Rhodesian Ridgeback

View Another Breed:
Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Information

Breed Group: Hound

Weight: Mle: 85; Female: 70 lbs

Height: Male: 25-27; Female: 24-26 inches

Color(s): light wheaten to red wheaten; nose can be black, brown or liver

male 4

Rhodesian Ridgeback

$950.00

male 2

Rhodesian Ridgeback

$900.00

Eric The Red

Rhodesian Ridgeback

$850.00

Overview

A very obedient, friendly and gentle breed, the Rhodesian Ridgeback makes a good companion however does best in an environment with older children. Small children are not ideal, as this dog does not like to rough house. A vigilant and brave breed, this dog can be stubborn and can be difficult to train if methods do not correspond with this breed.

Character

Rhodesian Ridgebacks do well with other animals if given the proper socialization at an early stage, although not recommended for a home with small children. Learning quickly, this intelligent dog is protective of his owner and territory. Should not be left unsupervised for long periods of time as they have the tendency to become destructive.

Temperament

This hunting breed does well in home life, and is very loyal. An overall good companion and is very straightforward. The Rhodesian Ridgeback can be shy and reserved around strangers, and needs extensive obedience training. Rather strong and willful, this breed shows his best and true colors in a somewhat secluded environment.

Care

Average shedding, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is easy to groom. A wipe down with a washcloth or dry towel will suffice and remove some loose hair. Bathing only when necessary, this breed's coat does not trap dirt well and is generally clean.

Coat

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a very distinct marking along his back, which is created by hair that grows in the opposite direction. Coat is short, dense, and should remain glossy and sleek. Silky coat not desired.

Training

Training must be gentle with this breed and start at an early age to avoid any further difficulties. The Rhodesian Ridgeback should have a firm handler, yet gentle training. Training must be consistent and straightforward if this breed is to excel. Good for watch dogging and hunting purposes. Hunting suits this breed very well.

Activity

This tireless dog will be sure to keep you on your feet. Very active, playful, and energetic, the Rhodesian Ridgeback would make a great jogging companion or running along side a bike. They have great stamina and do very well on long walks or a free roam in a yard or park. Should have at least an average sized yard.

Ask a Question Rhodesian Ridgeback Questions & Answers

QUESTION: I found a puppy recently and took her to the vet who then told me that she was a ridgeless rhodesian ridgeback. shes about thirteen weeks old can anyone tell me how much she should weigh around now? she's underweight and i'd like to get her on track. thanks

Anonymous - 2/4/2012 3:18:31 PM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: We have a boxer rhodesian ridgeback mix - we were told at the shelter when we adopted her she was 4 months.. so this month on their calculations she would be 1 yr which she still seems like a pup- when do they become fully grown to where we can feed her adult dog food

Anonymous - 1/14/2012 10:31:01 PM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: I am wondering if any one would no what price I should sell my puppies for, they are ridgeback x american staffy and i got rid of three for 150 ?? i think that is a bit low for such amazing pups, so could people give me some ideas? or some one who has bred this type before and sold it for more? thanks

Anonymous - 1/14/2012 7:51:36 PM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: I was wondering if the Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are cuddly, active, easy to train, loyal and are also how big are they?

Anonymous - 12/17/2011 8:04:26 PM

Respond to Question

Ridgebacks get pretty big. Mine isn't quite a year old yet and is the size of a great dane and still growing. They are VERY active and fun dogs, but it's the type of dog you have to be able to devote a lot of time and love to. Training should start as soon as you get the dog, and they are pretty intelligent and pick up on things easily. My husband and I had ours house broken in just 2- 3 weeks. I wouldn't say RR's are cuddly, but they love their owner and are very loyal.

Anonymous - 1/28/2012 1:02:05 PM

QUESTION: Hi all you dog lovers I am nine years old and I love dogs! I want either a husky or a Rhodesian Ridgeback. I live in Illinois where it is hot and cold which one should I get?

Anonymous - 12/13/2011 10:08:38 PM

Respond to Question

ridgeback. im 11 and mine amazing but they are very very big!!!!

Anonymous - 12/17/2011 8:07:02 PM

For you, the nine year old girl that wants either a husky ore a Ridgeback - get a husky!

