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Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed Introduction
Rhodesian Ridgeback (also referred to as Ridgeback or African Lion Dog) is a Large sighthound and scent hound originally from South Africa. It is the only registered breed indigenous to South Africa. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are well-known for their distinctive wheaten coat color and a ridge on the back. The daunting Ridgeback is independent, strong-willed, and sometimes domineering. Therefore, this dog must be guided with a firm and patient hand from puppyhood.
They are not recommended for novice owners. A Ridgeback is aloof to strangers, although they are not aggressive dogs. Ridgebacks that have a good temperament will not attack a stranger for no reason. In its native Africa, this breed was popular for its skill at tracking and baying large games like Lions.
Rhodesian Ridgeback History | Origin
Ridgebacks were created in South Africa after crossing the native Khoikhoi dog used by the Khoikhoi pastoral community with European breeds brought to South Africa by Dutch Colonists. The European breeds included Great Danes, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, and Irish Wolfhounds. The native Khoikhoi dog had a ridge on its back.
Infusing native Khoi blood resulted to generations of resilient dogs against local pests such as tsetse fly as well as in-born knowledge on how to navigate their new African environs and outsmart its deadly predators. The big game hunter from Rhodesia( present Zimbabwe), Cornelius van Rooyen introduced two ridged Greyhound-like females into his pack of lion dogs in the late 19th century.
He discovered that the offspring produced excelled at confounding and confronting Lions. This gave hunters the time to sight in the rifle and dispatch the prey. These ridged offspring were also good at fending off animals like baboons and Leopards. The ridged dogs also rode effortlessly alongside horse-mounted riders all day, protected the homestead against intruders, and also hunted antelope to provide meat for the pot. The Progenitors of modern Ridgebacks were also devoted to their family, tolerated and had affection for the children of their owners.
The breed standard was written in 1922. Little has changed since then. Ridgebacks were officially accepted as a breed in 1924 by the South African Kennel Union. Some Ridgebacks may have made their way to the USA as early as 1911. However, large numbers were imported after World War II in 1945. AKC registered the first Ridgeback in 1955 and recognized the breed the same year. As of today, Ridgebacks rank 54th in popularity among the 155 breeds and varieties recognized by the AKC.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Lifespan
A Ridgeback has a lifespan of 10 to 13 years.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Grooming
A Ridgeback sheds all-year round at moderate levels. Weekly brushing using a hound glove, grooming mitt, or rubber curry brush is recommended. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair, dirt, and keeps the coat looking healthy. Occasional bath once every 6 to 8 weeks is recommended unless the dog rolls of in something stinky.
Use a hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner to bathe your pet. After a bath, thoroughly rinse off the grooming products to prevent skin irritation. Using soapy water to clean the eyes irritates the dog’s eyes just like humans. Use a damp clean washcloth to wipe the face. Regular teeth brushing at least twice a week if not daily is recommended to remove excess tartar buildup and promote good oral breathe. Use a dog-formulated toothpaste and toothbrush or finger toothbrush.
Ridgebacks are prone to ear infections due to their drop ears. Wipe the ears once a week using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to remove dirt, debris, and excess wax. If the nails don’t naturally worn out, trim them once every two weeks. Overly grown nails make walking and running painful for your dog. Many Ridgebacks resist nail clippers and respond well to a nail grinder.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Shedding
A Ridgeback sheds at moderate levels throughout the year. Weekly brushing helps to confine the loose hair in the brush that would otherwise spread around the house.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Coat
Ridgebacks have a dense and short coat that is sleek and glossy in appearance. However, the coat is neither silky or wooly.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Hypoallergenic
A Rhodesian Ridgeback is not considered hypoallergenic. It sheds all-year round spreading hair and dander around the house. Dog’s hair, saliva, mucus, dander, and urine have a protein allergen that triggers allergic reactions in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Training | Training Tips | Crate Training
A Ridgeback is an intelligent and a quick learner which makes them ideal for training. Although, they are strong-willed, independent, and even domineering. Therefore, they require firm, patient, and consistent training as from puppyhood. Puppy classes and early socialization is recommended to ensure they grow into a well-mannered and well-adjusted companion. Socialization starts from the age of 3 weeks while the Ridgeback pup is with the breeder. The training continues while the pup is with the owner until the age of 16 weeks.
