Known for the earmark ridgepole that runs along their spines , Rhodesian ridgebacks are an independent , substantial , and faithful breed . Learn more about live with Rhodesian ridgebacks .
It ’s hard to get more literal than the Rhodesian ridgeback : a firedog with a ridgepole of haircloth that extends down his spine . But beyond the hairstyle , the ridgeback is an autonomous , potent , and close breed . These medium- to great - sized African hounds were originally bred to protect their families and distract lions . The Rhodesian ridgeback is known for his independent personality and strong will , which might make himdifficult for the novice ownerto handle . But with positiveness and patience , you ’ll have aloyal kinsfolk dog .
Appearance
Once known as the African lion hound , the Rhodesian ridgeback hails from southern Africa . manly dogs weigh around 85 pounds while female ridgebacks are smaller , at around 70 pounds . The line of whisker growing the opposite counsel down their spines — almost a mohawk haircut — puts the " ridge " in " ridgeback . "
This powerful , no - ruff breed hasa unforesightful , low - maintenance coatthat come in shades of one color only — wheaten — though some Rhodesian ridgebacks have black masks or blanched grading on their chest and toe . They can have black or brown noses and always have kind , reasoning heart in shades of amber or brown .
Temperament
Rhodesian ridgebacks are have a go at it for their dignified and substantial - willed personality , which requires a lot of guidance froman experienced and patient owner . Whenwell condition and cared for , Rhodesian ridgebacks are incredibly close and affectionate with their possessor , but they will unremarkably tend to be aloof toward strangers .
" Rhodesian ridgebacks are not for a beginner possessor , " says Brian Kilcommons , founder ofThe Great Pets Resort , a boutique training facility in Connecticut . " These dogs were bred to track lions and entertain them at bay , and they ’re fast enough that the computerized axial tomography ca n’t get them . They ’re a hound , they ’re hunters , so they ’re going to be vulturine . When they see front , they ’re run to want to chase . "
Though anintelligent strain , the Rhodesian ridgeback ’s independence can make preparation catchy . It ’s of import to start training your Rhodesian ridgeback right away — as presently as you bring him home — using apositive - strengthener method . Enrollingin a puppy classcan be a gravid way to add socialization — and distractions — to your grooming routine .
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As with any stock , it ’s important toproperly socializeyour Rhodesian ridgeback puppy from a youthful age . Exposing your pawl to various sights , sound , people , and brute will help him grow up to be a well - adjust and confident adult . " The temperament varies in this breed , and fear can be more of a problem , " Kilcommons suppose .
Rhodesian ridgebacks are passing loyal to those they screw . They arepatient and kind with tiddler , but pocket-sized minor start the risk of being knock over if your ridgeback gets too robustious . It ’s important toteach children how to the right way interact with dogsandalwayssupervise them when act with any dog .
Living Needs
Rhodesian ridgebacks can be " too much hound " for a lot of people to care . spawn to hunt , they have avery in high spirits prey driveand shouldalways be kept on leashor in asecure fence - in domain . These pup were bred to out - manoeuvre the king of the hobo camp , so running after them if they get sluttish probably wo n’t go well for you . Because they ’re so straightaway on their manus , it ’s important all ownersget their ridgeback microchipped .
Though considereda in high spirits - DOE breed , the Rhodesian ridgeback is fairly adaptable to most aliveness spot — includingapartments — so long as they get out enough for amoderate amount of exercise . " Having the sentence to properly do a Rhodesian is fundamental , " Kilcommons says . " They ’re very dynamic and can [ develop unwanted behaviors ] if they are n’t exercised or entertained . "
Theymake enceinte hikingand run partners , but they are just as quenched with a long walk fall out by a rigorous play sitting with their owners . They are extremely close and rely on a potent fellow traveller bond .
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The idealistic home for a Rhodesian ridgeback has a large , physically fenced - in K where he would be the only deary . Though they can be get up to get along with other heel , small animals — such as cats — will most in all probability be seen as fair game .
Their unassailable personalities and independent will can test even the most experienced dog proprietor , and Rhodesians need mental stimulation to be happy . Their best partner : an experienced owner looking for an active comrade to join them through their daily aliveness .
