We often use to say there are dogs and there are Ridgebacks...
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A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breathtaking South African dog
Originally bred to "pursue" lions, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are superb hunters
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are amazing trackers in tracking their prey and can hold it with their great power.
So, have on your mind that they can pursue and seize cats, sheep, goats and other fleeing creatures. Sometimes this will not be fun at all.
Only the 3m high fence will stop them, the lower ones they jump over very easy like a joke.
This is why most Ridgebacks should NOT be trusted "off leash" in an area that is not completely secure as well they should NOT be walked by children ...
It is better not to watch your Ridgeback dragging your child across the floor.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are amazing trackers in tracking their prey and can hold it with their great power.
So, have on your mind that they can pursue and seize cats, sheep, goats and other fleeing creatures. Sometimes this will not be fun at all.
Only the 3m high fence will stop them, the lower ones they jump over very easy like a joke.
This is why most Ridgebacks should NOT be trusted "off leash" in an area that is not completely secure as well they should NOT be walked by children ...
It is better not to watch your Ridgeback dragging your child across the floor.
Stubborn-Sensitive-Gentle-Mischievous-Intelligent-Dignified-Strong willed-Loyal
That is what they are.
That is what they are.
The Ridge
The breed distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair along its back, running in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat.
It consists of a fan-like area formed by two whorls of hair (“crowns”) and tapers from immediately behind the shoulders down to the level of the hips. The ridge is usually about 2 inches (5 cm) in width at its widest point.
It is believed to originate from the dog used by the original African population, which had a similar ridge.
Beware of any breeder that may tell you that the puppy "doesn't have a ridge yet, but it will come in later". These dogs are born with ridges or without ridges, they do not develop by time.
It consists of a fan-like area formed by two whorls of hair (“crowns”) and tapers from immediately behind the shoulders down to the level of the hips. The ridge is usually about 2 inches (5 cm) in width at its widest point.
It is believed to originate from the dog used by the original African population, which had a similar ridge.
Beware of any breeder that may tell you that the puppy "doesn't have a ridge yet, but it will come in later". These dogs are born with ridges or without ridges, they do not develop by time.
Ridgebacks have black nose or brown nose (livernose)
Livernoses are unique difference to the more common black-nose Ridgeback, and have a light-brown nose.
Livernose Ridgebacks are within the breed specification but tend to have these physical variations from black-nose:
Brown nose (instead of a black nose)
“Clear” muzzle (brown) (instead of blackened muzzle)
Amber eyes (instead of dark eyes)
Tan toenails (instead of black)
Their temperament is usually a little more friendly and trusting, compared to black-nose dogs.
Livernoses are still pretty rare and people may identify the dog as a Hungarian Vizsla....until they see the ridge:)
Livernose Ridgebacks are within the breed specification but tend to have these physical variations from black-nose:
Brown nose (instead of a black nose)
“Clear” muzzle (brown) (instead of blackened muzzle)
Amber eyes (instead of dark eyes)
Tan toenails (instead of black)
Their temperament is usually a little more friendly and trusting, compared to black-nose dogs.
Livernoses are still pretty rare and people may identify the dog as a Hungarian Vizsla....until they see the ridge:)
Ridgeback standard colour is wheaten
Ridgeback colour is wheaten. The spectre goes from light-wheaten to red wheaten.
They should not be too dark, chocolate or mahogany.
They should not be too dark, chocolate or mahogany.
At home Rhodesians are "Sofa dogs" - they cannot live in kennels or garden
They are lazy at home, and active outdoors.
Most of the time during the day they will change their positions from dog bed to sofa, then back to your bed.
They love to feel comfy. This is why they are also suitable to live also in apartment.
Ridgebacks are extremely clean dogs with minimal shedding. They shed a little all year around and if you brush them regularly, they will shed
even less. They do not have undercoat and during the cold winter they have to wear coats so please have on mind that
they cannot live in kennel or garden.
They are 100% house dogs.
This breed does not smell. What a blessing!
They are lazy at home, and active outdoors.
Most of the time during the day they will change their positions from dog bed to sofa, then back to your bed.
They love to feel comfy. This is why they are also suitable to live also in apartment.
Ridgebacks are extremely clean dogs with minimal shedding. They shed a little all year around and if you brush them regularly, they will shed
even less. They do not have undercoat and during the cold winter they have to wear coats so please have on mind that
they cannot live in kennel or garden.
