Large breed
Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies
Loyal companion with a big heart
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.
- Adult weight 70–85 lbs
- Height 24–27 in
- Lifespan 10–12 years
- Exercise 60 min a day
About the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback, known for its distinctive ridge of hair along its back, is a remarkable breed with a rich history that originated in southern Africa. These impressive dogs were originally bred to hunt lions, which speaks to their strength, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty. If you’re looking for a companion that embodies courage and dedication, a Rhodesian Ridgeback might just steal your heart. They thrive in family settings and forge deep bonds with their human counterparts, making them excellent partners for those with young kids. Their affectionate nature means they will be the first to offer comfort and companionship.
Read more about the Rhodesian Ridgeback Show less
While Rhodesian Ridgebacks enjoy moderate energy levels, they require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, runs, or play sessions will keep them engaged and satisfied. Although their size can be imposing, they are surprisingly adaptable and can adjust to various living situations. However, they are better suited for homes with space compared to apartment living, as they appreciate having room to roam. Their grooming needs are relatively low-key, with a monthly brushing keeping their coat looking sharp, while their shedding level is moderate, meaning you might find a bit of fur around the house.
Trainability is one of the standout features of a Rhodesian Ridgeback. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes training an enjoyable process for their families. With consistent and positive reinforcement, they can learn a variety of commands and tricks, solidifying their role as not just pets but cherished family members. These dogs do tend to be calm and quiet, with a low barking tendency, making them excellent companions for those looking for a loyal and well-mannered friend. If you’re in Furrylicious® and think a Rhodesian Ridgeback is the right fit for you, prepare for endless adventures and a lifetime of love.
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
-
Affection Very affectionate
-
Playfulness Playful
-
With strangers Warms up
-
Territorial Territorial
-
Prey drive High
Family & other pets
-
Young children Good
-
Older children Good
-
Other dogs Usually fine
-
Cats Needs care
Energy & exercise
-
Energy High
-
Mental stimulation High
Training
-
Trainability Quick to learn
-
Intelligence Very bright
-
Stubbornness A stubborn streak
Care & upkeep
-
Shedding Moderate
-
Drooling Minimal
-
Barking Occasional
Home life
-
Apartment living Prefers a house
-
Time alone A few hours
-
Cold weather Comfortable
-
Warm weather Comfortable
A good match for
-
First-time owners Some experience helps
-
Senior owners Suitable
-
Running partner Good
-
Hiking Good
-
Therapy work Unlikely
-
Guarding Strong guardian
Living with a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Temperament & Family Fit
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their affectionate nature and strong bond with their families. They are particularly good with young kids, making them a wonderful addition to family households. Their balanced temperament means they can adapt well to various living situations, though they do thrive in environments where they have space to roam.
Energy & Exercise
This breed has a moderate energy level, requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks or playtime in a yard are perfect for keeping their spirits high. Ridgebacks may not be the most apartment-friendly dogs, so access to outdoor space is a big plus for their overall well-being.
Care & Grooming
Grooming a Rhodesian Ridgeback is fairly straightforward, as they only require monthly grooming sessions to keep their coat healthy. While they do shed moderately, a regular brushing routine helps manage this and keeps your home tidy. Their low barking tendency also means less maintenance on the noise front, making them a pleasant companion.
Training Notes
Training a Rhodesian Ridgeback can be a rewarding experience, as they are known for their high trainability. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques and benefit greatly from early socialization. With their intelligent and eager to please nature, they easily learn commands and tricks, making them a joy to train.
Caring for a Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Grooming
- Monthly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Low
- Monthly food
- Average
- Outdoor space
- A yard is recommended
- Allergy friendly
- Not considered hypoallergenic
Rhodesian Ridgeback Video
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the personality of a Rhodesian Ridgeback like?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their affectionate nature and strong bond with their families. They are loyal and make great companions, often seeking out attention and love from their owners. Their playful spirit also means they can be quite entertaining and fun to be around.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good with children?
Absolutely! Rhodesian Ridgebacks are typically very good with young kids. They have a gentle disposition and are known to be protective and watchful, which makes them excellent family pets.
What is the training process like for a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Training a Rhodesian Ridgeback can be a rewarding experience. They are generally quite trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement methods. Early socialization and consistent training are key to helping them become well-mannered companions.
How much exercise do Rhodesian Ridgebacks need?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have an average energy level, so they require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks, playtime, and some active play sessions in a yard are great ways to meet their exercise needs. Engaging them with different activities can also help prevent boredom.
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks live in an apartment?
While Rhodesian Ridgebacks can adapt to apartment living, it's best if they have space to explore and play. They do require regular exercise, so access to outdoor areas for walks and playtime is important. Making sure they get enough physical activity will help them thrive even in smaller living spaces.
