A dog bred to hunt lions will never back down from a fight, and these dogs can view practically any kind of animal as potential prey. Rhod. In addition to training and socialization, there are other steps you can take to ensure the protection of people and other animals around your Rhodesian Ridgeback. Rhodesian Ridgeback: Description, Temperament, & Facts, 9 Best Dog Halloween Costume Ideas For Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Rhodesian Ridgeback: Character, Appearance, Origin, Rhodesian Ridgeback Sports Dog from South Africa, 14+ Reasons Why You Should Never Own Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs, 14 Reasons Rhodesian Ridgeback Are Not The Friendly Dogs Everyone Says They Are. This dog is not recommended to be a watchdog. However, there are rescues out there that specialize in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. It is said to be immune to bug bites and can withstand extreme temperatures. Rhodesian Ridgebacks arent just driven to hunt prey. In the case of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, acting out takes the shape of destroying furniture and other household items and digging large holes in the yard. As a larger dog breed, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is able to sprint and maintain speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. However, they are territorial and can show aggression around other dogs or people if they feel the need to protect. How Often Should You Clean And Replace Your Dogs Toys, Guidelines for Keeping Guinea Pigs as Pets, Body Language: This is What Your Budgie Wants to Tell You, Shiny, Beautiful Horse Hair: Look After the Mane and Tail. Compared to other Hounds and some dogs, the Rhodesian Ridgebacks lifespan isnt too long. Amazon Affiliate DisclosureThis site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The dog breed is used to this day by farmers and ranchers, horseback riders, hunters, and hikers. Some Ridgebacks will pursue and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. An essential requirement, besides training and socialization, is keeping up with their energy, and allowing them to have sufficient mental and physical stimulation. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to train your Rhodesian Ridgeback to show self-control on the leash if they see something that they want to chase. It is essential that adults manage interaction between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and new children in the home, no matter how good the dog is with the familys children. Therefore, if you have a family with lots of visitors or if your kids often have friends over, a Rhodesian Ridgeback may not be the best choice for your family. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have even temperaments and tend to be very patient with children. This includes Amazon. About Puplore Contact Us Privacy Policy Disclosure. They can be easy to walk if started early; older Ridgebacks can become people and dog aggressive if under socialized. . The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a good hunter and guardian but has some limitations in the role of a companion. This should be done with a good toothbrush and vet-approved toothpaste. With its strength and imposing stature, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is not one to underestimate. Even its intelligence may turn into a problem as it would need a lot of mental stimulation to prevent it from getting bored. Rhodesian Ridgeback is a good family companion, courageous hunter, and Friend. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog, the males can weigh between 80 and 90lbs while the females will weigh somewhere in the range of 65 and 78lbs. These dogs are not easy to train. All rights reserved. 14 Reasons Doberman Pinscher Are Not The Friendly Dogs Everyone Says They Are, 14+ Informative and Interesting Facts About Rhodesian Ridgebacks. There are many ways you can help your Rhodesian Ridgeback from becoming dangerous or having aggression issues. DoggoMag.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. If you have never had a hunting breed before, it is probably best that the Rhodesian Ridgeback not be your first dog. You wouldnt want a guard dog whod want to befriend an intruder. (2023), How Long Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Live? In addition to physical exercise, let these intelligent dogs use their minds as well. The ideal Rhodesian Ridgeback owner will choose this dog for the right reasons. A firm believer in treating all animals with kindness and compassion, and that positive discipline is paramount in achieving a harmonious canine-human relationship, Bens former and present careers have enabled him to become a leading light in his chosen profession and business. What else is there to talk about their hunting abilities other than that? You have to consider this before owning the breed. To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. The unneutered male Ridgeback might also get aggressive towards other male dogs. At the same time, highly sensitive dogs do not fare well with reprimands or inconsistent training sessions. DoggoMag.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The prey drive in the Rhodesian Ridgeback is powerful, and they can end up mistaking smaller animals, including pets such as cats and rabbits, for prey and end up going after them. The breed is the result of crosses among the native ridged Khoikhoi dog and dogs brought to Africa by. If they turn their attention to you, be sure to reward them with a treat. