Breed Information

Caveat Emptor

Buying any dog on impulse is always a bad idea! As with buying anything, YOU must educate yourself first: Take the time to research a breed you are interested in, find out what the breed is truly like, visit in the homes of breeders and individuals who have that breed and find out what problems they have encountered. Learn to ask the correct questions, not only about the positive aspects of a breed but the negative, too. And learn what questions to ask of the breeders....First of all are they they a registered breeder? Will the puppies receive all the necessary health checks, vaccinations and treatments? Do they offer breeders support? What happens if your pup manifests a hereditary disease? Think of it as finding out the "features" of an item and what the "warranty" covers.

If you can, even if you are not interested in showing try and go to some dog shows, it is a good place to learn more about the breed, meet various breeders and organise some visits. Also take the time to do some research on the internet and read up on the Ridgeback, but most of all observe, observe, observe!

Always ask to view the Dam of the litter you are interested in and if logistically possible the Sire also. You may get a better insight into the temperament of your potential future puppy and it will also give you an indication of where and how your puppy will be raised. Beware those breeders who refuse you access to their dogs or kennels and those who unduly malign other breeders and their dogs. Find out for yourself!

Always be up front about your intentions for the puppy. Do you intend to show, breed or compete in other disciplines? Are you looking for a guard or working dog? Or just a loyal family companion? Remember honesty and ethical behaviour goes both ways and will assist you in finding the right dog.

Ridgebacks are not Labradors or Golden Retrievers in short coats. They are hunting dogs and have a high prey drive. Translation: They are quite independent - they don't fawn over your every word, they can be oblivious to being called and require a lot of positive motivation to train them in traditional obedience. Many people are just not prepared for the stubbornness and hard-headedness in this breed.

Ridgebacks must be made to feel as part of your "pack", that is your family, or they will strike out on their own. You should think of them as a new addition to your family and plan for them as you would a new child.

Some Important Facts to Consider

Ridgebacks are not fussy eaters and have virtually cast-iron stomachs - It also means they will attempt to eat anything that doesn't eat them first. They are master counter-surfers...nothing is spared and they are fast.

Ridgebacks, as a breed, always appear to be hungry and many owners feed way beyond what they should despite the evidence ie, excessive gas and a walking basketball disguised as a dog. On the other hand, when you can see their ribs sticking out, you are not feeding them enough! You should be able to feel the ribs and see a very faint outline of the firt two or three - you may need to vary the quantity of food given on occasion to maintain optimum condition.

Ridgebacks grow to be fairly large dogs - Puppies don't stay little for long!

When looking for any breed you need to consider one that suits your environment and lifestyle. Ridgebacks may be appealing to you in a physical sense, but they may not have the temperament suitable to your lifestyle. For example: Ridgebacks at play are very energetic - they need lots of space, can knock down children and adults when they are roughhousing.

As puppies they have surgical-knife sharp teeth and the jaw power of a Doberman Pinscher...they should never be allowed to play roughly with humans of any age. They can do major damage to coffee tables, shoes, clothes and anything else they can find to chomp on ....crate training is a must to protect home furnishings while you are not at home. As juveniles, if left unattended, they can cause your house to self-destruct...at least, it may appear that way! If left in the yard, they will find things to chew on that you may not even know you own until it ceases working. A bored Ridgeback is a major disaster waiting to happen.

They love to help with the gardening and are capable of digging to China, biting the limbs off shrubs and ripping up small trees. People who love their gardens must contend with the fact that their backyards will belong to the dog!

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are "people" dogs, which means they should be treated as family and not made to live solely alone in the yard, otherwise, you wind up with a big, powerful, pushy creature of your making! An adult Rhodesian Ridgeback can clear a 5 foot fence if they want to. A bored dog is going to look for something to do, even if that means outside your yard. No one wants to live next door to someone who lets their dog out to eliminate on the neighbors' yard, whose dog gets out and kills cats or scares the walkers, joggers and bike riders.

Ridgebacks ARE intelligent... what this means is they are fully capable of training you before you can train them. Set out as you mean to go on. If you don't want them on the lounge or on the bed, don't let them, not even once! They can be quite cunning and willfully disobedient (I liken it to selective hearing). Believe me they have never disobeyed a call when its dinner time! The earlier the obedience training the better. We can't say this enough. It is essential that you have the time to put in with them, which can be as simple as having them in the house with you when you are home or spending time making sure they get a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation - whether outside playing, training, swimming, running or walking with them in safe areas.

Ridgebacks must be introduced to cats they will live with and even so, may be aggressive towards strange felines.....or small fluffy animals (fluff in general is a huge temptation, your Ugg boots, pillows, and Granny's old vintage teddy will certainly be hunted down!)

Before you get a Ridgeback please consider whether you and your family members will be able to properly keep the dog and to train the dog to be a great companion and a good canine citizen.

The average life span of most Ridgebacks is ten to twelve years, but some have lived for sixteen years!

So, your dog will depend on you for love and care for a long time. Being a responsible dog owner is an important job and requires your serious commitment.

The Redeeming Qualities

The Ridgeback is an extremely clean dog, they have a short coats with minimal shedding and are practically odor free - great for hot climates.

They are quite discriminating in whom or what they bark at...you should ALWAYS go and check it out. They are a natural watchdog and family protector.

They are not fussy eaters and have virtually "cast-iron" digestive systems.

They love living with people and are generally quiet in the house.

They are extremely tolerant and excellent companions for children and other pets if raised with them.

Ridgebacks are intelligent and want to please their owner.

Ridgebacks are easily house-trained.

Ridgebacks are generally a healthy stoic breed of dog with very few genetic disorders (See The Breed Health page for more).

And, of course, they are the most handsome of dogs!

A Rhodesian Ridgeback will never forget your love and understanding nor will he forgive harsh treatment. Your relationship will be one of partner rather than master and servant. He is a dog of noble bearing whose physical attributes should reflect his role as a guardian, companion and hunter. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog to be proud of, handsome, powerful, intelligent and loyal to the end.

Many people own dogs, a fortunate few own Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

Adapted with permission - Kalahari Rhodesian Ridgebacks.