It is recommended to get a pup from a responsible breeder who will start socializing a pup. To socialize a Ridgeback, expose it to new people, animals, situations, experiences, sight, surface, smell, and sounds such as baby crying, sirens, washing machine, vacuum cleaners, and lawn mowers. Enrolling a dog in a puppy class also serves as a form of socialization. It also helps the pet parents to identify and correct bad habits such as growling when someone approaches the food bowl while the dog is feeding.
A Ridgeback thrives on positive reinforcement methods such as use of verbal praise, treats, playtime, and toys. It is also a sensitive breed and harshness shown towards it during training will inhibit learning good behavior. The rewarding should immediately be done after a second of demonstrating the desired behavior so that the dog may understand the reason behind the rewards. Keep the training sessions for a period of 5 to 10 minutes several times a day. Ridgebacks have a short concentration span due to their high prey drive. For this reason, also teach a Ridgeback in a secured yard when off leash. Pick a quiet place where you will teach the dog to avoid distractions.
Teach basic commands like sit, stay, down, come, heel, leave it, wait, etc. one at a time until the dog understands before teaching another command word. Command words should not be uttered while the owner is too frustrated or happy as they may not sound the same way to your dog. Clicker training is also a positive reward method when teaching command words. This method incorporates a sound after the dog finishes the given command. It is immediately followed by a command word. For effective housebreaking, crate training, creating a feeding schedule, and potty training is key.
A crate is an indispensable tool when potty training. It helps the pet parent to monitor the dog for signs that it wants to eliminate such as whining, sniffing, walking in circles, squatting, and lifting a leg against the crate. By choice, a pooch will not soil where it sleeps. To make the crate appealing, position treats and favorite toys inside the crate. Line it up with a comfy blanket to make it more comfortable. However, a crate should not be used as a form of punishing a Ridgeback. For effective potty training, take the dog to the designated toilet area immediately it wakes up, every 2 to 3 hours, after naps, following an exciting activity like car ride and playtime, after meals, and before bedtime.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament | Traits
- Intelligent.
- Loyal.
- Strong-willed.
- Aloof to strangers.
- Independent.
- Athletic.
- Sensitive.
- Even Tempered.
- Dignified.
- Quiet.
- Affectionate with the owner’s family.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Exercise
A Ridgeback is an athletic and strong dog that can adapt well into various living situations as long as they are provided with daily long walks and play sessions with the pet parent. To keep them healthy and happy, Ridgebacks need physical activity. They also love to run. However, this dog should run in a secured yard when off leash since it has a high-prey drive. To stimulate a Ridgeback physically and mentally, it can participate in canine sports like agility, tracking, obedience, and other activities that the dog and owner cherish.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Barking
Generally, a Ridgeback is a quiet breed that only barks to alert the owner of intruders. However, excessive barking may be due to boredom, separation anxiety, and pent-up energy due to lack of physical and mental stimulation.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Growling
Growling is a form of communication when a Ridgeback is in pain, fear, guarding the food, or having fun.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Height
A female Ridgeback has an average height of 24 to 26 inches ( approx. 61 to 66 cm) while a Male Ridgeback has a height of 26 to 29 inches ( approx. 67 to 74 cm).
Rhodesian Ridgeback Weight
According to AKC, the desirable weight for a female Ridgeback is 70 pounds ( approx. 32 kg ) and 85 pounds ( approx. 39 kg ) for male Ridgebacks. However, some female Ridgebacks may have a weight range of 79 to 88 pounds ( approx. 36 to 40 kg). Some male Ridgebacks may have a weight range of 93 to 106 pounds ( approx. 42 to 48 kg).