Anonymous - 12/17/2011 2:17:32 AM

QUESTION: hello fellow ridgeback lovers, i am a 11 year old gal who REALLY wants a ridgeback so bad but the prob is i heard that they dont do well alone but as you know i have a job and that is education so i have to o to school everyday from 8:30 to 3:00 and after that i go tomy grandmothers house until my dad picks me up and after that i get home around 4:30 ish but when i get home i will SHOWER him with love and exercise him i have a large yard with about one acre can he just tun around that when i get home and will thats atisfie his exercise needs? also is this breed right for me? and give me a breed that is please? THANKS SO SO SO much 3 also just write below this question if you have a question? i wil be training him in obedience classes

Anonymous - 12/7/2011 4:18:21 PM

Respond to Question

Yes I think the ridgeback might be right for you if you have a ten foot fence and an acre because I have a rhodesian ridgeback and they are very playful sometimes loving if you love them back damarius taylor 9 years old GOOD LUCK

Anonymous - 12/11/2011 11:40:04 AM

QUESTION: I recently just bought an American staffy x ridgeback are ridgebacks born with the ridge or do they kinda grow them? Or sometimes not at all...

Anonymous - 11/30/2011 12:56:11 AM

Respond to Question

The lack of a ridge is a birth defect. I owed two Rhodesian Ridgeback's, one male and one female. The male had no ridge and was larger then the normal breed standard but he was the only one in his litter without the ridge. The female was perfectly normal complete with papers. They were brother and sister. The lack of a ridge occurs on occasion but does not mean anything is wrong with the dog.

Anonymous - 12/12/2011 10:12:48 PM

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are born with it! So dont let any ANY breeder say "oh, they'll grow it soon" because if he dosent have the ridge he will never. There is such thing as ridgebacks with no ridge tho but you will know when you see them

Anonymous - 12/7/2011 3:55:41 PM

they are born with the ridge

Anonymous - 12/1/2011 10:10:55 PM

QUESTION: What will the normal height and weight be of a Rhodesian Ridgeback male 7 months old..?

Anonymous - 11/25/2011 3:27:05 AM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: My husband and I recently aquired a 12 week old female Rhodesian Ridgeback. Let me give you alitle back ground on her. She was born outside and that is where she was kept with very little interaction. She is doing great with house training however she is very shy.. She will not follow you around like other puppies do, she cowers when you move towards her. She loves my grand daughter to pieces and does well with my German Shepherd and my cats. How do I get her to trust us? I know proper socialization is needed but I would like her to trust us first. She doesnt walk on a leash either. Please any suggestions would help. I trained my German Shepherd in Schutzhund so I know all about obedience and how to train with that I am jsut so baffled by how shy and reluctant this poor baby is.. Thank you ahead of time for any suggestions you may have..

Anonymous - 10/19/2011 4:21:43 PM

Respond to Question

ok let me tell tell you im 9, damarius taylor, if you got a ridgeback with a baby you should have a little dog because i have one hes 2 and playful not good with babies they're just to playful at least a pug would do good luck

Anonymous - 12/11/2011 11:47:15 AM

I have had Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs for years. They are very friendly and loyal. Give her time and lots of love she will come around slowly. Play with her every chance you get make her feel. Like one of the family and she will lovenu back form years my first was a male 8 weeks old the second was a female of 8 weeks when my male was 2 years old . My third was one of her puppy's. The grew up my 3 small children without any problems great watch dog

Anonymous - 12/2/2011 7:24:20 PM

QUESTION: has any one ever seen or heard of a rhodesian ridgeback olde english bulldog mix

Anonymous - 10/5/2011 3:19:46 PM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: I am a 26 y/o young very active guy living in the SoCal area. I live in a very remote/almost desert area lots of hiking and long trails. I am an endurance athlete and typically average 60+miles a week of running. I am looking for a good dog partner. I have heard great things about Rhodesian Ridgebacks and just curious to see what others think about it. Had a chocolate lab for 14 years past away 2 years ago, and have always wanted a RR since I was younger. If I was to get one, what is a good age range to get and how early should I take it to obedience training? And anyone know where any breeders are in CA, or a good dog trainer in the SoCal area, I would prefer to do it with the dog. Thanks!

