How to Select a Rhodesian Ridgeback

By eHow Pets Editor

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The Rhodesian Ridgeback, a hunter of impressive size, dates back to 16th-century South Africa. The breed's most notable physical characteristic is the ridge across its back, which is created by hair growing in the reverse direction. While Ridgebacks are calm and friendly with their owners, they can be aloof with strangers.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Dental Kits (for Dogs)
Dog Beds
Dog Bones
Dog Dishes
Dog Flea/tick Control Medication
Dog Food
Dog Leashes
Dog Shampoo
Dog Tags
Leather Dog Collars
Muzzles
Dog Shampoo

Step1

Choose a Rhodesian Ridgeback if you're looking for a loyal, even-tempered dog that will watch faithfully over your house.

Step2

Think about getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback if you live in an extreme climate. This durable breed can withstand all weather extremes and can go without food and water for more than 24 hours.

Step3

Reconsider getting a Ridgeback if you live in an apartment or will be keeping your dog indoors for long periods. Ridgebacks need a backyard to play in, however.

Step4

Consider a Ridgeback's features. His overall appearance should be strong, athletic and tall. He should have a long face and a flat skull. His eyes should be round and lively, and his face should be free from wrinkles. His coat, which can vary from light to dark wheat in color, should be short and glossy. The ridge along his back should be well-defined.

Step5

Understand the health problems associated with Rhodesian Ridgebacks. They are prone to hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint) and dermoid sinus (a skin condition along the spine).

Step6

Look at potential breeders very carefully. Ask if they are members of breed, specialty or obedience clubs. You can check references through a club to make sure that the breeder does not run a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain - without consideration of the integrity of the breed).

Step7

Understand that you will pay between $300 and $1,500 for a purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Step8

Expect a male Ridgeback to reach 25 to 27 inches and to weigh between 75 and 85 lbs. Females will reach 24 to 26 inches and will weigh between 65 and 75 lbs.

Step9

Be prepared to enjoy a fruitful 10 to 12 years with your Rhodesian Ridgeback, as this is the breed's average life expectancy.

Tips & Warnings

Ridgebacks make excellent running companions and love to swim.
Your dog will be great with other dogs, cats and any other animals he has been raised with, but might be defensive with animals he doesn't know.
This breed can take a lot of pushing and pulling from children, but needs to be watched with toddlers. Because of the dog's size, he might have a tendency to knock over very small children.
As with any dog breed, it is important to train and socialize your Ridgeback early to ensure that he grows up to be an obedient, well-mannered and nonaggressive dog.

Comments

Timon said

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on 12/12/2007 I have 2 male Ridgebacks, a 6 and a 4 year old. The older one hates water and will not step on the grass is its wet. The younger one (they're uncle and nephew), will jump in the pool if its really hot outside but thats it. They both love to eat, get petted, go for a walk, and sleep. They do like to be comfortable when they sleep. They each have their dog beds with blankets on them, which they love to nestle under when its cold. The older one is more delicate when it comes to weather. If its below 60F or above 85F, he doesn't like to stay outside. They are very curious and like to go and investigate any noise. I walk them about 3 miles daily, and they love their walk. They cry and wont leave me alone until they get it. We have 6 acres so I dont leash them. They chase rabbits, turkeys and deer. After their walk, I feed them and pet them, then they'll sleep for about 12 hours straight.

fearlessfox said

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on 10/26/2007 Our Ridgeback, which we adopted at the ASPCA, loved swimming with my sons at the lake every summer! You can't nail a whole breed with one trait when so many owners testify to its not being valid! Everything else that's been said-loyalty, gentleness, intelligence-is all true, though! The best breed of hounds except for the Dachshund! Thank you for the wonderful write up on one of my favorite breeds!

dragondadon said

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on 1/22/2007 hi i bought a rhodesian he is like 17 weeks old but has no ridge are they born with the ridge or do they come later on because i am not worried just interested to no if he is full breed or not will some one pleas e-mail me asap to dragondadon@hotmail.co.uk
thanks :)

said

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on 8/8/2006 I have a 16 month Rhodesian Ridgeback female who is a double handful. She is a bundle of energy, willful, stubborn, loves to dig up the yard and scare neighborhood cats and dogs, but I love her.

What impresses me is her alertness and discretion in barking. She is usually quiet unless there is a real reason to bark. We take her barking seriously and always investigate. I think because we do, she is even more selective. For minor things such as cats or small animals, she doesn't make a sound, but for snakes she raises the alarm.

She also has strong opinions or feeling, what I think of as intuitions about people. Some she loves, others she goes berserk over and has to be restrained. I find that I usually agree with her estimation of people, and those that she has a negative reaction to I watch carefully.

If your Rhodesian Ridgeback doesn't like someone, take note.

said

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on 6/30/2006 We have a 3 year old female, Rhodesian Ridgeback. She is the ultimate security and play mate of our 3 kids. She is gentle and playful, but has a serious alarm bark with anyone and anything that should not be in her territory. She has a perimeter that the meter reader or any stranger can't pass. She will run back and forth and not let up until we go out. If you want a loyal companion and a smart(but sometimes stubborn) dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is for you.