Rhodesian Ridgeback Size
Ridgebacks are large-sized scent and sight hounds dogs. However, there is noticeable difference between the male and female Ridgebacks in terms of size. A Male Ridgeback has a height of 26 to 29 inches ( approx. 67 to 74 cm) and a weight of 85 pounds ( approx. 39 kg ) while the female counterpart has a height of 24 to 26 inches ( approx. 61 to 66 cm) and a weight of 70 pounds ( approx. 32 kg ).
Rhodesian Ridgeback Aggressive
Although, somewhat reserved with the strangers, Ridgebacks are non-aggressive dogs. A Ridgeback that has a good temperament will not attack a stranger for no reason. Socialization is also required to ensure the dog is well-informed of various people, situations, animals, and sounds in order to correctly decipher before attacking when necessary. They are also even-tempered dogs especially around their families.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Bite Force
A Ridgeback has a bite force of 224 PSI.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Hair Loss
Ridgebacks experience normal hair loss in moderate levels all-year round in a process described as shedding. However, hair loss in patches may be a result of hypothyroidism, hormonal changes, Cushing’s disease, allergies, and stress.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Eye Problems
Some of the eye problems that affect Ridgebacks include:
Cataracts – This is an aye condition that results to a cloudy and whitish lenses of the eye which causes vision loss. Older Ridgebacks are affected.
Entropion – This is an eye issue that makes the eyelids to roll inwards making the eye lashes to rub against the eye surface of a Ridgeback.
Distichiasis is an eye issue that causes rubbing on the cornea(eye surface) due to extra hairs that grow inside the eyelid. If left unattended, distichiasis may cause chronic eye pain and corneal ulcers to Ridgebacks.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that results from insufficient drainage of the the tears from the eye hence putting pressure on the optic nerve.
Apart from Rhodesian Ridgeback, other breeds of dogs include:
Pug.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Ear Problems
A Ridgeback has floppy-shaped ears that protect the ear canal against dirt. However, it creates a warm and dark environment for bacteria to thrive which causes ear infections. Other causes of ear infections in Ridgebacks include moisture accumulation, excess dirt, wax, or debris, endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism, excessive cleaning, injury to the ear canal, yeast imbalances, and ear mites.
Ridgebacks are predisposed to three types of ear infections, externa, media, and interna otitis respectively. Externa otitis is the most common and affects the cells of external ear canal through inflammation. If left untreated, the inflammation spreads to the middle and inner ear canal. Media and interna otitis is the infection to the cells located in the middle and inner ear canal respectively. These infections cause deafness, facial paralysis, and vestibular signs such as disorientation, blurred vision, and dizziness.
Some of the symptoms manifested by a Ridgeback that is suffering from an ear infection includes disorientation, odor, walking in circles, rubbing the affected ear against the surface, pain, dark discharge, scabs at the ear, itchiness, and redness. If a pet parent observes any of the above symptoms, they should immediately contact a vet.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Issues | Common Health Problems
Although, Ridgebacks are relatively healthy, they are affected by dermoid sinus. This is a congenital neural-tube defect that is often likened to a thin “spaghetti strand” beneath the skin. It is recommended for puppies to be screened by a vet and the breeder at birth. This should be repeated before puppies leave for their new homes. Other health issues that affect Ridgebacks include eye disorders like glaucoma, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, Degenerative myelopathy, bloating, allergies, and elbow dysplasia.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Names
After getting a Ridgeback pup from a responsible breeder, the next best thing is finding a name for the fur baby. Ridgeback names may be inspired by their South African Origin, personality, coat color, historical figures, food, celebrities, movies, book, and music.
Regardless of where you get the inspiration, ensure the name doesn’t sound as an insult or rather a racial, political, or cultural slur. The name should also roll freely off your tongue and won’t make your embarrassed when uttered out loud in the public places such as malls and parks.
