About the breed
The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is worthy of respect for its strength and courage. After all, these dogs are ready to fearlessly rush into battle with the lion itself. Therefore, the second name of the Ridgeback is “African lion hound” or simply “lion dog”.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are very popular in their homeland. In Africa, they are still used as hunting dogs and are indispensable safari participants. In other countries, representatives of this breed are in most cases kept as companions, guards, watchdogs and police dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, muscular breed that originated in southern Africa. Known for their distinctive ridge of hair along their backs, which grow in the opposite direction to the rest of their coat, they were originally bred to hunt lions. Ridgebacks are loyal, intelligent, and independent dogs, often forming strong bonds with their families. With proper training and socialization, they make excellent companions for active people or families with plenty of space to exercise.
Breed at a Glance
- Origin: Southern Africa
- Size: Large
- Weight: 70-88 lbs (32-40 kg)
- Head shape: Long
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Coat Type: Short, dense, sleek coat
- Colors: Light wheaten to red wheaten
- Temperament: Independent, strong-willed, loyal, and protective
- Grooming Needs: Low (occasional brushing)
- Exercise Needs: High (daily exercise, running, or vigorous play)
- Best For: Active families, experienced dog owners, homes with space, and those seeking a loyal protector
The standard of the breed
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, active breed with a short coat and a solid color. It is distinguished by the presence of a “crest” – a comb of hair along the back. This is a powerful and flexible dog. The height of adult males is 63-69 cm, weight is 32-40 kg. The height of the female is 61-66 cm, her weight is 29-34 kg. They can be of any solid color – from light wheaten to red wheaten.
Exercise requirements
Compassion for the owner
Friendship with strangers
Energy level
Playfulness
With other pets
Characteristics of the breed
Family
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is very intelligent and understands people very well. Therefore, he fits perfectly into any family, regardless of the number of children, and can also live with one person. He perceives children well, he will be happy to play with them, walk on the street and generally spend time there. But the child must learn to handle animals correctly.
Small pets and animals are seen as prey. He is always at war with street cats, but he can get along with house cats. Rhodesian Ridgeback is indifferent or friendly towards other dogs.
Physical qualities
The skull is flat, triangular in shape. The muzzle is large, elongated. The stop is moderate.
Ears of medium size, set high, hanging with rounded tips, close to the cheekbones.
The eyes are rounded and widely spaced. The iris color ranges from golden amber to dark brown and harmonizes with the color of the coat.
The teeth are massive and strong. The jaws are powerful and strong. “Scissor” bite.
Body of graceful athletic build, slightly elongated. The neck is of medium length without dewlap, dense with strongly developed muscles. The back is straight, powerful and deep. The chest is strong and spacious. The ribs are slightly elastic, without noticeable rounding.
The hair root is short, dense with a glossy sheen. The color can be of different tones, from light brown to bright copper. Black is possible on the ears and muzzle, as well as white spots on the chest and legs.
The forelegs are regular, rather bony. The hind limbs are stronger than the forelegs, rather athletic build. The paws are small, similar to those of a cat with curved toes.
The colors of the Rhodesian Ridgeback range from bright red to light wheat. Black shades are acceptable on the face and ears, as well as small touches of white on the chest and legs.
Basically, all puppies are born with a brown color. The most preferred color according to the standard – mahogany – appears only after a year.
Lifespan
Standards & Classifications
FCI
Group 6: Scenthounds, Bloodhounds and related breeds.
What to expect when taking care of a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Taking care of a dog involves daily exercise, regular diet, grooming and veterinary care. Expect camaraderie, loyalty and joy, as well as responsibilities such as training, cleaning after them and the supply of a safe environment.
The spinal dermal sinus is present from birth and if the dog suffers, it is possible to observe a small fossa in the spine. A lumen is usually seen, but vascular lesions and suppuration may also occur. This condition can cause more serious health problems and requires surgical treatment.
Other hereditary diseases of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Deafness
- Elbow dysplasia
- Haemophilia
The Rhodesian Ridgeback does not tolerate cold well. This is not surprising, because this dog comes from hot Africa, it is easier for it to endure heat than frost. Its coat without undercoat cannot protect against the cold. Therefore, it is not recommended to keep a ridged dog on the street, unless you provide your pet with an insulated booth and a spacious aviary.
Care for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is not difficult:
- The hair is combed 1-2 times a week.
- The ears are cleaned 1-2 times in 10 days.
- The eyes are cleaned 2-3 times a week.
- The teeth are brushed every week.
- The nails are cut once a month.
- They bathe no more than 2-3 times a year.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback requires between 2 and 3 daily walks to maintain its muscles. It is also indicated that it can exercise at least once a day. In addition to classic games, such as ball, we can also introduce the dog to agility, running or any other activity that promotes muscle development.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback feels good in a spacious house and even in a small apartment, but on condition that it is provided with long walks and daily exercises.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback does not tolerate cold well. This is not surprising, because this dog comes from hot Africa, it is easier for him to endure heat than frost. His coat without undercoat cannot protect him from the cold. Therefore, it is not recommended to keep this dog outside, unless you provide your pet with a spacious insulated cabin.