Anonymous - 9/8/2011 11:01:05 AM

Respond to Question

I have had ridgebacks for years. Get one a puppy . Start training a 3 or 4 months but give it enought time to be a puppy. The Dogs love to go for long walks and runs They have lots of endurance and love to please, very friendly and loyal . Can be very protective and aggresive if need be.

Anonymous - 12/2/2011 7:29:24 PM

Hi, I'm on my second male Rhodesian - he's 11 weeks old now. I can say this because I'm in the middle of it now. But as with any large breed dog, Rhodesians can not be subjected to forced exercise (i.e. running alongside you) like you do until they are at least 18 months to 2 years old. It will damage their bones and cause irreperable damage (i.e. hip and joint problems). Consider a rescue or an older one. As puppies they need a TON of socialization and obedience training as well to grow to be the excellent dogs they are.

Anonymous - 9/29/2011 3:10:54 PM

QUESTION: We recently got a dog from a rescue and were told it is a boxer/beagle mix. Someone saw our dog yesterday and thought it was a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Now I have looked into it and am thinking perhaps she is at least in part. She has a partial ridge, but only when she is upset. Her hair stands up, and I'm thinking this is not truly a ridge. This is only at the top of her spine and bottom. She does get aggressive with other dogs most of the time and always has her nose to the ground when walking. She pulls a lot on the leash and wants to take off after squirrels and cats. She is very energetic and jumps midair when we come into the house. She is very sweet with my family and guests. Because beagles are sniffers and boxers are jumpers, too, I am confused on what breed she really is. She only weighs 37 pounds, but I have to say even though smaller, she very much looks like a RR. Any opinions are welcome. Thanks!

Anonymous - 8/26/2011 6:21:24 PM

Respond to Question

Hi, You are correct in that your dog does not have a ridge. Rhodesian Ridgebacks that have a Ridge are born with it. (Some full blooded Rhodesians are born without). They do not grown in later, and they are visibly present at all times. The hair that you refer to as standing up on the back of a dog when it is upset is not a Ridge, and it happens in all dogs. It is called their "hackles" as an innate response to ward off a dog's perceived enemies.

Anonymous - 9/29/2011 3:16:53 PM

I am in a similar situation with my dog. We think Boxer/RR. The partial ridge is the same as you have been describing is similar to what is on my dog, Chewi. I recently watched a Breed all about it video and it said that not all RR's have the ridge, however. It said that breeders and kennel clubs don't consider it good breeding. I hope this helps. I think if you go to Youtube and search Breed all about it/ Rhodesian Ridgeback, you should be able to see the same clip I saw. Hope this helps.

Anonymous - 9/3/2011 4:29:15 AM

QUESTION: Do all Rhodesian Ridgeback's with "ridges" potential have the dermoid sinus disease?

Anonymous - 8/12/2011 12:30:27 PM

Respond to Question

Not true, we have 2 pure breed Rhodesian Ridgebacks, rescued from homes that didn't want them because they had no ridge, some pups just don't have one, but they are completely healthy and normal, the genes that make the ridge are actually a defect, so sometimes it just isn't present.

Anonymous - 12/20/2011 12:36:53 AM

Thanks Carlem. That helped alot.

Anonymous - 8/15/2011 4:34:04 PM

NO. The dermoid sinus is a genetic trait that is eliminated by breeders who just forego using any animal that has this condition. You should receive a 1 year genetic guarantee from any reputable breeder which covers the dermoid, thyroid, orthopedic and other genetic deficencies. Note that all dog breeds have some genetic problems, usually expressed by improper breeding but any can have a problem unknown to the breeder. The ridge is not connected with this genetic trait. The ridge is unique to two breeds (Rhodesian and Thai) that marks the fullbloods back. The ridge is not a potential, it is a distinction of the breed. No ridge then it is not a Rhodesian Ridgeback, period. Hope this helps.

carlem - 8/13/2011 11:20:16 AM

QUESTION: We have had our Rhodesian Ridgeback pup now for 1 week, He loves to be in our laps, and to play, he does play fetch, however when we take him out ot potty sometimes he comes, but most of the time he looks at us and he then ignores the command. I understand he is young, I want to break this habit please send me suggestions

Anonymous - 7/17/2011 6:13:29 PM

Respond to Question

If you have only had the Rhodesian Ridgeback for a week and it is a puppy so about 10 weeks old you are probably starting too young with his training. It is true that they need to be started in obediance training early you should wait till he is about 4 months old. Like most hound breeds they are easily distracted while outside.