They are 100% house dogs.
This breed does not smell. What a blessing!
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They are very territorial, excellent family guardians and good with children
The Ridgeback’s presence will make any intruder think twice. And better they are :) ... These guys are serious guards. Their families are
their pack and they will do everything to protect them.
They are extremely tolerant and excellent companion with children, but both child and dog must learn to behave around one another.
This is why you should always monitor them. Younger and more excitable Ridgebacks have the jaw power of a German Shepherd,
teeth as sharp as surgical scalpels and they are they are not aware of their size and strength so may knock over small children by accident.
The Ridgeback’s presence will make any intruder think twice. And better they are :) ... These guys are serious guards. Their families are
their pack and they will do everything to protect them.
They are extremely tolerant and excellent companion with children, but both child and dog must learn to behave around one another.
This is why you should always monitor them. Younger and more excitable Ridgebacks have the jaw power of a German Shepherd,
teeth as sharp as surgical scalpels and they are they are not aware of their size and strength so may knock over small children by accident.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is highly intelligent, strong-willed and VERY independent
Oh yes....these guys are very intelligent "manipulators" and they will use any weakness of their owners to achieve what they
want only to please themselves.
Did you know that Ridgebacks were bred to work/hunt (in a pack) independently of man?
Working independently of man has resulted in a breed that is an independent thinker that is programmed to achieve its goals, not yours.
Sometimes even more manipulative than human, they "think and plan".
They will always test all family members to find their place in the family pack. This is why they are not easiest to handle, but once you get and learn how to manage that (only with absolute consistency), you will enjoy watching them stop to try :)
It is important they understand that you mean what you say!
Oh yes....these guys are very intelligent "manipulators" and they will use any weakness of their owners to achieve what they
want only to please themselves.
Did you know that Ridgebacks were bred to work/hunt (in a pack) independently of man?
Working independently of man has resulted in a breed that is an independent thinker that is programmed to achieve its goals, not yours.
Sometimes even more manipulative than human, they "think and plan".
They will always test all family members to find their place in the family pack. This is why they are not easiest to handle, but once you get and learn how to manage that (only with absolute consistency), you will enjoy watching them stop to try :)
It is important they understand that you mean what you say!
An athletic breed, Ridgebacks loves to run
They just need activity and lot of space for run and you would not believe how fast and agile they are.
With the ability to sprint at speeds of up to 64.4 km/h they are fast enough to keep a pace with some of the fastest animals and dog
breeds. But watch out, you can loose them from the sight in only few seconds if they decide to run after some rabbit or a
bird. This is a hunting breed. They have a distinct sense of smell and eyes like a scanner and there is no animal
that they will miss, especially if it is moving.
These dogs have great endurance and they can run for hours so in just one hour they could be miles away.
They just need activity and lot of space for run and you would not believe how fast and agile they are.
With the ability to sprint at speeds of up to 64.4 km/h they are fast enough to keep a pace with some of the fastest animals and dog
breeds. But watch out, you can loose them from the sight in only few seconds if they decide to run after some rabbit or a
bird. This is a hunting breed. They have a distinct sense of smell and eyes like a scanner and there is no animal
that they will miss, especially if it is moving.
These dogs have great endurance and they can run for hours so in just one hour they could be miles away.
Dog school is a "MUST" but not every dog school is good for Ridgebacks!
Rhodesians need patient and consistent training and a lot of positive motivation from puppyhood to avoid becoming a domineering behaviour.
So remember....When you are training Ridgebacks there has to be something “special” for them or they will simply
show you "the finger" ...
Punishment/negative training does not work well for this breed.
They just do not tolerate rudeness and rude approach.
Once you loose their trust, it will be very hard to bring the trust back.
Even Rhodesian Ridgeback is a splendid, capable companion, for assertive owners (without ongoing time and effort, exercise, socialization, and supervision), he will be for sure "too much dog."
Because of their size, intelligence, and power, Rhodesian Ridgebacks aren't recommended for first-time or timid owners.
Rhodesians need patient and consistent training and a lot of positive motivation from puppyhood to avoid becoming a domineering behaviour.
So remember....When you are training Ridgebacks there has to be something “special” for them or they will simply
show you "the finger" ...
Punishment/negative training does not work well for this breed.
They just do not tolerate rudeness and rude approach.
Once you loose their trust, it will be very hard to bring the trust back.
