Large breed
Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies
The Rhodesian Ride back can also be called The African Lion Hound or African Lion Dog is a dog breed that is bred in Southern Africa. They possess the extraordinary ability to keep a lion at Bay in anticipation of their master’s return. Discover more about our Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies for sale below!
We do not have Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well.
- Exercise 60 min a day
About the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback, known for its distinctive ridge of hair along its back, is a breed that blends both strength and grace, making it a fascinating addition to any family. Originating from Southern Africa, these dogs were initially bred for hunting lions, which speaks volumes about their intelligence and strong instincts. Today, they are embraced as loyal companions, known for forming deep bonds with their families and displaying a gentle yet protective temperament that makes them great with kids.
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With a moderate energy level, Rhodesian Ridgebacks enjoy being active but are also content to lounge around the house after a good run or play session. They thrive in homes where they have plenty of space to explore, so while they can adapt to apartment living, they thrive best in environments that allow for outdoor activities. Their grooming needs are relatively manageable with a weekly brushing to keep their short coat looking its best, and while they do shed moderately, it won’t overwhelm your home.
Training a Rhodesian Ridgeback can be a rewarding experience, as they are known for their high trainability and intelligence. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy being mentally stimulated, so incorporating training sessions and engaging activities into their routine is a wonderful way to bond. These affectionate dogs aren’t heavy barkers, but they will alert you to visitors, making them a welcoming presence in any home. If you’re considering bringing a Rhodesian Ridgeback into your family, you can look forward to years of loyalty and love, especially with the right environment and ample time spent together. If you are looking for a Rhodesian Ridgeback in Petland Fairfield, Ohio, come speak with our team to learn more about these incredible companions.
Rhodesian Ridgeback breed profile
Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.
Temperament
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Affection Very affectionate
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Playfulness Playful
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With strangers Warms up
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Territorial Somewhat
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Prey drive High
Family & other pets
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Young children With supervision
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Older children Good
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Other dogs Usually fine
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Cats Needs care
Energy & exercise
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Energy High
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Mental stimulation High
Training
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Trainability Quick to learn
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Intelligence Very bright
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Stubbornness A stubborn streak
Care & upkeep
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Shedding Moderate
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Drooling Minimal
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Barking Occasional
Home life
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Apartment living Prefers a house
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Time alone A few hours
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Cold weather Average
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Warm weather Thrives in it
A good match for
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First-time owners Manageable
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Senior owners Suitable
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Running partner Good
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Hiking Excellent
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Therapy work Unlikely
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Guarding Protective
Living with a Rhodesian Ridgeback
History
Their lineage can be traced back to the 17th century to the Khoikhoi people who inhabited the Cape Peninsula during the period of Dutch trade with the Khoikhoi people. The dog the Dutch used to defend swathes of farmland has a typical muscular build and ugly appearance, and it is famed for its notoriety of defending its stead against encroaching lions in anticipation of their master’s arrival.
Through genetic research, the Ridgeback and Great Danes imported by the Europeans fall within the same Genetic group. These breeds were bred with the native dogs of the Khoikhoi people and native African dogs to create a breed called the Boer Hound (Dutch: Boerhund). They later developed through selective breeding to become the pioneers of the present-day Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Temperament
A defining characteristic of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is intelligence and loyalty. Sometimes, they might react questionably to strangers but that shouldn’t be misconstrued as aggression. A Rhodesian Ridgeback will not attack a stranger if it has a good temperament.
Inexperienced dog owners are required to reevaluate their options regarding Ridgebacks to prevent altercations. It is pertinent that constant supervision, training, and socialization is adopted to promote the positive development of the Ridgeback.
Environment
Although the primary role of The Rhodesian Ridgeback is to hunt and chase, they are well accustomed to a family setting. A sizeable fenced yard area should be provided for them to perform physical activities. Climatic conditions, such as Rain and Sunshine have little effect on them, so you have little or nothing to worry about this dogged breed.
Exercise
This dog breed is bursting with energy so it requires a daily exercise regimen. You can incorporate exercises such as hunting expeditions, extensive play, and challenges that will prevent those energy bombs from going off. These exercises effectively keep them from destroying your prized possessions.
Grooming
Avoid the use of pesticides in instant-relief solutions for Ticks and Fleas, the breed is highly sensitive to these solutions. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a short hair coat, so caring for them is relatively easy. With the aid of a brush damp coat or brush, owners will be able to extract dead hair peacefully.
Our Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country.
The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell.
Caring for a Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Grooming
- Weekly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Low
- Monthly food
- Average
- Outdoor space
- A yard is recommended
- Allergy friendly
- Not considered hypoallergenic
Rhodesian Ridgeback Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback good family dogs?
Yes! They are. They are amazing loyal companions and friendly with Children. When raised alongside cats they relate well with them. Although they’re friendly with children, both dogs and children must learn how to tolerate and coexist with each other.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks dangerous?
There’s a level of notable animal aggression, this is due in part to the natural hunter-prey instinct it possesses. Ridgebacks can also display aggressive dominance to other dogs of similar sexual attributes.
What are Rhodesian Ridgebacks used for?
South African Boer farmers needed a versatile breed, temperature tolerant, could traverse the rugged terrain of the southern African Bushland, guard property and withstand drought conditions. These challenges led to the breeding of the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Do Ridgeback bark?
The Ridgeback possesses a lot of characteristic features, but barking isn’t their guilty pleasure. So, they don’t bark a lot.
Are the Rhodesian Ridgeback good fighters?
Yes, they are! As long as they are properly trained, they will remain loyal to you and protect you against incursions.
Can Rhodesian Ridgeback be left alone?
Ridgebacks are like a compassionate lover, they require love and attention, and are willing to follow you to almost everywhere you go unless they’re instructed otherwise.
Do Ridgebacks shed a lot?
Depending on its environment, Ridgeback sheds little hair. If it’s kept in your home, they shed a little and if they are kept outside, they shed seasonally. Due to their short coats, their odor is minimal and live a clean life.
Why is my Ridgeback shedding too much?
If your Ridgeback is shedding a lot of hair frequently, it’s a sign of poor health and time to visit the vet. Also, you should take a look at the grooming routine and tweak it correspondingly.
When Should I spay/neuter my Rhodesian Ridgeback?
The right time to spay/neuter a ridgeback is when it has attained full sexual maturity.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks healthy?
The most common disease of Ridgebacks are cataracts, this is a serious eye condition in Ridgebacks. 21% of Ridgebacks suffer from thyroid disease. Other diseases of the joints like hip and elbow dysplasia are not too common with Ridgebacks.
Ridgebacks are excellent hunting dogs that have been bred to be loyal, loving and friendly with the family. They require constant exercise to compensate for the energy bursts they possess. Ridgebacks tend to be clingy most times unless they’re instructed otherwise. In the outdoors, Ridgebacks will loyally guard against intruders, hunt prey and guard against Lion encroachment. A downside is the eye disease they suffer from, however, through proper treatment and care, they’ll be able to live a normal life.