Anonymous - 12/12/2011 10:22:02 PM

A fine hunter, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is ferocious in the hunt, but in the home it is a calm, gentle, obedient, good dog. They are intelligent, skillful and straight-forward dogs that are loyal to the family. Ridgeback's react best to an extremely consistent and firm but calm approach to training. They are intelligent and learn quickly, but will be stubborn and willful if they are stronger-minded than the humans. Training should be gentle, but firm and should start young while the dog is still small enough to manage. Good luck!

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 6:46:52 PM

QUESTION: I picked up a Rhodesian Ridgebackmix as a stray. There are 3 people in the house, but she is my shadow. She is very loving and friendly to everyone, but I am concerned with how she reacts to very small dogs. I have only had hunting type dogs. (shorthairs, labs, beagles) I think I have to adjust my training tech., any sugestions?

Anonymous - 5/30/2011 11:17:52 PM

Respond to Question

I have the same a ridgeback mix and she is great I also have a toy poodle and they get along great she can play a bit harsh with my poodle but he can hold his own . This is the first I have ever heard of this breed however the hunting/watchdog charecteristics are amazing .We live on top of a mountain and she can (and needs to) run alot and boy is she fast.

Anonymous - 6/17/2011 12:03:42 PM

QUESTION: I got a dog who's mom was a redbone coonhound and it's dad was thought to be a boxer, but it looks exactly like these photos of ridebacks. Can I post pics here....you'll think it's one of these dogs?

Anonymous - 5/24/2011 6:41:14 PM

Respond to Question

Many breeds are similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback. But, like Ruffles, only Ridgebacks have a ridge!

carlem - 8/13/2011 11:53:50 AM

Redbone coonhounds look like rhodesian ridgebacks. Good luck!

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 6:47:54 PM

QUESTION: My wife and I live in an apartment in the city and are looking to get an Rhodesian Ridgeback. We have an active lifestyle and like the outdoors. Is a Rhodesian Ridgebacka good choice for us? We are first timers and are looking for a calm yet active dog Thanks

Anonymous - 5/23/2011 2:08:22 AM

Respond to Question

Whoever posted the first response is obviously not a breeder or knows the first thing about these dogs. Apartment/Condo/etc life will suit the dog fine provided they are exercised. Dogs are relatively inactive indoors and they will not spring from one side of a mansion to the next just as you won't spring from one side of the condo to the next. It's irrelevant. Just exercise the dog properly(1+ hours a day) and you will be fine.

Anonymous - 8/22/2011 7:34:11 PM

Sorry, but as a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder I would reject you. This breed needs exercise and a large yard or farm for running. Using a "active lifestyle" for this breed is just not a great idea. Please choose a different breed for your family.

carlem - 8/13/2011 11:51:56 AM

Rhodesian Ridgebacks will dog okay in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with a large yard. These dogs have great stamina and you will tire long before they do. They need to be taken on daily, long, brisk walks or jogs. In addition, it needs plenty of opportunity to run, preferably off the leash in a safe area. If these dogs are allowed to get bored, and are not walked or jogged daily, they can become destructive and start to display a wide array of behavioral problems.

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 6:48:42 PM

QUESTION: My Rhodesian Ridgeback chases shadows. Do they usually do that?

Anonymous - 4/18/2011 1:33:15 PM

Respond to Question

Sometimes it depends on how old they are. My Rhodesian Ridgeback does and he is 2.

Anonymous - 4/20/2011 7:53:31 AM

QUESTION: I'm a white water river guide and I am looking for a dog that is super friendly to strangers, but protective and loves long distance hikes and loves the water and loves playing fetch. But I need one that can live in mountain weather conditions. Would a Rhodesian Ridgeback be a good match?

countryboy3 - 4/7/2011 5:23:44 PM

Respond to Question

I would say look for another breed. A Ridgeback isn't going to be super friendly to strangers, they will be aloof, meaning they will ignore them...after first being reserved or wary. And they are not a water dog. Every ridgeback I've ever had runs and hides when the sprinklers come on. Get a lab, or a lab-boxer mix instead.

