| Rhodesian Ridgebacks: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Rhodesian Ridgeback personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, including these excerpts:
"This dignified, muscular dog, a combination of scenthound and sighthound, needs brisk walking every day and the chance to run as often as possible.
The most territorial of the hounds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is aloof with strangers and should be accustomed to people at an early age so that his guarding instinct remains controlled rather than indiscriminate.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be dominant with other animals, especially with other dogs of the same sex.
This serious, confident dog is independent, inclined to do things his own way, and will test members of the family to find his place in the pecking order. Consistent leadership and obedience training is a must.
Overall, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a splendid, capable companion for assertive owners. However, without ongoing time and effort, exercise, socialization, and supervision, he can be too much dog.
This is not a breed to sit quietly in your yard all day. Young Rhodesian Ridgebacks are especially rambunctious, bore easily, and can excavate vast holes."
History
The name of this South African breed is derived from the peculiar ridge on his back, a raised strip of stiff hair that grows in the opposite direction than the rest of his coat. He has been used to hunt birds and small and large game -- even lions.
Size
24-27 inches and 70-85 lbs |
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Rhodesian Ridgebacks
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- There are energetic Ridgebacks, and placid Ridgebacks.
- Hard-headed Ridgebacks, and sweet-natured Ridgebacks.
- Serious Ridgebacks, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Ridgebacks, and Ridgebacks who love everyone.
| If you acquire a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...
- Is large, well-muscled, and natural-looking, with one unusual physical characteristic: the ridge of stiff hair along his back
- Has a short easy-care coat
- Thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities
- Is the most territorial and protective of the hounds, serious and confident
- Is calm and quiet in the home -- as an adult
A Rhodesian Ridgeback may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- Vigorous exercise requirements
- Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
- Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
- Providing enough socialization so their protectiveness doesn't become aggression or suspiciousness
- Aggression toward other animals -- chasing instincts
- Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
- Shedding
A Rhodesian Ridgeback may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a Rhodesian Ridgeback... |
My major concerns would be:
- Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Rhodesian Ridgebacks MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored Rhodesian Ridgebacks can make a shambles of your house and yard.
| If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in tracking, or agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. |
- Providing enough socialization. Most Rhodesian Ridgebacks have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to biting. Some Rhodesian Ridgebacks go in the opposite direction -- without enough socialization, they become fearful of strangers, which can lead to defensive biting.
| If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies. Young Rhodesian Ridgebacks (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people. The temptation to play roughly is simply too strong in many young Rhodesian Ridgebacks. |
- Animal aggression. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are hunting dogs. Many Ridgebacks are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. Some have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.
- The strong temperament. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not Golden Retrievers. They have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Some Rhodesian Ridgebacks are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
- Shedding. For such a shorthaired dog, Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than you might think. Their short hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, and stick tenaciously to your upholstery and clothing.
| Frankly, most Rhodesian Ridgebacks are "too much dog" for the average household. Very few people really have the knowledge or skills to manage this breed, or to provide the activities that keep him satisfied. |
| If you're considering an adult Rhodesian Ridgeback... |
There are plenty of adult Rhodesian Ridgebacks who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author. |
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