Breed Description

The large and tenacious Rhodesian Ridgeback is a symmetrical and muscular dog capable of great endurance. This breed has a distinctive ridge on his back. Their average weight ranges between 65-90 pounds, and stands around 24-27 inches tall.

Coat

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a dense, sleek, and glossy coat. The short-coated breed is solid light red or wheaten body, having the same color of their nose, or either black or brown. Dark gray or shades of black may appear on some ears and on the muzzle for some.

Activity

With great stamina, the Rhodesian Ridgeback requires a great deal of exercise. These tough and resilient dogs are very loyal to their family, and will require a lot of chance to run off leash in a well-fenced yard. If this breed is not given enough exercise, behavioral issues may arise.

Temperament

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a resilient dog bred to hunt lions. These dogs are highly loyal, and will not accept strangers easily. In fact, owners should be warned that these dogs may attack when the situation calls for it. Though this breed is the hardy type, these dogs are also soft by heart. They are actually great with children and other pets, as long as they have been reared alongside them. A highly intelligent and strong willed breed, some have been known to open gates and even cabinets to get a snack. These, however, frustrate some owners. They should therefore be supervised at all times. Due to the protective nature of this breed, they should be socialized and trained in obedience. Without it, these dogs may become too domineering to handle.

Overview

Originally bred to hunt lions, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a lot to show with regards to their strength. These dogs have healthy appetite and love for food. They can jump so high, so fencing is a must.

Care

The Rhodesian Ridgeback requires daily exercise. They also need a balanced nutrition with fresh water, vegetables, and raw meaty bones. It is important to leave a minimum of half an hour in between exercise and meals. They will require monthly nail trimming and ear cleaning, and bathing should be done when necessary.

Training

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a stubborn nature that tends to make training a little difficult. It's a good thing they are eager to please their owners. For this reason, handlers should train them with persistence, patience and gentleness. It is important to remember that these dogs get easily bored with long and repetitive obedience classes. Training in short but frequent sessions is recommended, in between exercise and meals.

Character

Bred to fight lions, the brave Rhodesian Ridgeback is known to withstand harsh climates and will be left unaffected by insect bites. These dogs are highly obedient and loyal, making an excellent guard dog.