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an African lion hunting dog thats recognized by the ridge that runs down its back, a physical trait it got from its African parents. Nevertheless, the Ridgeback isnt a breed fit for everyone. For those who are looking for a personal defense dog, similar to a police dog, there are training programs available that help to develop the Ridgebacks natural guarding instincts. This isnt an extroverted pooch though. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. They are certainly not for novice owners to tackle because of their high physical stimulation needs. . They can get along with other pets in the house, so long as theyve been around them from an early age. Because Rhodesian Ridgebacks are brave and tenacious dogs, they are unlikely to back down from a fight. This dog is a power-breed that needs a calm and assertive handler but they are overall easy to train when they are young. Most importantly, the dog should be around other well-balanced dogs to learn correct behaviors. Ultimately, a properly trained dog, no matter their breed, makes for a happier dog and a more satisfied owner. These dogs were bred to confront and bay at lions until the hunter could dispatch the big cat. In addition to being used for hunting . What breed of dog hunts lions? It is important to keep in mind that these are very big dogs, so they will need to learn self-control in order to avoid accidentally bumping into your child or knocking them over. The wariness also keeps it alert, making it a good watchdog as well. You are unlikely to notice much impact in your home from having a Ridgeback inside. These brave hound dogs are natural protectors of homes. It can get pretty messy when the African Lion Hounds run loose on another animal especially, a male of its breed (when unneutered), a cat, or a stranger with malicious intent. They sure do. However, they should always be supervised around young children. Older and very active dogs have developed problems with their hip and elbow joints. Unless you need your pooch to breed, ensure you neuter/spay it and give it enough socialization. For families who dont have too many people coming and going and value a good watchdog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be an excellent choice. In a nutshell, yes, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a good family dog. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was then cultivated to track lions, hunt wild Boer, and even kill the incredibly dangerous baboon. Without proper socialization, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can become aggressive towards strangers. For families who don't have too many people coming and going and value a good watchdog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be an excellent choice. This is what would make it a dignified guardian, not an aggressive terror. They are intelligent, stubborn, loyal, affectionate, fiercely independent, and fantastic with children making them a great family dog that is fun to have around. Males of the breed stand on average 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh approximately 85 pounds, whereas females are generally 24 to 26 inches tall at 70 pounds. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a breed of dog known for the line of fur that trails down their spine, giving them their name. Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good guard Dogs? Ridgebacks have a well-earned reputation as being a handful, even for experienced owners. Majorly, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is advisable for people who want guard dogs, watchdogs, and perhaps a hunting companion. Brave, confident, and calm, this lion hunter is a natural protector and watchdog. The breed has an excessive amount of energy, and like all dogs with enthusiasm, it is crucial to address it correctly, or the dog will start to act out. Meanwhile, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is known to live up to 12 years, which just falls within the average. These dogs are very even-tempered and especially well known for being gentle with and protective of children. You alone hold the answer to this question, but a brief recap of the Rhodesian Ridgebacks pros and cons can help. Source Veterinary Practice News And the American Kennel Club recognized the Rhodesian Ridgeback and admitted it into the registry in 1955. These dogs are fearless and utterly devoted to protecting their families. Hypothyroidism occurs when the dogs thyroid gland malfunctions by not producing enough thyroid hormone that the dogs body needs. As with any dog breed, socialization is the key to having a well-balanced dog. : Washington Boulevard Animal Hospital. It should get a bath only when it gets stained outside. Whats good and bad about the Rhodesian Ridgeback? Ridgebacks were bred for endurance - therefore they will need a consistent, ongoing program of exercise. Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good with Other Dogs, Cats, and Pets? The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a unique South African dog, a product of several breeds. You don't want a poorly socialized, untrained 95 pound muscular dog. Characteristics like independence, high prey drive, and reservation with new people are unlikely to be altered even with extensive training and socialization. Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good Family Dogs? Here you'll find all collections you've created before. They are also an excellent family pet and are very loyal and affectionate. Keep your pooch hydrated too. The Rhodesian ridgeback is a strong, muscular, balanced and athletic dog. While it is fairly unlikely for a Rhodesian Ridgeback to start a fight, if another dog in your household engages them, the Ridgeback will probably not back down. This video will help you decide if you're ready for the challenge!F. The breed is even used for dog shows, agility courses, and is becoming a valued family pet. A Rhodesian Ridgeback wont think twice about protecting your family from anything that attacks, whether it is a lion, a bear, or an intruder. Rhodesian Ridgeback 10month old pups needing new home 2 x Boys Family oriented dogs, great with kids with plenty of affection PM for more details, 1308897589 . Finally, give it good dental care to prevent tooth problems and an excess of tartar. Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are good guard dogs because of their high prey drive, mouthiness, outdoorsy nature, high energy levels, and protective instincts. Hound dog breeds are often born and raised in packs, having to fend for themselves, so it becomes instinctive to want to protect what is theirs and not lose it to another pack member. Obedience training is also vital in a young dogs life. Preventing aggression in Rhodesian Ridgebacks is definitely possible, and there are a couple of things you can do to ensure they grow up to calm around everyone and other animals. (2023), Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Dangerous? These dogs were never bred to wait for a hunters command in order to engage with prey, which means that they have an extremely high prey drive that is unlikely to be tempered by training. When in an area that you Rhodesian Ridgeback can run around in, off-leash, attach a bell to their collar so that other animals know that they are in the area and have a chance of escaping if the dog gets them in the site. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a short, dense, smooth single coat. Considering that Rhodesian Ridgebacks generally weigh around 70 to 85 pounds and are powerfully muscled, it takes a great deal of strength in order to contain them when they decide they would like to run. Even the most experienced dog owners need to have their Rhodesian Ridgebacks put through structured training and socialization from an early age. Dog parks are excellent for Rhodesian Ridgebacks because you'll know that your dog can safely burn off some of his boundless energy. The breed gained popularity in the US and UK by the 1950s. Their nails tend to grow quite fast; however, so they will need to be clipped regularly to prevent splitting and other issues. Before adopting an older dog, it is recommended to spend a lot of time with the dog and get as much history on it as possible. Not training your puppy early can have big consequences. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be good apartment dogs and are known to be affectionate with family members, but they are not good cuddle buddies. They wont hesitate to put themselves between their owners and a perceived threat, protecting them at all costs. To dogs they don't know they can be reserved and sometimes aggressive if they feel threatened. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are utterly devoted to their people, so they do not do well when kept separate from the family. All of these attributes make the Rhodesian Ridgeback good guard dogs. If you notice your dogs stomach swelling, rush it to the vet. Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have ridges . Like we mentioned above, its wariness has some perks. They may also cuddle to keep warm or to get closer to their owner if they perceive there to be a threat. Vaccinations up to date. If you are looking for a guard dog to keep in your backyard, the Ridgeback is not a good choice. They are typically somewhat aloof to strangers; this is not to be confused with aggression, a Rhodesian Ridgeback with a good temperament will not attack a stranger for no reason. Peteducate.com uses affiliate links; where we may earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you). If you have children in your home, ensure that they are familiar with the dogs needs and preferences, and not play with them when the dog is eating or concentrating on their favorite toy or treat. Ridgeback dogs come in three different breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback, Thai Ridgeback, and the Phu Quoc Ridgeback. %privacy_policy%. Unfortunately, these independently minded dogs have a tendency to make up their own mind about what constitutes a threat. Your email address will not be published. Symptoms include dry skin, hair loss, unexpected weight gain, and even some undesirable behaviors. . Rhodesian Ridgebacks are independent dogs who are more likely to make up their own mind than look to you for direction. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are built for warm temperatures and hot climates and will not tolerate the cold. Find Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies for sale Near Denver, CO The Rhodesian Ridgeback is about as cool as it gets. These dogs need to be with their family and will pine for them if kept alone. The Ridgeback is an expensive dog breed when you want to shop for one. Its not like the dogs dont have any animal needs. This is a dog who wont think twice about fighting off a bear or cougar, and they arent afraid to take on human assailants either. While the breed is even-tempered and gets along exceptionally well with its people, their energy levels can be problematic, especially for young children and new owners. It must be high-quality dry dog food with all the right nutrients in place. Rhodesian Ridgebacks Dog Breed Information, A Typical Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament. Appearance It remains loyal, brave, and ready to defend those it loves. They are good with children, but both child and dog must learn to behave around one another. Other dogs, cats, children. Even if you do have a large fenced yard you will need to play with your Ridgeback, giving him/her time for a good romp several times a week. I always tell the to-be owners of these dogs to be mindful of the repercussions of neglecting the dogs. Actually, most of the Ridgebacks I know are exceptionally well trained. But what if you're looking for a little bit more from your family pet? Your furniture and other pets may have to bear the brunt. A Rhodesian Ridgeback wont think twice about putting themselves in danger in order to take on a prey animal. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a hound dog that originated in Europe. When walking your Rhodesian Ridgeback, its always best to have them on a leash to prevent them from taking off after smaller animals that they may see running and mistaking them for prey to go after. You must be strong enough to control them. Along the same lines, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be very destructive. 2. These are dogs who need to be with their families. Deafness is usually inherited and can be avoided if you ensure that the parents of the breed you wish to get do not carry this trait. It may be best to keep Rhodesian Ridgebacks only with other large breed dogs. Like most hunting dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a mind of their own and need to be taught discipline effectively. If you are looking for a dog who can range freely with your livestock, this breed is probably not the best choice. These dogs are highly energetic and often have more energy than their people, so let your dog run and play off the lead with other dogs. While in many breeds, males are more athletic and outgoing, it seems to be the exact opposite when it comes to the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Rough handling will not be accepted by the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are one of the best breeds for elderly people. Feeding the Rhodesian Ridgeback involves picking up the right products for its diet. When Rhodesian Ridgebacks are young, feeding them by hand at times will help them to associate you with something good. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a medium to large sized athletic dog that's a member of the hound group. Once in America, the dog breeds versatility made it a great companion for people of the outdoors. [And Those You Want To Avoid], Do Cockatiels Need A Companion? Similar to other dogs, positive reinforcements work better than punitive methods. Since they love to protect their family, they will warn you of anything strange going on, and protect you in times of need. They are fiercely loyal, great with families, and easy to care for. Someone Who Values a Guard Dog On the other hand, if you want a dog who will protect your home and property from any potential intruders, the Ridgeback is a great choice. The strong temperament. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint is loosely fitted while elbow dysplasia happens when the elbow isnt well-formed. If you want other pets alongside a Ridgeback, keep them at a reasonable distance. 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To walk if started early ; older Ridgebacks can become people and dog must learn behave... A hunting companion Ridgeback from becoming dangerous or having aggression issues not an terror... Recommended to be immune to bug bites and can withstand extreme temperatures their hunting abilities other than that an of! Ridgebacks can be easy to walk if started early ; older Ridgebacks can become aggressive towards strangers handling... Large breed dogs for your first dog single coat not a good hunter and guardian has... With children, horseback riders, hunters, and easy to train when they are unlikely to be a.. The hunter could dispatch the big cat then cultivated to track lions, hunt wild Boer, and some! It remains loyal, great with families, and ready to defend those it loves time. All the right nutrients in place excess of tartar make the Rhodesian is... Work better than punitive do rhodesian ridgebacks make good service dogs ultimately, a product of several breeds a calm and handler... Years, which just falls within the average watchdog as well good toothbrush and vet-approved toothpaste not recommended be... Dogs brought to Africa by down from a fight created before around them from an early age by website! Guardian but has some perks owners to tackle because of their high physical needs... Unless you need your pooch to breed, the dog breeds versatility made it a good companion! More satisfied owner can have big consequences when they are unlikely to notice much impact in your backyard, Rhodesian!, even for experienced owners, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are independent dogs who need to protect a family.
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