Rhodesian Ridgeback

European settlers brought Mastiffs, Great Danes, Bloodhounds, Pointers, Staghounds, Greyhounds, and more to South Africa in the 16th and 17th centuries. They mixed them with native Hottentot tribal hunting dogs with a ridge of hair growing down their back. These precursor dogs were known as devoted protectors of their families. 

In the 1870s, these crossbreeds were taken to Rhodesia to track and protect humans from lions. These “lion dogs” were successful at their sentinel jobs and easily recognizable by the ridge on their backs. By the 1920s, many types of lion dogs existed and were streamlined into the Rhodesian Ridgeback. 

They were first introduced to England in the 1930s and to America soon after, gaining popularity in the 1950s. Today they are one of the most popular hound breeds.

Owners will need to want to work hard at training and have access to large amounts of land for secure free running. While Rhodesian Ridgebacks love their families and are bonded, they are weary of strange people and dogs and can become protective. Socialization—and good fencing—is vital. They do best with no children in the home but could get by with older children.

An adult Rhodesian Ridgeback needs a couple of hours of exercise daily, ideally free running. They maintain strong hunting instincts so they should be in safe open spaces away from other dogs before being let off leash. They can also do long leash walks.

If you have a large fenced property, a Rhodesian Ridgeback will thrive. They can do ok in suburban areas but prefer rural ones where large swathes of land are theirs for running.

Grooming is blissfully low maintenance for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Their shorthaired coats need a rubber grooming mitt rubdown about once or twice a week to keep them shiny and healthy.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks need plenty of exercise during the day and also need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Jogging and hiking are two activities they could enjoy doing with their owners.

Despite being affectionate towards children in their families, they are not tolerant of those children’s friends or people they might perceive as strangers. They do best with homes with older children who can respect their boundaries or no children.

The cost of a Rhodesian Ridgeback from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.