Dogs including Ridgebacks better understand names that have vowels. If you settle with a long tedious name, find a cute nickname for the dog. Giving your pooch a name that rhymes with a command word creates confusion. If a Ridgeback shares a name with a family member or guests who frequent your home, it can create confusion.
Some of the names that Ridgeback pet parents give to their dogs include Kiwi, Honey, Cheddar, Foxy, Dino, Bear, Bass, Honcho, Captain, Zeus, Apollo, Nala, Sadie, Rocky, Cooper, Tank, Otis, Oliver, Jake, Thor, etc.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Heat Cycle
Just like Basenji, Ridgebacks have one heat cycle per year which lasts for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. These dogs experience their first heat cycle between the age of 12 to 18 months. If not spayed, a Ridgeback dam can get pregnant in its teens since dogs don’t experience menopause. If a pet parent has no intention of breeding the dog, he or she should have the dog spayed or neutered.
Some of the signs that a potential Ridgeback dam manifest while on a heat cycle include moody swings, changes in eating habits, increased urination, tail flagging, swollen vulva, and bloody discharge. Before breeding a potential dam and sire, Ridgebacks should be screened for hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye disorders.
It is advised to breed the dogs after the age of 2 years so that they may be physically and emotionally mature to take care of a litter. Also check the pedigree of the sire and dam to ensure they are not related. Breeders are advised against breeding an aggressive dam since the puppies will likely be fearful or aggressive.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Litter
After conception, a Ridgeback has a gestation period of approximately 63 days before whelping a litter size of 8 to 10 puppies. Although some may have a gestation period of 60 to 67 days.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Speed
A Ridgeback can ran for a speed of up to 25 miles per hour ( approx. 40 km/h ).
Rhodesian Ridgeback Harness | Collar
A Ridgeback is a large hunting breed that has a high prey drive. It hunts by scent and sight. It is likely to pull while trying to chase smaller animals including cats, rabbits, and squirrels. A collar is the preferred accessory for a dog that is less likely to pull on leash. A harness is the very much preferred for a dog that pulls while on leash since the pressure is distributed across the shoulders and chest instead of the neck. However, a pet parent may use both collar and a harness. The harness will attach the leash while a collar will attach the ID and Rabies tag.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Food | Dog Food
The amount of food that a Ridgeback feeds on depends on its activity level, body build, metabolism, age, and size. Since these are large-sized dogs, a pet parent who purchase dry, semi-moist, or canned food should buy food for large-sized puppies, adults, and senior dogs depending on the age of the pet. At the age of 8 to 14 weeks, a pup should feed three or four times in a day. Between the age of 14 weeks to 6 months, a Ridgeback pup should be feed three times a day. From the age of 6 months, Ridgeback dogs feed twice a day for the rest of their life. Consult your vet in order to find out the amount of food that a dog should be eating depending on his weight.
Depending on the time and budget of a Ridgeback parent, he or she may decide whether to feed dry kibble food, wet food, raw food, or homemade food. Regardless, they should ensure that the food meets all the nutritional requirements of the pooch based on age and activity level. The best way to know whether you are overfeeding or underfeeding a Ridgeback is to take them to the vet to be informed about their weight and health. However, you can also tell by checking the physique of your dog. If you can see your Ridgeback’s ribs, chances are they are being underfed. If the pet parent cannot feel the ribs of the pooch under the coat, then chances are that it is being overfed.
