Rhodesian Ridgeback
Also known as Ridgeback
- Height at the withers
- 61 to 69 cm
- Weight
- 29 to 41 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Southern Africa
- FCI group
- 6 · Scent hounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a home with cats
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
A large, muscular and athletic scent hound with a distinctive ridge of hair along its back, originally bred to hunt lions in Africa. Known for its dignified, composed nature and its loyal temperament.
History and origins
Developed in southern Africa by crossing the native ridged dogs of the Khoikhoi with European breeds such as Mastiffs and Greyhounds. Bred by farmers and hunters to track big game, especially lions, and hold it at bay.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Dermoid sinus (congenital malformation)
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Rhodesian Ridgeback FAQ
How big does the Rhodesian Ridgeback get?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback stands 61 to 69 cm at the withers and weighs 29 to 41 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Rhodesian Ridgeback need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Rhodesian Ridgeback live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are dermoid sinus, as well as hip and elbow dysplasia.
