelines from your dog food manufacturer to make sure you are feeding your Ridgeback adequately.

You can give your dog quality treats in moderation, and avoid feeding it table scraps as this could be unhealthy and also result in unwanted begging behaviour.

Ridgebacks have a deep chest and could experience bloating and stomach torsion. To prevent this, feed smaller meals throughout the day, use a slow-feeder bowl, or elevate the dog bowl.

What is the price of a Rhodesian Ridgeback in Australia?

In Australia, you can get breed-standard puppies from $1,125 to $4,200. The more expensive dogs are typically from champion bloodlines.