Even Rhodesian Ridgeback is a splendid, capable companion, for assertive owners (without ongoing time and effort, exercise, socialization, and supervision), he will be for sure "too much dog."
Because of their size, intelligence, and power, Rhodesian Ridgebacks aren't recommended for first-time or timid owners.
There is no shortcut with this breed.
This breed needs lifelong work and socialization and this is not a joke!
This breed needs lifelong work and socialization and this is not a joke!
As a rule, the breed is not known as barkers. Thank God
Ridgies are quiet dogs.
They will not bark without any reason.
But be aware.... If your Ridgeback is barking at someone or something, you’d better investigate, as something may be up. They are for sure going to be the best security system you ever had.
Ridgies are quiet dogs.
They will not bark without any reason.
But be aware.... If your Ridgeback is barking at someone or something, you’d better investigate, as something may be up. They are for sure going to be the best security system you ever had.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dearly devoted companion but reserved to strangers
This imposing dogs are whole-heartedly attached to their families, including children. It is a joy watching them how gentle and protective
they are with kids. They are ‘people’ dogs that want to be wherever you are. They love you deeply, with unswerving dedication and loyalty.
They will wither if they will have be alone at home for hours on a daily basis, so do not forget they just have to feel your presence all the time.
As the most territorial hound breed, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is aloof with strangers and should be accustomed to people at an early age
so that guarding instinct remains controlled rather than indiscriminate.
This imposing dogs are whole-heartedly attached to their families, including children. It is a joy watching them how gentle and protective
they are with kids. They are ‘people’ dogs that want to be wherever you are. They love you deeply, with unswerving dedication and loyalty.
They will wither if they will have be alone at home for hours on a daily basis, so do not forget they just have to feel your presence all the time.
As the most territorial hound breed, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is aloof with strangers and should be accustomed to people at an early age
so that guarding instinct remains controlled rather than indiscriminate.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not generally aggressive dogs.
They are an even-tempered gentle breed, especially around their families. They are very tolerant dogs. However, they are territorial and can show
aggression around other dogs or people if they feel the need to protect. Mostly they will not be arrogant or uppity, but if they meet an arrogant
dog, they will probably respond.
They are an even-tempered gentle breed, especially around their families. They are very tolerant dogs. However, they are territorial and can show
aggression around other dogs or people if they feel the need to protect. Mostly they will not be arrogant or uppity, but if they meet an arrogant
dog, they will probably respond.
This breed does not tolerate loneliness very well.
Ridgebacks cannot handle being alone. It would be the best for them not to be alone more than 4 hours on daily basis. You will need to gradually
train them that it is OK to be home alone, otherwise from this sadness they can become destructive. This condition is known as separation
anxiety. If they get bored they can do a really big damage in your home. So if you are working a lot, maybe Rhodesian is not the best choice for you.
Ridgebacks cannot handle being alone. It would be the best for them not to be alone more than 4 hours on daily basis. You will need to gradually
train them that it is OK to be home alone, otherwise from this sadness they can become destructive. This condition is known as separation
anxiety. If they get bored they can do a really big damage in your home. So if you are working a lot, maybe Rhodesian is not the best choice for you.
Exercise needed
When we talk about food...we will talk about "Manipulation" again .... You can have two scenarios: Ridgeback that will
eat until it explodes, or the "I don't want that food, give me something else" - picky eater.
Rhodesians are supposed to be fit, lean athletic hounds - they are not supposed to have the outline of a bottle.
As we said, these guys are lazy dogs, exercise is needed so you don't have an obese dog.
When we talk about food...we will talk about "Manipulation" again .... You can have two scenarios: Ridgeback that will
eat until it explodes, or the "I don't want that food, give me something else" - picky eater.
Rhodesians are supposed to be fit, lean athletic hounds - they are not supposed to have the outline of a bottle.
As we said, these guys are lazy dogs, exercise is needed so you don't have an obese dog.
Soooo, these are the good things and bad things....
Be honest to yourself.
Can you handle this splendid dog?
Are you ready to be a true leader that your Ridgeback will follow and respect?
Please think twice :)
There is a hard work in front of you (especially in the 1st year), but once when you make it, you will cooperate with your dog with ease and joy.
Be honest to yourself.
Can you handle this splendid dog?
Are you ready to be a true leader that your Ridgeback will follow and respect?
Please think twice :)
There is a hard work in front of you (especially in the 1st year), but once when you make it, you will cooperate with your dog with ease and joy.