Anonymous - 8/14/2011 6:13:46 PM

Ridgebacks are the absolute best dogs. A real handful, but the most loyal and protective dogs out there. Love long hikes, but usually not the water or fetch. I've had many ridgebacks, only one has liked the water and none have ever played fetch - they get bored with it very quickly. Mine live in the Rockies and handle the cold just fine, although they are short haired, warm-weather dogs (from Africa). Not particularly friendly with strangers either, but trust their owner's judgement of people. I will never get any other kind of dog.

Anonymous - 5/23/2011 3:45:28 PM

thank you for all the info on my 12 year old buddy my ridgeback I let him go where he wants to. He is the best friend I ever had !! thank you again........randy

Anonymous - 4/26/2011 12:42:00 PM

The "True" or correct Ridgeback should be aloof with strangers. RR will be protective. Loves long hikes and MAY enjoy the water but won't love it like a Lab would. I have yet to see a RR play fetch. RR has single coat but is hearty to around freezing. Expect to find the dog either in your sleeping back or right next to you. RR are hounds first and foremost. They will take longer to train and do not respond to harsh training. But once they accept that you know what you're doing they are imho the best dogs.

Anonymous - 4/13/2011 10:25:28 PM

QUESTION: I am a hiker and a white water river guide, I was just wondering how are the Rhodesian Ridgebacks on long distance hikes and around water?

Anonymous - 4/5/2011 10:42:05 PM

Respond to Question

I have an 11 mo. Rhodesian Ridgeback. He will out hike you. He will run almost constantly. He will run out of sight but will return out of the blue to check on you. Don't worry if it's not right away. Ive only had him a few months, he's hesitant about the water so far. Once conditioned, you probably will have to drag him out. Consistence & persistence is the answer.

Anonymous - 4/6/2011 2:54:54 PM

QUESTION: My ridgeback/bulldog gets into fights. We can't go to the dog park now. Is there any methods to get him to stog fighting?

Anonymous - 3/19/2011 1:02:42 PM

Respond to Question

Look into a dog trainer, or consult the books watch dog training shows, but be careful! =)

Anonymous - 4/11/2011 6:54:40 PM

QUESTION: My husband and I bred our Boxer and our Ridgeback and got 10 puppies. We have some people interested in buying some of them but do not know what a good price would be. They are 9 weeks old tomorrow and have had their first set if shots and exams. Could someone please help us figure out what a good price would be?

Anonymous - 3/16/2011 6:26:33 PM

Respond to Question

i have been looking for a ridgeback boxer cross for a long time wish i would have seen this sooner

Anonymous - 12/23/2011 3:19:21 AM

A hundred or so. If you're breeding and selling to make money then you're doing it for the wrong reasons. Responsible breeders do it for the enhancement of the breed and not for the profit.

Anonymous - 8/14/2011 6:15:54 PM

Really because we have 5 left and have had a hard time selling them at the $200 we started out at that and have lowered the price to $75. They are now 6 months old have had all puppy vaccinations.

Anonymous - 7/20/2011 1:45:49 PM

$1450. That is a NICE mix that is worth a lot!!

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 6:50:00 PM

QUESTION: Are rhodesian ridgebacks good for allergies?

Anonymous - 3/13/2011 5:10:12 PM

Respond to Question

I am in contact with a ridgeback and he does not trigger my allergies at all they are kind loving dogsssssssss

Anonymous - 12/7/2011 4:05:27 PM

Rhodesian ridgebacks don't shed much, so I would assume that is a plus.

Anonymous - 5/23/2011 3:46:49 PM

I tend to be allergic to most dogs, so before we got a Ridgeback I asked if I could play with the puppies a little bit too see if I was allergic and I didn't have any problems, but that's not to say it would be the same for you.

