| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
We will tell you everything about the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized dog. The standard color of this breed is brown. It also may range from dark wheaten to red wheaten. Its coat is short. Its semi-wild ancestors were used for the protection of African villages, to watch over caravans and children. But that’s not all: A hundred years ago, this breed was used to hunt lions and leopards. That’s why it was also called the “Lion Dog”.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: Origins
The origins of the Rhodesian Ridgeback are unknown. However, we know that the intention with which this breed was selected was to obtain a multipurpose dog that could also accompany the colonists when they decided to explore and colonize southern Africa. Its ancestors are semi-wild dogs and were often used as guardians of farm animals, caravans, and children.
Apart from being the colonists’ companion, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was also used to hunt leopards, baboons, and lions: A quite dangerous operation that gave it the fame of “The Lion Dog”.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: The Lion Dog
This dog is surrounded by legends and unique stories. It is an extremely loyal dog with a natural predatory instinct. It is truly brave, which sometimes leads it to put itself in danger. When it hunts its prey, nothing can stop it. It is said that, on hunting, a Rhodesian Ridgeback waited for days for a leopard to come down from the tree where it found refuge.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: Physical Characteristics
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized, short-haired dog. Its coat is brown, either light or dark. This breed has a visible and distinct ridge on its back, which grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is aesthetically valued: It is strong, muscular, agile, elegant, and harmonious. A male dog stands 63 to 70 cm tall at the shoulder and weighs from 82 to 88 lb.
The ridge is considered the Rhodesian Ridgeback emblem, but it must comply with certain specific characteristics. It must be well-defined, aerodynamic, and symmetrical. It only has to have two identical and opposite crowns. Its ridge has to start just behind the shoulder and run to a point between the rise of the hips.
The rest of its coat is short and dense, smooth and shiny, ranging from light wheaten to red wheaten. A little white is allowed on the chest as well as on the toes, while its face and ears have a black mask. The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s eyes are round, and they match its hair.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: Temperament
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog with an energetic character. It is intelligent and stubborn. This has been used since ancient times to protect its home and, in particular, its owner’s children. Its main skill is hunting.
Due to its muscular and well-proportioned body, this breed is extremely suitable for dog sports. It is a dog that is strongly attached to its family. Besides, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a guardian and protector of all those around it. For this reason, sometimes keeping it at bay is not easy work. A basic training course and group training sessions are recommended for the Rhodesian Ridgeback to have excellent socialization with other dogs and humans other than the family.
It is a worthy and smart dog. Although it is cautious with strangers, it is not aggressive unless provoked.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: Unique Characteristic
This breed has a unique characteristic: a visible and distinct ridge on its back, which grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat. This peculiarity gives the name to the breed: it has a RIDGE on its BACK.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: Breeders
Although the Rhodesian Ridgeback is not very popular in our continent, on our website you will find breeders who specialize in this dog breed.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: Puppies
The Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies are not easy to find. Although this is not a very popular breed in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, India, and South Africa, it is well-known. It works well in many roles, including as a companion dog.
As we have already mentioned, it is advisable to send puppies to a “socialization school” with a handler, and… without lifting the ridge.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: Feeding and Grooming
A dog like the Rhodesian Ridgeback needs to be fed in a healthy and complete manner. Its diet must also be balanced so that it does not run the risk of gaining weight and getting fat. Agility is its strong point, and lively as it is, this breed could become a slow couch potato. The Rhodesian Ridgeback needs special attention like a nap after lunch to avoid digestion problems.
As for the rest, the Rhodesian Ridgeback enjoys excellent health and endures any environmental temperature. This dog is a good companion for long walks as it loves to be outdoors. You just have to be careful with insect bites that could cause some diseases. Despite, or thanks to, the ridge it does not need to be frequently brushed.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: Price and Puppies For Sale
A Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy may cost up to 1200 dollars, or 1100 English pounds. It is hard to find and it is difficult to buy it at a good price. A very low price does not guarantee a healthy dog; therefore, it is better not to rely on unverified offers. Regarding character, it is important that such a tenacious and brave dog has been properly trained from puppyhood. Otherwise, it will bear these marks even if we spoil it for the rest of its life.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
To sum up:
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years.
- Character: Determined, playful, loyal, and intelligent.
- Colors: Red wheaten, light wheaten, dark wheaten.
- Adult weight: Females weigh around 64-75 lb and males weigh around 79-90 lb.
- Price: Up to 1400 dollars or 1300 sterling.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Golden Retriever
- American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff)
- Doberman Pinscher (Dobermann)
- Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Rough Collie
- Bull Terrier
- German Shepherd Dog
