The Rhodesian Ridgeback – What to Know Before Getting One
Originally from Zimbabwe, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, also known as the African lion hunter, is a strong, muscular dog with an independent character.
In 1922 the first breed standard was conceived, and in 1950, the dog made its entrance in the United States, being recognized five years later by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a hunting dog.
This dog is devoted to its family and needs a firm and consistent owner to shape and define its personality.
Dogs of this breed have a lot of energy, but if they are trained, they can be extremely well-behaved and quiet. However, this breed is suitable for people who have an active life because it needs exercise to stay healthy and to have a balanced temperament.
Breed Characteristics:
- Group: Hound
- Origin: South Africa
- Height: Female: 61–66 cm, Male: 63–69 cm
- Weight: Female: 29–34 kg, Male: 36–41 kg
- Fur and Color: Short and soft fur, in the color of wheat-gold or wheat-red
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
- Energy level: Medium
- Kid-Friendly: Medium
- Training: Medium
People who are looking into buying a Rhodesian Ridgeback are usually interested in a few hot topics: if the dog is family-friendly or aggressive to kids or other pets, if they are low maintenance in terms of pet care, if they shed a lot or if they are hypoallergenic. Last but not least, the actual cost of owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy.
Read on to find the answers to these questions and get a better understanding of the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Pros:
- Intelligent and loyal
- Low maintenance, it sheds very little
- Friendly, playful, affectionate
Cons:
- They like to dig holes
- Tendency to chase small animals
- Most likely to easily escape from fenced yards
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Aggressive?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an excellent dog companion, loyal to their family, powered by a strong instinct to protect. If you're thinking of getting one for your family, know that they do great with kids too.
They are calm and easy to discipline by family members, but they are skeptical when it comes to strangers if they perceive them as a threat, so they can become aggressive sometimes. However, if a dog is taught from an early age to be friendly with new people, it will behave better.
Remember that the breed is aggressive towards other dogs, but also other pets. Ridgeback dogs also have a passion for nibbling on everything in their path.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs need three years to reach maturity and develop fully, physically, and mentally. In the early stages of life, they are energetic and require a lot of attention from their owners. Such a dog needs movement because, without exercise, the animal can become anxious and destructive.
They are intelligent and learn very quickly, but to have good results, owners must start training from an early age. In addition, it is a stubborn dog, so the person who trains it must have a strong personality and be very firm.
Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Shed?
The great news is no! The Rhodesian Ridgeback is considered a low-shedding breed, the ideal choice for people who suffer from dog hair allergies and those who enjoy keeping their home hair-free.
The short, smooth coat of Ridgeback dogs requires little care, and they shed only a small to moderate amount of fur. All you need is basic grooming once per week with a rubber brush and then wiped with a dry cloth. As for bathing, they only need to be bathed once or twice a year.
For healthy-looking dogs, make sure their nails are shortened as needed and their ears are cleaned regularly to avoid any ear infections. Help maintain the dog's health through oral hygiene, including regular brushing of the dog's teeth.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Hypoallergenic?
It's quite common today for people to suffer from dog hair allergies which is why the next question, "is this breed hypoallergenic," comes into mind for potential Rhodesian Ridgeback owners.
The truth is no dog is completely hypoallergenic, and neither are Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
However, as detailed above, this dog breed is low-shedding and low-maintenance due to its short hair, making it a great fit for households with people suffering from allergies.
When it comes to dog allergies, the most common "culprit" is a protein that can be found in their saliva, urine, or dander (dead skin cells shed together with loose hair).
People are more allergic to some breeds than to others because of this protein released by the dog's body.
If you or your loved one suffers from allergic reactions to animal hair, here is some quick advice:
- Clean up the indoor air from potential allergens with a HEPA (high-efficiency particle air purifier).
- Limit the time your dog spends in the same room with you.
- Keep your floors carpet-less or if you do keep carpets or rugs, make sure to shampoo them regularly to remove allergens.
How Much Does A Rhodesian Ridgeback Cost?
The average cost for a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is between $1,700 and $2,500. The price can become higher when these factors apply:
- Bloodline
- Pedigree Status
- Health Tests
- Warranties
Important to know is that the breed's puppy price will always vary based on the level of training and socializing.
Don't forget that the Ridgeback dog has a very independent and alert personality which makes it difficult for people who did not own dogs before.
If you want a dog that is already mature, trained, and well-mannered, our recommendation is to choose an adult dog rather than a puppy. These older dogs are calmer and can be a gentler alternative. They are also usually cheaper than puppies, their pricing ranging from $400 to $500.
Final Words
As with any other breed, if you think Rhodesian Ridgeback is right for you, make sure you get all the information about it before you get one. Talk to your veterinarian, other Rhodesian Ridgeback owners, reputable breeders, dog trainers, and rescue groups to find out more.
If you are interested in similar breeds, analyze them to compare the pros and cons.