A 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.
​Responsible ownership is the key to having a happy and well-behaved Ridgeback.

Stubborn-Sensitive-Gentle-Mischievous-Intelligent-Dignified-Strong willed-Loyal 

The Ridge

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is easily recognized by its distinctive ridge of hair along its back. This distinguishing feature runs in the opposite direction of the rest of its coat and is formed by two whorls of hair called "crowns". The ridge tapers from immediately behind the shoulders down to the level of the hips and is typically about 2 inches (5 cm) wide at its widest point.
It is believed that the breed's ridge comes from a dog used by the original African population, which also had a similar ridge. However, it is important to note that a Ridgeback puppy is either born with a ridge or without one and the ridge does not develop over time. Beware of any breeder who claims that a puppy will develop a ridge later on.​

Ridgebacks have black nose or brown nose (livernose)

Livernose Ridgebacks are a unique variation of the more common black-nose Ridgeback, distinguished by their light-brown nose. Despite their physical differences, Livernoses are still within the breed specification. They typically have a "clear" brown muzzle, amber eyes, and tan toenails, whereas black-nose dogs have blackened muzzles, dark eyes, and black toenails.
In terms of temperament, Livernose Ridgebacks are generally known to be more approachable and trusting than their black-nose counterparts. However, Livernoses are still relatively rare, and some people may initially mistake them for a Hungarian Vizsla until they see their distinctive 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. 

At home Rhodesians are "Sofa dogs" - they cannot live in kennels or garden
       Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their ability to adapt to various living conditions, including apartment living. They are generally calm and relaxed indoors, and prefer to spend their time lounging around comfortably. However, they do require daily exercise and outdoor activities to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
One of the advantages of owning a Ridgeback is their cleanliness. They have a short and smooth coat that requires minimal grooming and shedding is minimal. They do not have an undercoat, so they are not prone to heavy shedding during the changing seasons. They also do not have a strong odor, making them ideal house dogs.
It is important to note that Ridgebacks should not be kept outdoors in kennels or gardens. They thrive on human companionship and need to be part of the family. They also need protection from extreme weather conditions, such as cold winters, and may require a coat to keep them warm.
 

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 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 :)
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​ It is important they understand that you mean what you say!
         
        
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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. 

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.

There is no shortcut with this breed.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
​

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.

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