It ’s important to consider your life style before committing to any dog . Talk to aRhodesian ridgeback breederorrescue groupabout outlook to see if a Rhodesian ridgeback is a full scene for you .
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Care
Rhodesian ridgebacks are low maintenance when it comes togrooming . Their short pelage need mere weekly brush to move out loose numb pilus and keep a healthy effulgence , but they wo n’t need more than anoccasional bath . Some Rhodesian ridgebacks can be sensible — and resistant — to neaten , especiallynail clipping . It ’s important to start weekly neaten practices at a young age , which will help your hound become comfortable when handled . Nails should be trim back if you’re able to hear them tapping against the floor . If your Rhodesian ridgebacks stand nail clippers , anail grinder may have better effect .
even brushing is also a good metre to curb for thing like pelage lustre ( dull whisker can stand for a lack ofnutrients in his diet ) , nail distance , and ear anddental health . Ear canalsshould be pallid pinkwith very piddling — and fairly odorless — wax . Be sure to look for any signs of drift ( speck ! ) and foreign objects in the canal , especially if you and your weenie expend a lot of time outside or have recently been in tall grasses . And while even at - home care is significant to your Rhodesian ridgeback ’s health , this does n’t replace avisit to the veterinarian . Always extend to out to your vet with any concerns .
Rhodesian ridgebacks are well-informed and independent thinkers , which , ungoverned , can conduct to a domineering personality . It ’s important to beginobedience trainingas early on as possible to make a executable human relationship .
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" Training is a cognitive operation , not a result . I ’ve had some client get a breed I normally would n’t have suggested . But they ’ve done their reading material , they ’ve done their homework , they ’ve followed instructions and it works out great , " Kilcommons says . " There are other hoi polloi who just blame the frank for being difficult . detent learn by their interactions with us . Day - to - day , we have plenty of opportunities to teach the hotdog what we need it to do . We communicate with word , so our initial praise is usually cursory — they’re not going to react to that . They read our facial expressions . You have to smile , you have to praise sky-high , and you have to intend it . "
Health
The Rhodesian ridgeback is count agenerally healthy breedwith a life-time around 10 years . But like all breeds , the Rhodesian ridgeback is prostrate to certain disease . TheRhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States , the official breed club , requires breeders complete hip and elbow evaluations . The club also powerfully recommends additional testing forthyroid conditions , heart conditions , and center anomalies .
Like otherlarge dogs , Rhodesians are alsosusceptible to bloat , when dogs ' stomachs swell and construction or flip , skip off blood flow to other organs . This is a life - peril experimental condition , but you may help prevent bloat through a procedure that " tacks " the stomach to your detent ’s body , keeping it in spot . babble with your veterinary the come up with the salutary wellness plan for your pup .
Rhodesian ridgebacks can also have a defect calleddermoid fistula , which typically require surgical intercession . The condition is sometimes present at parentage , and reputable stock breeder and veterinarians will be able to name it .
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Not all Rhodesian ridgebacks will encounter serious wellness proceeds , but it ’s important to be mindful of these vulgar business organization when considering this strain . It ’s of import to purchase all dogs from reputable breeders who will enter you to the dog ’s parent and sib . If adopting , call for the deliverance for all useable health history .
History
Once bonk as the African lion hound , the Rhodesian ridgeback was in fact once bred to search Lion , though he was never use in the killing . Instead , dogs would confront lions and distract them to give the hunter time to give the sack his weapon . But that ’s not where this stock ’s history begin .
In the sixteenth and 17th hundred , European settler arrived in southern Africa with their weenie — mastiffs , Great Danes , sleuthhound , and greyhounds . Ill - suited for the drastic temperatures , scarce water , and rough brush , the colonist began breed their imports with the native Khoikhoi dog , a tribalhunting dogknown for the rooftree line its back , harmonize to theRhodesian Ridgeback Rescue . The consequence was a potent , flying , intelligent bounder who made an first-class hunter .
The strain remained elusive in the United States , and did n’t gain popularity until after World War II . Today , Rhodesian ridgebacks are bonk to be fast and loving family hound . It is still a democratic breed in its aboriginal South Africa , butmore rare stateside .
