The distinctive dorsal ridge, the shiny brown coat, and the graceful demeanor make the Rhodesian Ridgeback a truly unique breed. Originating solely from Southern Africa, it holds the distinction of being the only recognized breed from this region. Learn more about what makes these exotic dogs special in the following profile.

History of the Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback originates from Southern Africa and has its roots in the domesticated dogs of the Hottentots. From these dogs, they inherited their characteristic dorsal ridge. The Khoikhoi tribe attributed special qualities to this broad strip of hair, believing it made their dogs fearless. Ridgebacks protected settlements and livestock from wild animals and aided indigenous people in hunting. When European settlers arrived in South Africa from the 16th century onwards, they quickly recognized the breed’s advantages.

They primarily used the Rhodesian Ridgeback to track and restrain large game until hunters arrived to kill the animals. At that time, the most popular prey was lions, requiring a strong and courageous dog. In 1922, the British breeder Francis Richard established the first standard in Bulawayo, formerly Rhodesia, based on the Dalmatian.

Due to the similar characteristics of both breeds, they are classified together by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in FCI Group 6, Section 3. The Rhodesian Ridgeback quickly gained many admirers and became popular beyond the borders of Africa. It wasn’t until 1954 that the breed finally arrived in the United States, where it has since gained increasing popularity.

Temperament and Character

The Ridgeback is a brave and intelligent dog that requires a lot of exercise. It is loyal and affectionate to its owner but will never completely submit. It retains its independence and enjoys making decisions autonomously. The dog has a moderate threshold for stimulation but reacts swiftly in threatening situations. Despite its strong guarding instinct, it barks infrequently and never without reason.

When adequately stimulated, the Ridgeback is a friendly housemate who gets along well with children. It is very sensitive and responds poorly to pressure and violence. If it doesn’t understand a task, the Ridgeback becomes stubborn and refuses to cooperate. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is highly sensitive to changes and needs time to adapt. Therefore, it should not be left alone for extended periods, and ideally, it should accompany you on vacations.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	Medium
Playfulness	Medium
Energy Level	Medium
Trainability	Medium
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	Low
Amount of Shedding	Medium

Acquiring a Rhodesian Ridgeback

What should I consider when purchasing one?

As a prospective owner of this demanding breed, you should be aware of the responsibility and effort involved. After all, the Ridgie will be a part of your family for 10 to 15 years and will require appropriate care and stimulation during this time. The Ridgeback is by no means a dog for everyone, and beginners can quickly become overwhelmed. However, with proper training and appropriate care, the breed can become an excellent family companion.

If you want to buy a physically and temperamentally healthy Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, you should purchase from a registered breeder. Expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 for a purebred puppy. Alternatively, there are always Ridgebacks in need of a new, loving home due to unfortunate circumstances. If you are considering adopting a dog from a shelter, you should have prior experience with dogs. The animal will be grateful to you for the rest of its life.

Development and Training of the Puppy

As a young pup, the Ridgie is particularly exuberant and full of energy. He craves affection and would love to play all day long. Generally, the breed matures later, as it is not fully grown until around 3 years of age. For the training of the dog, you should be prepared to invest a lot of time and ideally already have some experience with dogs. Training the sensitive Ridgeback requires a significant amount of effort and should not be neglected.

The dog has a strong hunting and guarding instinct that you must definitely address. Especially in densely populated areas, it’s crucial that the otherwise independent dog obeys your commands without question. In training, you must show no inconsistency but also avoid putting undue pressure on the four-legged friend. Finding the right balance can be challenging at times. It’s best to seek assistance from a dog training school, where the pup can also interact with other puppies.

How to Care for a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

Activities with the Rhodesian Ridgeback:

The Ridgeback originally hails from the vast African savannah and can easily keep up with mounted hunters all day long. So, you should not underestimate his need for exercise. The sensitive African dog won’t feel comfortable in a small apartment or a solitary kennel. He requires plenty of movement and space. Ideally, a large house with a garden is suitable.

An active family that enjoys spending time with him and occasionally takes him on longer trips through nature is ideal. He’s enthusiastic about all dog sports like agility, dummy training, and similar activities. However, especially with such large dogs, you should consult with a veterinarian to ensure that the dog is suitable for the sport. Hurdles can strain the joints.

The breed is particularly eager when faced with mental challenges. Even though it may sound like you need to keep the dog busy around the clock, the Ridgie also needs ample rest periods. After a long walk, he enjoys retreating to his basket and savoring the peace and quiet.

Health and Grooming

Generally, the muscular Ridgeback is a relatively low-maintenance dog. The claws wear down naturally with regular walks, and you can groom the short coat regularly with a rubber curry comb. Heat doesn’t bother him, whereas he tends to avoid cold or rain. In the rain, he may refuse to leave the warm home.

Naturally, he lacks an undercoat and should not be left outside for too long or housed outdoors during winter. A dog coat to keep him warm on cold days is often beneficial. Additionally, the shedding is relatively light, so the dog does not require special care during this time.

Interesting Facts

Did you know?

Famous Rhodesian Ridgebacks:

This exotic breed is also popular among celebrities. For example, South African President Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II owned Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Australian singer Kylie Minogue reports that she only regained enough strength to recover with the help of her Ridgeback Sheeba. The dog was always by her side during her breast cancer therapy, helping her through the darkest hours. A Ridgeback female dog also gained great fame in the Belgrade Zoo. After a black panther cub was rejected by its own mother, the Ridgeback adopted the cub and nursed it alongside her own puppies.

Do you also have a Rhodesian Ridgeback or plan to get one soon? Tell me more in the comments!