Anonymous - 3/20/2011 10:05:43 PM

QUESTION: I have a 12 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback, great dog, but he does't want to go where I want him too! He is such a good dog to have, but very stubborn sometimes he just sits there or lays down, when I try to pull him on his leash, what to do? thank you randy

Anonymous - 3/8/2011 12:22:20 PM

Respond to Question

aww first i wanna say YOU ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE A 12 YEAR OLD RIDGEBACK they are a wonderful breed so congrats and maybe he's just tired *RIDGEBACKS R SPECIAL* <3

Anonymous - 12/7/2011 4:07:38 PM

12 is a wonderful age! You must have treated your Rhodesian Ridgeback well over his life. An inexpensive treat I use are fried (easier storage) chicken livers. All of mine LOVE that as a treat.

carlem - 8/13/2011 11:48:34 AM

Wow, 12 years old, as other person said, he is old, if he doesn't want to go, don't make him. Treat your Rhodesian Ridgeback with dignity and let him enjoy his time, he's given you 12 years of pleasure, its time to repay him, and make a HUGE fuss of him no matter what. He can't speak to you, so don't pull on his leash, accept he's old and this is his way of telling you. Good luck

Anonymous - 4/24/2011 9:37:25 AM

12 yo RR? Well nothing to do now but make his days comfortable. He's just an old dog and has done his time. Pay him some respect and remember his joints are old and most likely sore these days. Let him go with dignity.

Anonymous - 4/13/2011 10:31:39 PM

QUESTION: I have seen where the breeder says the dewclaws have been removed. Where are they located and why the need to remove? thanks Larry

Anonymous - 2/13/2011 9:58:14 PM

Respond to Question

My RR mix has his dewclaws still, seeing he was full grown when we got him I decided to just leave them, we dremel his nails including his dewclaws so the won't snag on anything, works really well, and he seems to use them to hold onto things he is chewing, maybe he thinks he has thumbs!!

Anonymous - 12/20/2011 12:46:16 AM

Nothing "needs" to be removed. My RR girl uses her front dews for holding onto bones and things. And it is said they are used in hard cornering. The rears I believe are just left over from another time and will slowly fade away in 10,000 years.

Anonymous - 4/13/2011 10:40:18 PM

The dewclaws are the fifth claw on the front paws.They are located on the side of the paw. They are generally removed because they do no good for the dog, and it catches on things so it would cause pain, either the dogs, or the persons. Also, they might also 'dangle' or 'hang'. One of my dogs didn't have it removed, and it gave me a cut 5 inches long and one deep, so I think removing it is a good thing. Also, some dogs have dewclaws on front and back, and maybe even 'double dew claws'.

Anonymous - 4/2/2011 7:01:44 PM

on the side of the paw's

Anonymous - 2/15/2011 1:14:37 PM

QUESTION: How Tall Do Rhodeian Ridgeback grow?

Anonymous - 1/13/2011 3:52:42 PM

Respond to Question

The height is a function of genetics, as the lean weight of the parents determines the lean weight of the offspring for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

carlem - 8/13/2011 11:46:13 AM

Rhodeian Ridgebacks are 23-26 inch and can be 60lbs My vet said to keep them at 60lbs to keep him from getting hip problems

Anonymous - 2/15/2011 1:16:43 PM

QUESTION: How big can a Rhodesian Ridgeback grow?

Anonymous - 1/12/2011 5:04:50 PM

Respond to Question

Rhodesian Ridgebacks males should be roughly 85 pounds and females 75. It is easy for ridgebacks to become overweight so keep them healthy with a good diet and exercise.

Anonymous - 5/23/2011 3:50:17 PM

Depends on the breeder. My RR girl is 72lbs and has been most of her adult life. She's heavier in the Winter and leaner in the Summer. RR's in the USA are being breed significantly larger. The standard is Bitches 75 and Dogs 85. To keep the breed true to its task as a hunting dog it must be able run all day and corner on a dime. These 150lbs RR's would be easily killed by a Lion. Remember these dogs bayed the Lion until the hunter got their to kill it. Any dog that closed on the lion was always killed. Airdale Terriers were very good lion dogs but to often would go for the kill as Terriers do, and as I said alway fatal for the dog. So when you see the words: "Exceed the breed standard" stay away from these breeders.

