Special Needs of A Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is native to South Africa, and its ancestor is the Khoikhoi dog, used in the past by shepherds to track wild animals. The breed is still used for hunting, but a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy can also be an elegant companion.

Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs reach maturity in 3 years. As puppies, they have a lot of energy and need quite a lot of attention from their owners, including daily exercise and professional dog training. In adulthood, these dogs tend to be quieter and more obedient. However, they still require lots of exercise; otherwise, they will become destructive and anxious.

Therefore, this breed is more recommended for people who enjoy outdoor activities and have a generally active life.

If you’re thinking about getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback, let’s take a closer look at some of the most frequently asked questions about the breed’s personality and special needs.

1. Do Ridgebacks Have Any Special Feeding Problems?

Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are always hungry, which is why owners need to watch out for their weight and potential signs of obesity, especially in adult dogs.

Ridgebacks like to eat and are famous for climbing on the table and kitchen counter. Keep food away from them and make sure you close the cupboards well so that they cannot reach them on their own.

The daily food amount depends on the dog’s size, age, constitution, metabolism, and level of physical activity. Veterinarians recommend two ¾ up to 4 3/8 cups of good quality food, divided into two meals per day.

A hyperactive dog will require more food than a dog that doesn’t get as much exercise. Also, the quality of the dog food you buy is important. Make sure you feed them only high-quality, nutritious food to keep them in shape and in good health.

As with humans, puppies are different and do not need the same amount of food. Puppies should be fed in moderation, only twice a day - do not leave food available all the time.

2. Do Ridgebacks Have Any Bad Temperament Habits?

Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies are good with any type of housing, including apartments, provided they get plenty of exercise daily. Ideally, they should have access to a yard with a solid fence that keeps them within the yard space. Remember: if they get bored, they will try to run away.

Leaving your dog alone for hours will easily translate into a disaster. Even if they are not necessarily bored, Ridgebacks tend to dig large pits to rest in the cool earth, so your entire yard might become full of holes.

When it comes to barking, the Rhodesian Ridgeback only barks when needed, unless they do this out of boredom.

To avoid personality problems and the development of bad habits, start training your dog from the early stages of life. Remember that a Ridgeback has a strong personality and can be very stubborn.

For best results, you must be firm and persevering, but not harsh. Use positive knowledge-building techniques, such as praise, play, and snack rewards.

3. Are Ridgebacks Energetic Or Hyper-Active?

The Rhodesian Ridgeback dog needs a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They can keep up with a person who is jogging or cycling, being quite athletic. Exercise is necessary for a Rhodesian Ridgeback because, without movement, this breed can become anxious and destructive.

Every day, you should take the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog for two 15- to 20-minute walks or two play sessions, plus the opportunity to run in a fenced area several times a week.

Because this breed has pronounced urges to hunt, it must be kept on a leash in unfenced areas.

If it has been raised with other pets, the dog will accept them. But it can be aggressive with foreign animals – cats, rabbits, birds - outside the house, even if well trained and socialized.

Males can be aggressive with other males, especially if they are not sterilized.

4. Do Ridgebacks Have Any Special Health Problems?

In general, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a healthy breed, but like any dog, they are prone to several diseases. Not all dogs will necessarily suffer from one or more of the diseases below, but it is important to have all the information if you are thinking of taking home a Rhodesian Ridgeback. 

The most common health problems for this breed:

• Shoulder dysplasia: a hereditary disease common among large dogs, it is believed to be caused by the different growth rates of the three bones that form the dog’s shoulder, which leads to weakness of the wrist. Your veterinarian may recommend surgery to correct the problem, monitor the dog’s weight, or anti-inflammatory medications to keep the pain under control.

• Hip dysplasia: is an inherited condition in which the hip bone is not firmly attached to the hip joint. In some puppies, it manifests itself with pain and limping in one or both hind legs, but it is possible to notice nothing, although the puppy has hip dysplasia.

• Dermoid Sinus: is a congenital defect in which there is a cyst or a narrow structure on the spinal cord. Sometimes it reaches the muscle tissue and can be caught in the spinal cord. If it becomes infected, other problems can occur.

Final Words

Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are calm and easy to discipline by family members, but they are skeptical when it comes to strangers, so they can become aggressive. However, if a dog is taught from an early age to be friendly with guests, it will behave better later.

In conclusion, remember the following:

• This breed needs at least half an hour a day of physical exercise.

• The puppy must be kept in a place surrounded by a high fence because otherwise, it will escape.

• The Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is energetic and active, but in adulthood, becomes calm and silent.

• Puppies generally do not bark much. Many will bark to alert you that something unusual is happening, and some are bored, but in general, they are not noisy puppies.

• If bored, this breed can be very destructive.