While looking for a dog that was both agile and a . 2022 TrendingBreeds. Coat length. Recommended:20 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds You Mustnt Mess With. These powerful hunting dogs tend to be independent, like to make up their own minds about situations, and can even be stubborn and domineering. Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good House Dogs? Here are ten things you didn't know about the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Amazon Affiliate DisclosureThis site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good guard dogs? Rhodesian Ridgebacks are hunting dogs with predatory instincts. Weekly brushing and monthly bathing sessions can help decrease the shedding. It is best that your dog not be able to see through the fence since any sighting of a prey item will drive your dog to try to escape. Source #3 They can sleep over 12 hours a day! Size. Depending on your childrens size, you may also want to warn them about the potential of being knocked down by the dog, even though the dog is not trying to hurt them. Good With Small Kids?. A Rhodesian Ridgeback wont think twice about protecting your family from anything that attacks, whether it is a lion, a bear, or an intruder. Here are some characteristics of an ideal owner for a Rhodesian Ridgeback. But, are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? On the other hand, if you want a dog who will protect your home and property from any potential intruders, the Ridgeback is a great choice. Its short coat doesnt need much effort to keep clean, and it hardly emits any odor. For families who dont have too many people coming and going and value a good watchdog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be an excellent choice. This type of dog is often bred by people who are . However, not all Rhodesian Ridgebacks will like to cuddle it does vary dog by dog and by their own individual personality. Everything. This athletic dog loves to play outside with its family members and other animals. Meet Bouncer, a Rhodesian Ridgeback & Labrador Retriever Mix Dog for adoption, at Trampled Rose Rescue & Rehab in New Orleans, LA on Petfinder. Ridgebacks cannot be described as eager to please, although they are extremely devoted to their families. Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies For Sale Hide Breed Information Breed Traits National Breed Club Description History & Job Health Rescue Personality: Dignified, affectionate, even-tempered Energy. The coat of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is short and flat, the only color they . Rhodesian Ridgebacks are excellent watchdogs who will not hesitate to defend your family from a potential threat. It will take some time to get to that point, and owners need to know that it will take a lot of work, but in the end, it will be worth it for both you and your dog. During the 17th century, the Khoikhoi tribe of Southern Africa developed a dog breed that could protect them from the dangers they faced every day. They are intelligent, stubborn, loyal, affectionate, fiercely independent, and fantastic with children making them a great family dog that is fun to have around. larger size of the adult Rhodesian Ridgeback, What Fruits Can Parakeets Eat? Puplore was founded to provide dog owners with breed information and advice on canine care, health, and nutrition and to help them to raise their four-legged friends from puppydom to adulthood. Its not like the dogs dont have any animal needs. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. As of February 2023, Rhodesian Ridgeback Names seem increasingly popular with new puppy owners. However, instead of barking, they would rather put themselves in between those they deem a threat. Dominant dogs will test their master's leadership and try to take on the role of pack leader. I mean that should be the end of it. It is a family dog, good with children and tolerant of other pets but what more should a family know before taking it in? First developed as a lion hunter, this reputation earned it the name African Lion Hound. Therefore, it is best not to leave your Rhodesian Ridgeback outside for significant periods. These dogs are fearless and utterly devoted to protecting their families. They are typically somewhat aloof to strangers; this is not to be confused with aggression, a Rhodesian Ridgeback with a good temperament will not attack a stranger for no reason. What Can Make Rhodesian Ridgebacks Aggressive? It is said to be immune to bug bites and can withstand extreme temperatures. As an Amazon Associate, TrendingBreeds.com earns from qualifying purchases. Without proper direction and training throughout life, they can be domineering and very stubborn. You simply cannot strip them of that. These dogs experience a powerful prey drive which can overwhelm all other instincts and training, including their own sense of self-preservation. These dogs are highly energetic and often have more energy than their people, so let your dog run and play off the lead with other dogs. This is especially true with the Ridgeback as they can become overly cautious of strangers and other animals. Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good guard Dogs? Majorly, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is advisable for people who want guard dogs, watchdogs, and perhaps a hunting companion. You will fail at this. But thats that and heres a breakdown of all the traits that make Rhodesian Ridgebacks good guard dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be great house dogs, provided that they have a family who makes the appropriate accommodations for them. Outfitted with a ridge of hair down their spine, they were bred to hunt and trap lions in Africa. Head on over to ourin-depth guide to socializing your dog. Dog breeders in Great Britain sought to influence this breed by selecting dogs with the highest qualities for breeding. (2023), Are Bernedoodles Good Family Dogs? Ensuring your dog has a lot of mental and physical stimulation will help minimize any such destruction. Still, do not stay aloof to their needs even when outside guarding your property. While the Ridgeback can get along with other dogs, same-sex aggression can occur amongst male dogs, especially unneutered ones. Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback good for first-time owners? They can also go well together with cats and get a close relationship with them. Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good Watch Dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have been bred to be guard dogs instinctively, as many of their ancestors were, and can be very territorial. %privacy_policy%. They cannot be let to get away with everything they want. For a guard dog to give everything to protecting something or someone, attachment is a must. Their hound genes kick in when theres a threat to their owners. When untreated, both illnesses can render a dog lame. The prey drive in the Rhodesian Ridgeback is powerful, and they can end up mistaking smaller animals, including pets such as cats and rabbits, for prey and end up going after them. Given a good walk or play session, a mature Ridgeback is usually happy to loll around an apartment or condo all day, breeder Denise Flaim says, but count on hijinks from a puppy. Ridgeback dogs come in three different breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback, Thai Ridgeback, and the Phu Quoc Ridgeback. They are certainly not suited for novice owners just because of that. Your furniture and other pets may have to bear the brunt. Not training your puppy early can have big consequences. Source Page 1 of 4 Taking care of a Rhodesian Ridgeback can be much easier if youve had dogs in the past and have this breed in early training and socialization. . Their short-haired coat needs minimal grooming and they do not shed much. They have a muscular build with a deep chest, long neck, and a lengthy tail. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known to be loyal and intelligent. Reasons & What To Do, Why Was The Dog Whisperer Cancelled? Feeding the Rhodesian Ridgeback involves picking up the right products for its diet. This breed is very common in Africa and is much cheaper. Your responsibility is to socialize your pup extensively so they learn how to modulate their behavior around other dogs. You must neuter a male Ridgeback to reduce this tendency. Reasons, why a Rhodesian Ridgeback may bite a person, include: trying to protect someone or something, being in pain, or being provoked. The ideal Rhodesian Ridgeback owner will choose this dog for the right reasons. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are relatively healthy, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not need any special training to be guard dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have even temperaments and tend to be very patient with children. Some Ridgebacks will pursue and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. They are fiercely loyal, great with families, and easy to care for. The Rhodesian Ridgeback must be exposed early to other dogs if you wish to keep it in a home with multiple pets within. Thai Ridgebacks make good companions for older children, as they may be too rambunctious for a toddler or baby. Rhodesian Ridgeback 10month old pups needing new home 2 x Boys Family oriented dogs, great with kids with plenty of affection PM for more details, 1308897589 . Just a few times training puts them in the expert categories for guarding jobs. It hardly shows during the puppy stage but may become apparent during adulthood. Hypothyroidism occurs when the dogs thyroid gland malfunctions by not producing enough thyroid hormone that the dogs body needs. Teach it how to Stop, Sit, Drop an object from its mouth, and even stop attacking someone on command. Using treats can motivate an otherwise uncooperative pooch, but you should not overdo it. The adorable Rhodesian Ridgeback features a high prey drive, and the breed is quite independent. $500.00. Consider the space you own; the freedom you can give it, and the training regimes you can continue before owning the breed. The Rhodesian Ridgeback sheds a little, which makes it not hypoallergenic. If your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy decides to disregard house training, it can be somewhat difficult to change his mind, since these dogs tend to be a bit more independent and less eager to please than some other breeds. You as the owner must be responsible for your dogs's actions. It may be best to keep Rhodesian Ridgebacks only with other large breed dogs. As a guard dog, therefore, the Rhodesians will give you less of a headache at least when it comes to dealing with temperature-borne health problems. Here are some things that every Rhodesian Ridgeback owner should know before choosing to adopt. . When Rhodesian Ridgebacks are young, feeding them by hand at times will help them to associate you with something good. Please consult a licensed veterinarian for any medical condition or query regarding the health of your pet. A ridgeless Rhodesian ridgeback is a dog that does not have the gene that causes the growth of a ridge of hair along its back. Yes it would. The average life span of dogs falls between 10 and 13 years. First-timers, laid-back owners, and people who want a friendly pooch would fare better with a different breed. The dog should be taught basic obedience behaviors, as well as to stay out of peoples space when asked. To summarize, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a very stable temperament, isn't aggressive, and is generally good with children - but clarify just what you are expecting with your breeder. From their earliest days, this breed served double duty as a fierce hunting dog and family protector. Would make a very good guard dog for the right owner. The stubbornness, independent spirit, and intelligence of the Ridgeback make training a challenge. All dogs are pretty versatile and are often used for hunting, guard duty, and as show dogs. The Ridgeback can live a healthy life with little vet visits when well-bred and taken care of. If a hunting dog who terrified lions has to become a family dog, then there must be some considerations the potential owner should not overlook. To curb the stubbornness and make it obey you, you need to start early. Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be reliable guard dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are more likely to be suspicious than gregarious around new people, so they require a lot of socialization throughout life and may still be reserved and suspicious of strangers even when well-socialized. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog, the males can weigh between 80 and 90lbs while the females will weigh somewhere in the range of 65 and 78lbs. Be prepared to accept your Rhodesian Ridgeback for who he is and dont expect to be able to change many aspects of his personality. Like other large dog breeds, it is recommended that the Ridgeback gets regular exercise of at least one hour per day. Rhodesian Ridgeback Names This handsome dog breed was created in Africa to be a versatile hunter and home guardian. Ridgebacks have a muscular and athletic body, built for endurance. The Ridgeback is an expensive dog breed when you want to shop for one. According to the writers and breeders at Ridge Back Puppies and Koda Rhodesian Ridgebacks, male pups tend to be more relaxed and "aloof", while the fairer sex is more outgoing and headstrong. An adult Rhodesian Ridgeback can be as tall as 27 inches, and it is pretty good with other life forms. Some Rhodesian ridgebacks can be sensitiveand resistantto grooming, especially nail trimming. And the American Kennel Club recognized the Rhodesian Ridgeback and admitted it into the registry in 1955. 2022 TrendingBreeds. Do not hesitate to consult a vet if you have questions regarding your pets medical condition. A dog that doesnt consider anyone worthy enough to be called family, why would it want to protect them? Good training will prevent the aloofness to develop into aggression, which happens only if this breed isnt trained enough. This dog is a power-breed that needs a calm and assertive handler but they are overall easy to train when they are young. Although Rhodesian Ridgeback - German Shepherd mixes are generally good dogs with a consistent temperament and good health, locating one will be difficult. Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have ridges. Therefore, a Rhodesian Ridgeback owner should be strong enough to control these dogs on leash. If children are around them when they are eating, and the child gets too close to the dogs food, the Rhodesian Ridgeback could attempt to protect their food. Even with good training, you never know when instincts can take over. He is capable of great endurance with a fair amount of speed. While in many breeds, males are more athletic and outgoing, it seems to be the exact opposite when it comes to the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a versatile dog with a rich history. I've written many topics in this space including how-tos, informational articles, care guides, breed guides, and more. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are descended from the ridged Khoikhoi dog native to South Africa and various European breeds including Terriers and Greyhounds. Having a dog that is accustomed to these things ensures they will not run away when faced with danger. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is ready to defend its family with all it has. Ridgebacks are "high energy" dogs. Brave, confident, and calm, this lion hunter is a natural protector and watchdog. Similar to other dogs, positive reinforcements work better than punitive methods. Protection Dog Benefits. Whats good and bad about the Rhodesian Ridgeback? You can look into Ridgeback rescues, a mellow adult will be much easier to train . These days, he's less likely to hunt lions and more likely to hunt a soft spot on the sofa after going jogging with you. The trademark of the Rhodesian Ridgeback became the ridge of fur that grows along the dogs spine. They are known to be very loyal and protective of their families. These dogs need to be with their family and will pine for them if kept alone. Ridgebacks have a well-earned reputation as being a handful, even for experienced owners. Rhodesian ridgebacks may well be born with their ridge, but they're certainly not born with a name, so let's get stuck into our lists of the most popular Rhodesian ridgeback names. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known for being great with older children and other animals if socialized at an early age. Ultimately, a properly trained dog, no matter their breed, makes for a happier dog and a more satisfied owner. When it becomes an adult, it mellows down to a self-assured guardian. If you notice your dogs stomach swelling, rush it to the vet. They are hound dogs with a high prey drive that need regular exercise and do not do well living in small areas. Learn more 76 puppies available 133 certified breeders Transportation Location (2023), How Long Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Live? Ensure that you measure its meal accordingly and keep treats at a minimum. However, it is important, especially if the dog is being used for protection, that it be desensitized to loud noises. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has many wonderful and individual traits. Therefore, if you are looking for your first dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is probably not a good choice. Therefore, if you are considering a Rhodesian Ridgeback, you better make space on your couch. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are one of the best guard dogs that are present today. (2023), How Long Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Live? Because these dogs are powerful and courageous, any mishandling can result in a disaster. Ridgebacks are generally good with all animals they are raised with. A dog bred to hunt lions will never back down from a fight, and these dogs can view practically any kind of animal as potential prey. This is a dog who is more likely to have his own thoughts about things and respond accordingly than to look to you for direction. : Brightwood Animal Hospital, Linda Michaels is a proud owner of a Labradoodle named Mylo. Females stand 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh around 70 pounds. It is important to keep in mind that these are very big dogs, so they will need to learn self-control in order to avoid accidentally bumping into your child or knocking them over. Regular brushing can help remove the dead hair on its skin. Obedience training is also vital in a young dogs life. Here is what you need to know about ideal living situations for a Rhodesian Ridgeback. For some people, additional training is necessary depending on the owners lifestyle and activities. DoggoMag.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. While thoroughly researched and meticulously checked, the content on Pet Educate does not constitute, nor should replace any pet medical advice. Overall, there are plenty of reasons why Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good guard dogs. Ridgebacks were bred for endurance - therefore they will need a consistent, ongoing program of exercise. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Males of the breed stand on average 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh approximately 85 pounds, whereas females are generally 24 to 26 inches tall at 70 pounds. Required fields are marked *. A Ridgeless Rhodesian Ridgeback is a type of dog that does not have the ridge gene and can't produce ridged offspring like a Chihuahua or Chesapeake Bay retriever. Deafness is usually inherited and can be avoided if you ensure that the parents of the breed you wish to get do not carry this trait. In good hands, this breed becomes a calm, devoted, and loving household pet. Originally bred as an all-purpose working dog, the Golden Retriever Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix is known for its intelligence and loyalty, making it the perfect companion dog. Actually, most of the Ridgebacks I know are exceptionally well trained. As a companion, this breed has prospective pet parents who love it. [Should They Be Kept In Pairs? Make sure that your yard is extremely secure and resistant to your dog digging under the fence or climbing over it. Draining their energy will help keep them calm and prevent them from being destructive. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are devoted family dogs who will pine for their families if not allowed to spend most of their time with them. The loyal Rhodesian Ridgeback can be a wonderful choice for a household with children if they are supervised and both dog and child are taught proper interaction. These dogs were bred to confront and bay at lions until the hunter could dispatch the big cat. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog breed from South Africa that used to be used for hunting. Overall, there are plenty of reasons why Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good guard dogs. Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work. I've cared for many pet species including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, fish, and bearded dragons. Even with careful direction and training, this is a dog who may need to be physically handled rather than expected to obey in particular circumstances, especially where strange humans or other animals are involved. It is essential that adults manage interaction between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and new children in the home, no matter how good the dog is with the familys children. Two main factors can make a Rhodesian Ridgeback act out aggressively, and those are other dogs and the desire to protect their family and territory. Socialization notwithstanding, we cant promise that this breed would be friendly with outside dogs. The breed gained popularity in the US and UK by the 1950s. Rhodesian Ridgeback. Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are good guard dogs because of their high prey drive, mouthiness, outdoorsy nature, high energy levels, and protective instincts. This instinct can carry over to their food, favorite toys, and treats. But what if you're looking for a little bit more from your family pet? Rhodesian Ridgebacks are full of energy, which can sometimes lead to problems, including being a danger to some. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal, dignified, and sensitive; traits that you may not initially think of when considering this breed. 14 Reasons Doberman Pinscher Are Not The Friendly Dogs Everyone Says They Are, 14+ Informative and Interesting Facts About Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. DoggoMag.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Their nails tend to grow quite fast; however, so they will need to be clipped regularly to prevent splitting and other issues. Even if you do have a large fenced yard you will need to play with your Ridgeback, giving him/her time for a good romp several times a week. Meanwhile, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is known to live up to 12 years, which just falls within the average. Large. I recommend desexing & training him if he's going to be around other dogs and/or kids. This should be done with a good toothbrush and vet-approved toothpaste. Therefore, a Rhodesian Ridgeback owner should be strong enough to control these dogs on leash. Rhodesian Ridgeback is a good family companion, courageous hunter, and Friend. Rhodesian ridgebacks can be a good family dog as long as they are well socialized with children. They were also bred for endurance and can have a lot of energy. For the most part, provided that they are raised together or carefully introduced, Ridgebacks do well with other large dogs. These dogs are highly protective.