Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Rhodesian Ridgeback, often referred to as a ‘Renaissance hound,’ is a special kind of dog known for having a stripe of hair that grows in the opposite direction along its back. This stripe is its unique feature.
Originally from Africa, these dogs were famous for tracking and baying at lions without harming them. Nowadays, they are loved as family pets, but they need owners who understand their independence and strong hunting instincts.
Underneath the distinctive ridge, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are powerful and speedy dogs. They can be quite large, weighing between 70 to 85 pounds or even more. Their fur comes in one color, which is like the different shades of wheat in a field, ranging from light to dark.
They also have two nose colors: Rhodesian Ridgeback black and less commonly, brown. These dogs can be stubborn, independent, and sometimes bossy. It’s important for their owners to be firm but fair with them from the time they are puppies.
They are loyal companions, protective of their families, and very loving with people they trust. However, for someone who’s new to owning dogs, a Rhodesian Ridgeback might be a bit too much to handle.
Rhodesian Ridgeback History
The Rhodesian Ridgeback, originally called the African Lion Hound, was created in South Africa by farmers. They needed a tough hunting dog that could handle hot weather, rough terrain, and low water.
They also wanted a dog that could protect their property and be a friend to the whole family. They mixed European dogs like Great Danes, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, and Bloodhounds with a local dog kept by the Khoikhoi people.
This local dog had a special stripe of hair along its back, and breeders saw that dogs with this stripe were great hunters. Farmers first used them for bird hunting and hunting wounded deer. Later, they found these dogs were good at hunting lions too. They could keep a lion away until the hunters came.
A hunter named Cornelius von Rooyen started breeding these dogs in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. They made a standard for how the dogs should look and act in 1922, and it hasn’t changed much since then.
In 1924, the South African Kennel Union accepted the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Some of these dogs might have reached the United States in 1911, but many more came after World War II to the U.S., Britain, and Canada.
The first Rhodesian Ridgeback registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) was Tchaika of Redhouse in 1955. The AKC officially recognized the breed that same year.
Today, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the 54th most popular breed among the 155 recognized by the AKC. They are very popular in South Africa, where they originally came from. Their webbed feet help them walk on sandy surfaces, acting like snowshoes but for sand.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Size
A male Rhodesian Ridgeback is usually about 25 to 27 inches tall from the ground to the shoulder, and they weigh around 85 pounds; females of this breed are slightly smaller, standing at about 24 to 26 inches tall and having a Rhodesian Ridgeback weight of around 70 pounds.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a loyal, independent, and intelligent temperament. They show strong loyalty to their families and are great at guarding their homes.
Early socialization is important to help them feel comfortable with strangers. They are affectionate towards their owners and good with children, but may be too exuberant for very young kids. While calm indoors, they need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Training requires patience and consistency, using positive reinforcement techniques. Overall, they are loving, protective companions for active families who understand their needs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Grooming
Rhodesian Ridgebacks don’t need too much grooming, but they do shed a bit. A simple brushing once a week can help get rid of loose hair and make their coat shiny. Giving them a bath every now and then can also keep them clean and looking nice.
It’s important to trim their nails regularly to prevent discomfort and trouble with walking or running. Some Ridgebacks might not like getting their nails trimmed, but using a nail grinder can be more comfortable for them.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Nutrition
For Rhodesian Ridgebacks, it’s important to give them good quality dog food. You can choose food from the store or make it at home, but it’s a good idea to check with your vet to make sure it’s okay. The food you give should match their age – whether they’re a puppy, adult, or senior dog.
Ridgebacks have a habit of trying to snatch food from counters, so make sure to keep human food out of reach. Some Ridgebacks can gain weight easily, so keep an eye on how much they eat and their weight.
Treats are helpful for training, but giving too many can make them overweight. It’s essential to know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not.
If you’re worried about your dog’s weight or diet, talk to your vet. And always make sure your dog has clean, fresh water available all the time.