When you get a Ridgeback pup from a responsible breeder, chances are that you will want to switch to another quality of food than the one it was previous feeding on. Gradually do this by mixing small portions of new food about 1/4 with 3/4 old food for the first week. During the second week, feed your dog with the same amount of the new food and old food. On the third week feed your Ridgeback with 1/4 of old food and 3/4 of the new food. During the fourth week, totally switch to new food. As rule of thumb, dog commercial food or any other food should not contain fillers, preservatives, chemicals, or additives. Protein should be listed as the first ingredient. This also applies to the treats.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Colors
A Ridgeback has a distinctive wheaten coat color that ranges between light wheaten to red wheaten. White color is permitted on the toes and chest.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Allergies
A Ridgeback is affected by various forms of allergies as discussed below:
Food allergies – Although rare, a Ridgeback is also affected by food allergies that result to an immune response which is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms including skin issues as well as gastrointestinal stress. Apart from food allergies, a Ridgeback may also be affected by food intolerance or sensitivities.
Skin allergies – Ridgebacks are predisposed to skin allergies due to food, contact, and environmental allergies. Environmental allergies such as flea cause dermatitis. Flea’s saliva result to excessive itchiness underneath the tail and back legs until the skin surrounding the bite area is raw. If left unattended, it causes secondary skin infections.
Contact allergies – This inflammation affects a Ridgeback once the skin comes in contact with the allergen. Some of the contact allergies that affect this breed include plastics, grooming products, carpet cleaning detergents, bed linens, latex, medication, and lawn chemicals. Commonly affected body parts include belly sides, paws, and around the muzzle.
Environmental allergies – This form of allergy is caused by various allergens including flea that result in flea allergy dermatitis. Other allergens include mites, ragweed, pollen, trees, dust and dust mites, house molds, and grass. Commonly affected body parts include paws, muzzle, groin, underarms, between the toes, and around the eyes. Symptoms of environmental allergies include nasal discharge, congestion, and itchiness of the above mentioned body parts.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Food Allergies
Ridgebacks may also be affected by food allergies, although true food allergy is rare. It result to an immune response that is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms including skin issues such as hives, crusting lesions, dermatitis, facial swelling, hot spots, and pruritus as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as acute vomiting and diarrhea, weight loss, and bloating.
A Ridgeback may also suffer from food intolerance. This is the gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet of the dog. However, it doesn’t cause an immune response. Some of the ingredients that cause food intolerance in the diet and snacks of a Ridgeback include additives, preservatives, chemicals, flavors, beef, chicken, lamb, pork, turkey, eggs, milk, etc.
Signs of food intolerance include foot infections, vomiting, diarrhea, poor skin and coat, and ear infections. Ridgeback parents are urged to work along with the vet to manage the symptoms and find the offending ingredient through the elimination method.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Ears
A Ridgeback has a medium-sized floppy ears.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Teeth
At birth, Ridgebacks are whelped with no teeth. From the age of 3 to 4 weeks, the deciduous teeth starts growing in until they have a total of 28 milk teeth from the age of 6 to 8 weeks. As the puppy is 12 weeks old, the milk teeth starts falling out in order to pave way for adult teeth. At the age of 8 to 9 months, a Ridgeback should have a total of 42 permanent teeth. Once the permanent teeth starts to grow in, ensure your brush the teeth of your puppy at least twice a week if not daily using a dog-formulated toothpaste and finger toothbrush. Regular teeth cleaning helps to prevent bad oral breathe, gum inflammation, and tooth loss.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good Guard Dogs
Yes. Although, Ridgebacks are are generally quite, they bark to alert the owner of an intruder.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Hypoallergenic
No. Ridgebacks shed at moderate levels all year round spreading dander and hair around the house. Dog’s dander, hair, urine, mucus, saliva, and fur contain a protein allergen that causes allergenic reactions in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Smart
Yes, Ridgebacks are intelligent dogs. However, they are independent, strong-willed, and stubborn dogs which may make training difficult if the pet parent is not consistent, firm, and patient with the training starting from puppyhood.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Dangerous
No. They are even tempered around their family members. However, they are reserved with strangers and will never attack an intruder with no good reason.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Quick Facts
- A Rhodesian dam experiences a heat cycle once every year.
- Errol Flynn, an American movie star was the first person to breed Ridgebacks in the United States in the 1930s’.
- Ridgebacks only bark when alerting the owner of an intruder.
