Rhodesian Ridgeback

Dog Breed Group: Hound Dogs
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
Recommended for: Families with older children
Maintenance Level: Medium – high
Life Span: 10 – 12 years
Height: 63–69 cm
Weight: 36–41 kg
Temperament: Strong Willed, Intelligent, Mischievous, Loyal, Dignified, Sensitive
Hypoallergenic: No
Colors: Red Wheaten, Wheaten, Light Wheaten

Adaptability

Friendliness

General Health

Trainability

Exercise Needs

Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Overview

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has widely known the large breed of dog that has roots in Southern Africa in the 17th century. It is widely known for a strip of hair that is growing in opposite direction in the middle of the back.

They are muscular and tall, with a flat head and triangular ears. They have a brown nose, black tongue and deep chest. Rhodesian’s front legs are straight and muscular, and they have a very long tail. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a short coat which is usually red in colour. They are average shedder and their short coat is easy to groom.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback can reach up to 69 cm in height and 39 kg in weight.
Their lifespan is approximately 12 years.

Suitability for Children – Medium
Tendency to Bark – Low
Energy – High
Suitability as a Guard Dog – High
Grooming Requirements – Once a Week
Trimming Required – None
Amount of hair shed – Little
Food Cost – $15 to $20
Average Monthly Pet insurance Premium – $66

Origin of Rhodesian Ridgeback

It is widely believed that they came out of breeding Great Danes with Cape Peninsula, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, and Terriers in the 19th century. They were widely known as Boer hunting dogs, which was the main foundation of the modern type of Ridgebacks.

Cornelius van Rooyen once saw them in wild and decided to breed them in order to combine different guarding skills. The result was a hunting breed that was used to hunt lion, baboons and wild pigs.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known as calm, loving and gentle animals at home but also very ferocious hunters. They have the smart temperament and also alert and brave, but it is not recommended to mix them with children because they can play rough and usually knock them down.
You should socialize them from the early age in order to keep their mental health. They have to meet other pets when they are young in order to deal with temperament issues that could happen in the future.

Common Rhodesian Ridgeback Conditions and Diseases

Mast Cell Tumours – Mast Cell tumors are very common conditions in Ridgebacks. You can characterize them with small lumps that they scratch. It is important to catch it early in order to treat it without a problem. Get Rhodesian Ridgeback insurance with us in order to keep your dog in perfect health.

Interesting Facts

Ridgebacks rarely bark, and when they do that means that something is going on.
They are known as world’s hungriest dogs.

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