The Rhodesian ridgeback is a large hound dog breed from Africa that has a short, smooth coat with a distinctive ridge of fur running down the spine. The ridge grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the fur.

Having been bred to hunt big game, including lions, ridgebacks were nicknamed the African Lion Hound, and possess a high prey drive. They need consistent training and proper socialization and might not be ideal for first-time dog parents. However, they tend to be loyal and affectionate with their family.

Learn more about the Rhodesian ridgeback, including the breed’s history, temperament, and care needs.

Characteristics of the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Ridgebacks are athletic dogs with a moderate energy level. They often bond closely with their family and have a protective streak to their temperament—that personality trait can cause them to be wary around strangers, but they don’t tend to bark a lot.

Though they have many appealing qualities, these dogs are a lot to handle, so they aren’t the ideal breed for novice dog parents.

History of the Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian ridgeback breed has its roots in semi-wild dogs native to southern Africa that were crossed with other breeds brought to the area by European settlers starting in the 1600s. Some dog breeds that are included in its makeup are:

• Mastiffs
• Great Danes
• Bulldogs
• Bloodhounds
• Greyhounds
• Terriers

In the 1800s, a hunter from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) used an early version of the ridgeback for big game hunting. He found the dogs to be fearless in confronting and holding lions and other prey. The dogs also were protective of their property while being devoted and affectionate family companions. 

A breeding program began, and the first breed standard was written in 1922. The American Kennel Club didn’t recognize the breed until 1955. Interestingly, one of the first ridgeback breeders in the U.S. was actor Errol Flynn.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Care

Rhodesian ridgebacks need a dedicated caretaker who can provide them with daily exercise, as well as consistent training and socialization. These big, powerful dogs can be difficult to handle if they aren’t well-mannered. Fortunately, they need little more than basic grooming.

Exercise

Rhodesian ridgebacks need daily physical activity and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. These dogs can become destructive when they’re bored, so provide at least an hour of exercise per day in the form of:

• Brisk walks
• Jogs
• Hiking
• Play
• Dog sports, including agility, obedience, and lure coursing

Participating in dog sports is not only a good way for your dog to exercise but also a great way to challenge their mind. 

Always keep your ridgeback on a leash or in a secure area when outside. Otherwise, they might take off chasing perceived prey. Also, many ridgebacks love to dig, so it's important that you have a fence they can't dig under or leap over.

Grooming

The ridgeback’s coat—which comes only in shades of wheaten—sheds a moderate amount but requires little grooming. Brush weekly to remove loose fur and distribute oils. You might see an increase in shedding in the spring and fall as the weather changes, requiring brushing a few times per week.

Bathe your dog roughly every month, depending on how dirty they get. Also, check the ears weekly for any dirt, debris, redness, or other abnormalities. Look at the nails roughly once a month to see whether they need trimming—some ridgebacks do better with a nail grinder rather than a clipper. Finally, aim to brush your dog’s teeth daily.

Training

Rhodesian ridgebacks are smart. But their independence and strong will can complicate training. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key. 

Aim to start training when your dog is a puppy, as an adult ridgeback with poor manners can be very difficult to control. Take your dog to obedience classes as soon as they're old enough, and socialize them with different people, dogs, and various environments. Ridgebacks tend to be reserved around strangers, but early and regular socialization can help to boost their comfort and confidence.

Ridgebacks already have a really strong instinct to protect, so you don’t need to focus on training them in this regard, as they will already know to watch out for their family.

Common Health Problems

Rhodesian ridgebacks are typically a healthy dog breed overall. But they are prone to some hereditary health conditions, including:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: These orthopedic problems affect the joints of the hips and elbows. They can cause symptoms that indicate your dog has trouble getting around or is in pain.  
• Hypothyroidism: This causes the thyroid gland to underproduce hormones. Symptoms include lethargy, weight gain, cold intolerance, and dull hair, among others.
• Eye issues: Rhodesian ridgebacks can develop various eye conditions, such as entropion, cataracts, distichiasis, and persistent pupillary membranes (PPM).
• Dermoid sinus: This is an abnormality that causes a tubular skin indentation above the spine. It’s most common in this breed, and because it’s congenital, dogs that have it shouldn’t be bred.  

Diet and Nutrition

Feed a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. On average, these dogs can eat 2.5 to 4.5 cups of food daily, and most owners feed two measured meals per day. The appropriate amount of food will depend on such factors as age, size, and activity level, so be sure to discuss both the diet and quantity with your veterinarian. 

Also, make sure to factor treats and other extra food into your dog’s daily diet to prevent overeating. Thanks to their size, ridgebacks can easily steal food left on tables and counters. So, ensure that your food is always secure.

Furthermore, like other deep-chested dog breeds, ridgebacks can experience bloat and twisting of the stomach. This is often due to eating too quickly. You might consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals or using a puzzle toy to slowly dispense the food.

Always provide fresh water for your Rhodesian ridgeback.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Rhodesian Ridgeback

Look at local animal shelters, as well as breed-specific rescue groups, for a Rhodesian ridgeback in need of a home. If you’re looking for a breeder puppy, expect to pay around $2,000 to $3,000 on average, though this can vary widely depending on bloodline and other factors.

For further information to connect you with a ridgeback, check out:

• The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
• Ridgeback Rescue of the U.S.
• Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue, Inc.
  

Rhodesian Ridgeback Overview

For the right experienced dog parent, a Rhodesian ridgeback can be a pleasure to have as part of the family. These protective and loyal dogs are beautiful and have a lot of love to give. However, they have a strong prey drive, and it’s important that you have the time and energy to spend with them to ensure their health and happiness.

Pros of Rhodesian Ridgebacks

• Intelligent
• Loyal and protective
• Affectionate
  

Cons of Rhodesian Ridgebacks

• Can be independent and strong-willed
• Prone to chasing smaller animals
• Likes to dig and try to escape fenced enclosures
  

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you think the Rhodesian ridgeback is right for you, be sure to do plenty of research before you get one. Talk to other ridgeback pet parents, vets, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Mastiff
• Bloodhound
• Great Dane

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!