Anonymous - 4/13/2011 10:53:34 PM

I had a female Rhodesian Ridgeback. She was 60lbs and her brother's where 70lbs. A vet will tell you 60 for male and female to keep them from hurting their hip's

Anonymous - 2/15/2011 1:21:50 PM

Rhodesian Ridgeback males are normally 25-27 inches in height. Females are normally 24-26 inches in height. Males weigh about 85 pounds if kept healthy, females weigh about 70 pounds.

Anonymous - 1/12/2011 7:06:31 PM

QUESTION: What colors do Rhodesian Ridgebacks come in?

Anonymous - 1/11/2011 12:18:23 PM

Respond to Question

Refer to the breed standard for Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Red Wheaton, Light Wheaton, Wheaton. Liver nose should have amber eyes and black nose should have brown eyes. Mask and small amount of white on chest and paws is acceptable.

Anonymous - 4/13/2011 10:59:14 PM

Rhodeian Ridgebacks are light redish brown

Anonymous - 2/15/2011 1:18:09 PM

The accepted colors for a Rhodesian are Wheaten, Red Wheaten, and Light Wheaten. The ones with African bloodlines show more of the deep red color. Their nose colors can be black nose with or without a black mask, and livernose with or without a mask. White is normally on the chest and some paws. Look on the American Kennel Club website for more information.

peachcreekridgebacks - 2/13/2011 3:27:29 PM

Rhodesian Ridgebacks come in: Dark Brown, cream, brown, white, and black. I have a brown Rhodesian Rigeback called Jedrick.

Anonymous - 1/12/2011 5:01:56 PM

QUESTION: If you raise a Rhodesian Ridgeback from puppyhood with two cats, will it get along with the cats?

Anonymous - 1/10/2011 7:21:26 PM

Respond to Question

i have a ridgeback and two cats. the ridgeback loves the cats indoors but if he sees the cats outdoors he will run them down. he has never attacked but it scares the hell out of the cats. ridgebacks have a huge prey drive and will run after anything that is running from them so if your cats are outdoor cats just prepare in your mind that one day your ridgeback may run one of your cats down and accidentally kill it. it hasnt happened to me yet but it is possible. my dog usually pulls back a little and doesnt actually attack though.

Anonymous - 5/4/2011 11:24:40 AM

Yes and once Rhodesian Ridgebacks understand the cats are part of the family they should protect them with their life.

Anonymous - 4/13/2011 11:00:51 PM

We brought our Rhodesian Ridgeback into a home with 3 cats when she was 6 months and she is very good with the cats!

Anonymous - 2/22/2011 10:39:42 PM

QUESTION: Me and my family where wondering if we should get a rhodesian ridgeback or a poodle? My wife and I have four kids one's 29 and has his own apartment so he's not normally at our house. The next kid is in college he's 19. Then we have a handicap kid who goes to a special sleep away school and is only with us on weekends and he's 12. Then we have a kid who's 10 who's in school from 8:50--3:00 and we live in the superbs, thank you!

Anonymous - 12/29/2010 12:00:57 PM

Respond to Question

I agree with Cobbcreek22, get the poodle. Imho, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are hounds and require more time than other breeds to willingly submit. They do not respond to harsh treatment/training. And leaving them crated all day is not ideal for this breed. I'm sure it's been done before but I'd say stay away from the hounds.

Anonymous - 4/13/2011 11:08:02 PM

get a rhodesian!

Anonymous - 4/11/2011 6:56:46 PM

The Rhodesian Ridgeback will be happy with the kid. They love kids and anyone who will give a place to have fun and love to sleep on your bed

Anonymous - 2/15/2011 1:24:32 PM

Doesn't sound like there will be anyone around for several hours each day, so unless you have a companion for your dog, the loneliness can spell trouble for a Ridgeback. They are extremely social dogs, and can become destructive if their needs for exercise and attention are not met. They are accomplished escape artists, and their size and power overcomes many barriers. If you are looking for a dog that might be able to entertain itself during the hours your family is away...you might be better off with a small poodle.

cobbcreek22 - 12/29/2010 9:42:44 PM

If you are looking for Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies for sale from reputable Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders or to adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback from a Rhodesian Ridgeback rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.