Health of Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the health concerns commonly seen in Rhodesian Ridgebacks include:
Hip Dysplasia: This is a common condition in large breeds where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and lameness.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia involves abnormal development of the elbow joint, which can cause pain and lameness.
Dermoid Sinus: This is a congenital condition unique to Rhodesian Ridgebacks, where there’s a tube-like opening in the skin that can lead to infections.
Hypothyroidism: Rhodesian Ridgebacks can sometimes have issues with their thyroid gland, which can affect metabolism and overall health.
Eye Problems: Some Ridgebacks may develop eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts.
It’s important for Rhodesian Ridgeback owners to work with responsible breeders who screen their dogs for these health issues and to provide proper veterinary care throughout their lives.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine check-ups can help keep Rhodesian Ridgebacks healthy and happy.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Exercise
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are powerful and active dogs. They need a good amount of exercise, but they can adjust well to different living environments as long as they get daily outings like long walks and playtime with their owner.
They really enjoy running and need physical activity to stay in good shape and feel content. In addition to physical exercise, they can also benefit from mental stimulation through activities like tracking, agility, and other dog sports that they can do with their owner.
These activities help keep their mind and body engaged and strengthen the bond between the dog and its owner.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Training
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a strong instinct to chase after prey, so it’s important to keep them in a securely fenced area when they’re not on a leash. They are loyal pets and should live indoors with their human family.
Sometimes they can be quite stubborn, independent, and even bossy, so it’s essential to train them firmly but kindly starting from when they are puppies.
Early socialization and attending puppy training classes that use positive methods can be very helpful. These classes teach them good behavior and ensure they grow into well-behaved and happy companions.
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Lion
When we consider the Rhodesian Ridgeback alongside the lion, we can see they have significant differences in size, strength, and hunting abilities.
Despite the popular belief that Ridgebacks are skilled lion hunters, they lack the necessary power to confront a lion directly. Lions, as apex predators, possess formidable strength and weaponry, making them formidable opponents.
This contrast emphasizes the distinct roles each animal plays in their environment: lions as dominant rulers of the savanna, while Ridgebacks serve as faithful companions and hunting allies to humans.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue Organization
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are often bought without people knowing how to take care of them properly. As a result, many of these dogs end up needing help from rescue groups. These groups try to find new homes for Rhodesian Ridgebacks through adoption or fostering.
Sometimes, Ridgebacks need rescuing because their owners have separated or passed away. If you’re thinking about adopting an adult Rhodesian Ridgeback that’s already grown past the mischievous puppy stage and might already know some training, a rescue group is a good place to look.
Note:Â Explore Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies for sale, perfect for adding joy and companionship to your home. The Rhodesian Ridgeback price varies depending on factors such as lineage, breeder reputation, and location, typically ranging around $2500.
If you want to learn more about pets, read our article at Harpersatelier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Usually Die From?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally healthy dogs, but they are known to be prone to cancer. However, compared to many other breeds with a high risk of cancer, Rhodesians have a lower rate of the disease and tend to live longer.
The information shows that Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a lower chance of getting cancer and tend to live longer than breeds that are known for having cancer-related illnesses.
What is the Typical Lifespan of a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback lifespan is typically around 10 to 12 years.
What are the Rhodesian Ridgeback Characteristics?
The characteristics of Rhodesian Ridgebacks include loyalty, intelligence, independence, and courage. They are known for their distinctive ridge of hair along their backs, as well as their athleticism and hunting instincts.
Additionally, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are affectionate with their families but may be aloof with strangers, requiring early socialization.
What is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Bite Force?
After testing the jaw strength of Rhodesian Ridgebacks, we found that their bite force is quite typical, usually ranging between 200 and 300 PSI (pounds per square inch).
Their jaw strength is similar to that of other popular breeds like Labrador Retrievers, which have an average bite force of around 230 PSI.
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