Been planning to run more? A Rhodesian Ridgeback is just the motivation you need. They’re active and lively, but also partial to a quick nanna nap after exercising.

57-rhodesian-ridgeback

Strong, athletic and powerful, Ridgebacks love a run. These dogs are calm, obedient, gentle and content to take a nap on your lap after expending some energy. They are also intelligent and independent, making them easy to train but it will take some time. If you’re a first-time dog owner, maybe keep looking as they can be a lot to handle.

If you want a wonderful, loving companion, be firm, confident and assertive in your training methods and consistent with the rules. Food treats and praise work well while training a Rhodesian Ridgeback. They like to be around people and live indoors. However, this large, muscular breed may not be best suited for little children – they might end up playing ‘bump’ without realising it.

Fun fact: Ridgebacks were originally bred to hunt lions.

Their webbed paws are ideal for walking over soft sand,

and mean they are also virtually silent, often ‘creeping’ up on their owners.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks stop growing around 12-18 months of age. They are aloof, and at best dignified, toward strangers. But suspicious-looking strangers? Back off or you’ll have hell to pay. They have a high hunting instinct, but if you socialise your Ridgeback early and well with other pets they could live together happily ever after. A Rhodesian Ridgeback will live for around 12 years.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks aren’t fussy – they will do well in a house with a large patch of green or a large apartment with barely a plant, provided they get their daily dose of exercise. A couple of short walks or runs, or playtime in a yard or park and your buddy will be happy. A bored Ridgeback will get destructive, which means craters dug in your manicured lawn, barking incessantly or constantly chasing your little kitty.

They are easy to groom with the distinctive ridge of hair on their back. Simply brush their smooth, short-haired coat regularly to remove loose or dead hair and bath occasionally. Brush their teeth and trim their nails regularly. Rhodesian Ridgebacks don’t smell and they are average shedders.

Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, OCD and sinus problems. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.

Size

A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized breed weighing between 30-39kgs, with a height between 61-67cms.

Space

As long as they get enough exercise, your pet will be happy in an apartment.

Energy Levels

The equivalent of a marathon runner, they just go and go and go. Daily runs and lots of games are ideal for keeping this breed fit.

Difficulty of Training

Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be difficult to train, but with time and lots of effort they will learn. It’s best to start as young as possible.

Family Suitability

They are great family pets, loyal companions and excellent watchdogs.

Compatibility with other Pets

They love to meet new friends when they are young.

Need for Company

They have a moderate to high need for company and enjoy spending time with their family.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

No

Coat and Grooming Needs

They are low-maintenance. Brush their coat weekly. They have a short smooth coat in a range of colours from light to red wheaten.

Shedding

They are light shedders.  

Tendency to Bark

They have a low tendency to bark, so don’t expect frequent conversations.  

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