Character and behavior
A strong hunter, a strict guardian with steel nerves, an elegant athlete, a charismatic pet – this is how dogs of this breed can be characterized. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a well-developed aspect of its own dignity, it fully understands its strength and power.
He is very attached to a person, but he will never impose himself if he sees that the owner is busy. Slightly delicate, perfectly feels the mood of the owner. Badly tolerates loneliness and unjust punishments.
In the family circle, he looks slightly phlegmatic, in fact, he is simply in a static contemplative state – he saves energy for a more important situation.
Sociality
Relationship with the human family
Attitude towards loneliness
Tendency to bark
Friendship with dogs
Adaptability
City life
Suitable as the first dog
Tolerance for hot temperatures
Tolerance for cold temperatures
Did you know?
- These dogs did not pursue their prey alone when hunting lions or other wild animals. It was several of these dogs who, having passed the target, skilfully stopped it and held it until the hunter arrived.
- It is the only South African breed to receive official recognition from the FCI.
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks excel in most canine professions, organically seeking out the role of guardians, hunters, and companions.
- A strong stalking instinct makes the breed dangerous to other pets, including cats. If the Rhodesian Ridgeback is categorically indifferent to a cat walking in the distance, then in 99 out of 100 cases this cat grew up with him.
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks are hardy, fast animals that engage in sports such as agility, running, skiing, and bikejoring.
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very talkative and only bark when they want to draw others’ attention to a phenomenon or event.
- The breed has good learning abilities, but during training its representatives often show stubbornness, testing the authority of the trainer for strength.
- The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an intelligent dog, inclined to leadership and living by the laws of the pack, so it will be difficult for an inexperienced owner to find an approach.
- Female dogs of the Rhodesian Ridgeback are distinguished by a more dominating character and easily subjugate the males with whom they share the living space.
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a reputation for being fearless, courageous and protective, while among them there are truly shy individuals who are put to flight by any shout.
- Despite the fact that the breed has always been considered a hunting breed, its representatives easily abandon their historical mission, willingly turning it into sports training and active outdoor games.
Price and budget
Here’s an overview of the Rhodesian Ridgeback prices and estimated annual maintenance costs across various countries:
| Country | Purchase Price (Mini) | Purchase Price (Maxi) | Annual Maintenance (Mini) | Annual Maintenance (Maxi) |
| France | €1,000 | €2,500 | €1,000 | €1,800 |
| Canada | CAD 1,500 | CAD 3,500 | CAD 1,200 | CAD 2,000 |
| Belgium | €1,200 | €3,000 | €1,100 | €1,900 |
| Switzerland | CHF 1,500 | CHF 3,500 | CHF 1,300 | CHF 2,200 |
| USA | $1,500 | $4,000 | $1,200 | $2,200 |
| Germany | €1,200 | €3,000 | €1,100 | €2,000 |
Explanation:
- Purchase Price: The cost to acquire a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy from a reputable breeder. Prices vary based on factors such as breeder reputation, bloodline, and health certifications.
- Mini: Lower end of the price range, typically for standard quality or pet-grade puppies.
- Maxi: Higher end, often for puppies with champion bloodlines, show quality, or superior traits.
- Annual Maintenance Cost: This includes the cost of food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and general care. As large and athletic dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have moderate to high maintenance costs.
- Mini: Standard care with regular food, vet checkups, and basic needs.
- Maxi: Premium care including high-quality food, regular grooming, more frequent vet visits, and possible training classes.
Additional Considerations:
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large, muscular, and active dogs originally bred for hunting. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, making their maintenance costs slightly higher than average. Due to their size, food expenses are considerable, and vet visits can include costs for breed-specific health issues such as hip dysplasia.
This breed is best suited for active owners who can provide ample exercise and attention. Regular training is also essential, as Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be independent-minded.
History of the breed
The distant ancestors of the modern Rhodesian Ridgebacks lived in Africa from the very beginning of our era. It is known that the first owners of such dogs were members of the Hottentot tribe. The specified tribe lived in East Africa and on the territory of the state of Zimbabwe.
It was in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) that the formation of the Ridgeback breed took place, hence the name “Rhodesian”. The birthplace of the breed is the South African Cape. Local farmers needed a dog capable of hunting large animals, even lions.
It was supposed to be a versatile dog that was not afraid of extreme African temperatures and lack of water. In addition, the representatives of the new breed must be adequate companions and guards of the owner’s property.
To achieve the set goals, breeding work was carried out, as a result of which the Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred. In the process of work, the crossing of semi-domesticated Hottentot hunting dogs with a ridge on their back and European hounds that came to Africa with immigrants was carried out. It is also known that in the blood of the Rhodesian Ridgeback there are genes for Mastiff, Greyhound, Great Dane and Bloodhound.
The work of the breeders was crowned with success. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed gained immense popularity not only among lion hunters, but also among farmers. In 1900, the first official kennel for lion dogs was registered. In 1922 the breed standard was approved.