Rhodesian Ridgeback

Nickname: African Lion Hound

Breed origin: Africa
Original purpose: Hunt lions and protect families.

AKC recognized: 1955
AKC group: Hound

Size: Weight: males 80 to 90 lbs; females 65 to 75 lbs
Size: Height: males 25 to 27 inches; females 24 to 26 inches

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Color: Light wheaten to red wheaten.

Life span: 10 to 14 years.

General characteristics/temperament: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is dignified, even-tempered, strong, athletic, active, sensitive, loyal, and affectionate. They like to be near their family, but are reserved with strangers. They are capable of great endurance and speed. Once mature, they are generally very good with children, and are protective of their family. They have a strong prey drive, and are easily able to clear high fences. Care must be taken to keep them from chasing cats or squirrels into the street.

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Good with children? Yes, but young dogs might knock over small children by accident.

Good with other dogs? Yes

Good with cats? No. Most have a high prey drive and will chase cats.

Good watchdog? Yes

Protective? Yes

OK for inexperienced owners? No

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Intelligent? Yes

Easy to train? No

Energy/Activity Level: Moderate

Good jogging partner? Yes

Suitable canine sports/activities: conformation, lure coursing, agility, obedience, tracking, therapy

Exercise requirement: Daily romp in the back yard or park and longer trips to the park twice a week. More would be better, but they can adapt.

Grooming requirement: Brush weekly and bathe occasionally as needed. They are very clean dogs with little odor and minimal shedding if brushed regularly.

Known health problems: Dermoid sinus, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, cataracts, cancer, degenerative myelopathy, deafness.

Additional photos of Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback (A Comprehensive Owner's Guide)
By Ann Chamberlain
Published in 2005
155 pages

Rhodesian Ridgebacks (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
By Sue Fox
Published in 2003
96 pages

The Rhodesian Ridgeback (An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet)
By Eileen M. Bailey
Published in 2000
160 pages

Pet Owner's Guide to the Rhodesian Ridgeback
By Stig G. Carlson
Published in 2000
80 pages

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Today
By Stig G. Carlson
Published in 1999
176 pages

The Complete Rhodesian Ridgeback
By Peter Nicholson and Janet Parker
Published in 2002
160 pages

Rhodesian Ridgebacks
By Frank C. Lutman, MD
Published in 1995
192 pages

Dogs of Africa
By Sian Hall
Published in 2003
366 pages

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Other websites for additional information:

American Kennel Club breed page
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
Wikipedia breed information page
Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
Ridgeback Rescue of the United States

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Page Last Updated: February 1, 2018

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