Rhodesian Ridgeback

In contrast to its training, the coat care of a Rhodesian Ridgeback poses no challenge. The short fur has no undercoat and sheds relatively little outside of the moulting season.

Naturally, your furry friend will still appreciate regular brushing. Indulge it in this pleasure, which is also good for its health. The massage not only removes dead skin flakes but also stimulates blood circulation.

Additionally, check its eyes and ears briefly each day. Remove any dirt with a damp cloth. 

The Rhodesian Ridgeback usually keeps its claws in shape by walking on hard surfaces like asphalt. If your dog is already a bit older, you may need to trim its claws with a claw cutter.

Who is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Suitable For?

The breed is not for beginners and should be in the hands of experienced dog owners. These doggy friends need plenty of space and lots of activity. Due to their strong need for exercise, they are not suited for apartment living or city life.

In a family setting, ensure that children can enjoy an excellent friendship with the Rhodesian Ridgeback but should already be old enough to understand basic rules for respectful interactions with pets.

Hunting Behaviour: Is Socialisation with Cats Possible?

You can generally socialise your dog with cats if this is done during the puppy stage. However, it may view stray cats as prey. Therefore, a high fence around the garden is highly recommended.

Speaking of gardens: if your garden is perfectly maintained, you will need to say goodbye to that state. Your Ridgeback will soon transform it from a blooming oasis into a hole-riddled natural garden.

Originally, these athletic dogs had lots to do: guarding house and homestead along with livestock, hunting, and protecting their owner. Today, many Rhodesian Ridgebacks are still used as guard dogs, protection dogs, hunting dogs, or tracking dogs.

They also have the right instincts to be trained as rescue dogs or mantrailers.

You must ensure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback is well-exercised. These fast and agile South African canines usually delight in dog sports like agility or obedience. Due to their size, however, avoid making them jump too often to prevent joint problems.

Always research your breeder thoroughly beforehand. Because dogs that mainly descend from pure working lines need particularly high levels of exercise. Give your dog ample opportunity to romp and sniff during daily walks.

You can vary daily walks with tricks, hide-and-seek games, and new routes. An adult Rhodesian Ridgeback will also enjoy accompanying you while jogging or cycling.

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Rhodesian Ridgebacks are beautiful dogs known worldwide for their distinctive dorsal strip of raised fur. This feature is embedded in their breed standards.

However, breeding these beauties is partly controversial in animal welfare. Thus, breeding Ridgies under certain conditions can be regarded as compromised breeding, which is why you must inform yourself about the breed’s genetic health and local regulations.

What are the Consequences of Dermoid Cysts?

Due to the connection between the skin and spinal cord, affected dogs suffer from hypersensitivity and hind limb paralysis.

Furthermore, dangerous infections can occur, leading to inflammation of the meninges or spinal cord. About 10% of affected puppies have spina bifida, a split spine.

The “Expert Opinion on the Interpretation of § 11b of the Animal Welfare Act (Prohibition of Compromised Breeding)” published in Germany recommends banning the breeding of animals with dermoid cysts.

Other Susceptibilities of the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Apart from this, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is considered robust. It usually tends to develop hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, like all large breeds.

Because of its African roots, the breed has relatively thin fur, especially in the belly area. This can lead to the animals feeling the cold quickly in winter.

Ensure that your four-legged friend has a cosy spot at home during the cold season and does not have to stay in one place outside for too long. A dog coat is also an option.

How Old Can a Ridgeback Get?

If you buy your Rhodesian Ridgeback from a responsible breeder and keep it in a species-appropriate manner, it can accompany you from puppyhood for up to twelve years.

The right diet is one of the cornerstones of a healthy and animal-friendly dog life.

Pay Attention to Quality in Feeding

While dry food may be very convenient, many dogs prefer wet food and it also provides them with fluid. This is particularly advantageous for Rhodesian Ridgebacks, as some tend not to drink enough water. Therefore, many breed experts recommend offering only wet food. The protein source should always be high-quality.

BARF-ing is also an option for Rhodesian Ridgebacks, provided you prepare the rations in a species-appropriate manner and with the required hygiene measures.

How Much Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Eat?

While a puppy needs three to four meals a day, an adult dog will do well with two portions daily. When changing food, never do this abruptly from one day to the next. Instead, give your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s stomach time to adjust.

Generally, keep an eye on your dog’s weight. Use the manufacturer’s feeding recommendations as a basis for calculating the daily amount of food.

However, adjust the amounts to your dog’s activity level to avoid excess weight. Also, consider the portion of treats in the daily amount.

The “Rhodesian” in the name reveals this proud dog’s origin. The relatively young breed comes from the former state of Rhodesia – today’s Zimbabwe – in southeast Africa. Here, enthusiasts defined the first standard in 1922.

However, the ancestors of the Rhodesian Ridgeback come from South Africa, where they have been kept as guard and hunting dogs for centuries. Therefore, South Africa is officially recognised as the country of origin. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is the only breed from South Africa recognised by the FCI.

Interesting to Know: The nickname “Lion Dog” was given to these hunting dogs for their role in lion hunting. Several dogs would track a lion, then hold it at bay by barking until the hunter arrived.

Thanks to the influence of European settlers who crossed its ancestors with breeds like Great Danes, Terriers and Greyhounds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback got its present look.