Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback: BREED BOX
Country:	South Africa
Size:	65-85lb(30-39kg), 24-27in(61-69cm)
Temperament:	Loyal, faithful
Grooming:	Little
Recognition:	FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC, KC(UK), NZKC

History - The Rhodesian Ridgback is a South African dog originating from Zimbabwe. They were traditionally hunters, guardians, and companions. Their hunting instincts were predominately harnessed against lions and make them excellent watch dogs. They are loyal and despite their size, makes them good family pets with a warm disposition towards children provided their treament isn't irritating. If exposed to other dogs at a young age the ridgeback will generally mingle without any problems, but will more than likely remain weary of strangers. They are intelligent but can also be extremely stubborn and therefore firm consistent action will result in a well trained pet.

Appearance - The ridgebacks' distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair which runs opposite to the rest of their coat therefore appearing to be darker in colour. Apart from brushing and removal of dead hair with a rubber glove the maintainence of a ridgeback in a grooming sence is low. However the ridgeback is an energetic dog with extremely high stamina and requires a great deal of daily exercise as a result.

Male ridgebacks should be 25-27 inches at the shoulder and weigh approximately 85 lb, females 24-26 inches and approximately 70 lb. They are typically muscular and have a red coat.

Description - The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very loyal dog, being a faithful one-man or family dog. It is great with children and is a very highly intelligent breed. With its size and deep bark the Rhodesian Ridgeback makes an excellent guard dog. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are remarkably clean dogs. They are easy to keep as they are rarely noisy or quarrelsome, unless provoked.

Ideal Owners: Not a dog for everyone. They are very people oriented and highly sensitive to negative treatment and training methods. It is easy to ruin a perfect Ridgeback for first time dog owners. If given the time and space the Rhodesian Ridgeback makes an excellent family pet.

Coat color: Light wheaten to red wheaten

Life Expectancy: 12 years

Other Names: African Lion Hound

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Rhodesian Ridgeback Reviews

Grooming (50%)

Exercise (80%)

Feeding (60%)

Temperament (80%)

Watchdog (90%)

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Number of reviews: 2

Tweety

Rhodesian Ridgeback

9/13/2004

Rating: TBA (16vote/s)

I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback which we picked up from the Lost Dogs Home when she was 8 weeks. (That was 4 years ago)

As a puppy my Rhodesian Ridgebacks, like all pups, I guess dug a couple of holes, killed a couple a plants, chewed a couple of favourite shoes, left some "nasty" presents in the house and stuff ~ but they do grow out of it!

Rhodesian Ridgebacks have very good temperaments. I have a 5 month old baby and my Ridgeback has not shown any signs of aggression towards the baby. I can leave the room without worrying that she will attack the baby (I am writing this review based soley on my experience with one Ridgeback! Don't go leaving your child with ANY Dog unless you are sure of their temperament).

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very smart (maybe sometimes too smart!). My Ridgeback can learn a new trick in about 5 minutes. Like any dog though you have to be consistent in your training.

Ridgebacks require a lot of exercise! While my ridgeback is a fully trained house dog... she still loves a decent walk. She used to be really hyperactive when she was a pup till maybe 3 years old, but now she is quite a placid dog...

Overall though Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a dogs... I would highly recommend them to any one who already has a high active lifestyle.

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Scott

Awesome companion

7/1/2004

Rating: TBA (10vote/s)

If you're willing to invest enough time and patience into the ridgeback you will have yourself a loyal and clever companion. This of course goes the same for any dog, but this is MY review and experience with this friendly giant has resulted in a rewarding relationship.

I cannot stress enough, this is not a strictly indoors or "leave alone" dog. It appreciates a great amount of exercise to maintain its muscular frame and for mental stimulation . They are clever and sometimes stubborn, but firm consistent action will result in an obedient friend.

They have a nice short coat for easy maintainence and even though like many dogs they'll jump at the chance for some human food, well balanced periodic hassle free food will tide them over nicely.

Most of all I'm extremely suprised by how emotional this dog is, which is a great, because if you show them love, they will love you back!

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