Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback the Right Breed for You?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their striking appearance and calm, self-assured presence. Originally developed in southern Africa for demanding work, they combine athletic ability with a notably independent and sometimes stubborn nature. Ridgebacks tend to be deeply loyal and affectionate with their family, yet reserved and discerning with strangers. They often do well with children when properly raised, but they are not typically clingy or overly compliant dogs. For owners who appreciate a confident, intelligent companion with a strong sense of individuality, the Ridgeback can be a remarkable match.
Rhodesian Ridgeback at a Glance
Temperament: Loyal, dignified, independent
Breed Type: Large scent hound / hunting dog
Height: 24–27 inches
Weight: 70–85 pounds
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Shedding: Low
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
Good for Families: Yes, with proper training
Best for Owners: Patient / consistent handlers
Origin: Southern Africa (Zimbabwe)
Size: Large
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Rhodesian Ridgeback & Lions
The Rhodesian Ridgeback was once called “African Lion Hound” because they would hunt and corner lions and keep them at bay until the hunter could shoot their prey. They are a mix of semi-domesticated African hunting dogs and European breeds, most notably, the Great Dane.
Rhodesian Ridgeback & Wild Dogs
The Rhodesian Ridgeback it’s a rare example of the union of European dog breeds with a semi-wild African dog. The earliest European settlers in Southern Africa bred their Greyhounds, Great Danes and Foxhounds with indigenous Khoikhoi (Hottentot) dog, which was a semi-domesticated, hardy hunting companion used by local tribes. This dog had a distinctive ridge of reversed hair along its spine, a trait that became the breed’s hallmark. This created a bold hound with fantastic stamina, combining the hunting instincts of European dogs with the Southern African hound’s capacity of hunting and holding large prey ay bay.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Origin
Although the development of the Ridgeback began in the 1600’s marked the beginning of the development of the Ridgeback breed, but it wasn’t until 1922 that the breed, as it is known today, truly took shape. In that year, the first Ridgeback Club was founded in Southern Rhodesia, and a breed standard was written. This milestone in the breed’s history led to the recognition of the Rhodesian Ridgeback by the South African Kennel Union in 1924 and later by the FCI and AKC in 1955. Interestingly, Movie Star Errol Flynn played a significant role in the breed’s history as well. He was among the first people to breed Rhodesian Ridgebacks in America, purchasing his first Ridgeback from an English breeder in the 1930s. Flynn raised the dogs on his ranch in Hollywood, contributing to the bloodline of the breed.
Rhodesian Ridgeback’s Closest DNA Relatives
In a Landmark Genomic Analyses of modern dog breed development, the Rhodesian Ridgeback shares the most DNA from a common ancestor with the following breeds:
Great Dane
Boerboel
Airedale Terrier
Rhodesian Ridgeback Size and Coat Color
According to Breed Standard the Ridgeback can reach a height at the withers of 27″ and a weight of 85 pounds. Their coat color can range from light wheaten to red wheaten and a patch of white on the chest and toes is permissible. A black or brown (livernose) nose is accepted and the eye color should match the nose (dark or amber). Most Ridgebacks will have a ridge of hair along their spine growing in the opposite direction-but Ridgelessness occurs in a little more than 10% of Ridgebacks. Breeding two ridged dogs can produce ridgeless pups, but ridgeless-to-ridgeless breeding is ethically discouraged (risks spinal defects).
Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Resistant to Insect Bites?
The Myth that the Ridgeback is resistant to insect bites is just that-a myth. Although repeated on some TV shows and blogs, scientific research has proven this the be false.
How Fast Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback Run?
In the 100 yard sprint conducted by the American Kennel Club each December in Orlando, FL, called the FastCat, the average running speed of Rhodesian Ridgebacks was a little over 25 mph. The fastest speed recorded was by a dog named FC Mwen-yezi’s Single Malt Scotch at 33.37 mph!
Rhodesian Ridgeback Intelligence
According to research on canine intelligence by professor Stanley Coren in his ground-breaking book, “The Intelligence of Dogs” the Ridgeback ranks 52nd out of 130 dog breeds. Essentially, this means they will learn new commands between 25 to 40 repetitions. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn and follow new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions and the least intelligent breeds will require 80-100 repetitions
Ridgeback Humor!
Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament
The C-BARQ research study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, has studied the temperament of over 60,000 dogs and 350 dog breeds. According to this ongoing study, the Ridgeback ranks 117 out of 124 dog breeds for excitability/hyperness. They would not be described a hyper breed. In contrast, hyper breeds become aroused at trivial events and have a difficult time settling down after the excitement.
Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Aggressive?
In this Same Research the Rhodesian Ridgeback ranks VERY low in aggression towards their owners-121 out of 124 dog breeds. Unlike some breeds, they are not prone to growl or become agitated if you take their toy, step over them or play rough with them. This is a loyal breed that tends to form a deep bond with their humans and makes a great family protector.
Rhodesian Ridgeback’s Prey Drive
Ridgebacks do rank HIGH in one area-prey drive. They come in at 24 out of 124 breeds in chasing other animals-cats, chickens, squirrels etc. But is this really a surprise? Ridgebacks are athletic dogs that were bred to hunt-they are natural born hunters. Always keep your Ridgeback on a leash or in a secure area when outside. Otherwise, it might take off chasing perceived prey. Many Ridgebacks love to dig, so it’s important that you have a fence they can’t dig under or leap over.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy Training
Ridgebacks Puppies can be a challenge. They can be stubborn. They can challenge you. They may decide which member of your household to listen to and who to ignore. They may be very slow at learning the things you want them to and really fast at learning things you would rather they didn’t! But, with proper socialization and consistent training, the payoff is a great companion and a best friend for many years to come!
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health and Lifespan
Ridgebacks have a lifespan of 10–12 years (above average for large breeds). They are generally a very healthy breed, but there are some genetic health conditions to be aware of:
Hypothyroidism – 5% frequency
Dermoid Sinus – 4.7% frequency
Mast Cell Tumors – 3.5% frequency
Hip Dysplasia – 2.2% frequency
Our Ongoing Rhodesian Ridgeback Personality – Temperament Survey Results
A few of the 300 results (and counting):
1. 75% of Ridgeback owners say their dogs have a LOW or BELOW average like of water/swimming.
2. 76% of Ridgeback owners say their dogs are great with children/families.
3. 80% of Ridgeback owners say their dogs have a LOW or BELOW average tendency to bark or howl.
4. 76% of Ridgeback owners say their dogs have/require a LOW to BELOW average amount of shedding-grooming.
5. 87% of Ridgeback owners would NOT recommend a Ridgeback to first time dog owners.
Click Below to See the Results and Take the Survey
Check Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Facts and Take a Fun Ridgeback Quiz!
Quick Facts About Rhodesian Ridgebacks Infographic
Rhodesian Ridgeback Facts – Final Thoughts
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a fascinating breed of dog. As a large dog breed, they require daily exercise to meet their high activity level. It is important for different people considering this breed to understand the commitment required to provide them with regular physical and mental stimulation. A fenced area or secure yard is recommended to ensure their safety and prevent them from wandering off. Obedience and agility training are highly beneficial for Rhodesian Ridgebacks, as they are an independent breed with a natural propensity towards learning and performing tasks. Finally, it is essential to appreciate the unique challenges of puppyhood with this breed and be prepared to invest time and effort into their training and socialization. With the right care and attention, Rhodesian Ridgebacks make loyal, loving companions for those who appreciate the qualities of large breeds.
