Buying or Adopting a Rhodesian Ridgeback

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback the right breed for you?

Rhodesian Ridgeback Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
• No young children in the household
• No very small dogs in the household
• No dogs of the same sex in the household
• No cats in the household
• Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Rhodesian Ridgeback stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, tracking, lure coursing); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Rhodesian Ridgebacks are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Ridgeback to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior or aggression
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Rhodesian Ridgeback, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are fairly common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Rhodesian Ridgebacks rank 42nd.

Unfortunately, their popularity is often based on their rugged appearance and glowing descriptions of the breed as "calm and protective." Some Ridgebacks are certainly calm (when given plenty of exercise) and protective (if they have good genes and have been socialized properly). On the other hand, poorly-bred, poorly-socialized, and unexercised Ridgebacks can be dreadfully challenging to live with.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are available from Dog Rescue groups. Ridgebacks may be turned over to Rescue because they need more exercise than the owner expected, or due to dominance issues or aggression toward other animals. Owners often give up their Rhodesian Ridgeback when it becomes apparent that the dog is too much for them to handle. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise, training, and socialization that they are lacking.

Other Rhodesian Ridgebacks are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are occasionally found here, but Ridgeback Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. If a member of their breed turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Rhodesian Ridgeback from a show breeder, who breeds their dogs to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Rhodesian Ridgeback from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal elbows
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have a normal thyroid

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Rhodesian Ridgeback ends up with cataracts and crippled joints.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are occasionally found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?