Children love to play with dogs, and this breed loves to play right back with the children. Home Dog Breed Info Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good Family Dogs? 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. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are full of energy, which can sometimes lead to problems, including being a danger to some. To prevent boredom destruction, ensure that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are getting plenty of exercise and an area to run around. All rights reserved. Symptoms include dry skin, hair loss, unexpected weight gain, and even some undesirable behaviors. Characteristics like independence, high prey drive, and reservation with new people are unlikely to be altered even with extensive training and socialization. Many other dogs do not. We also participate in other affiliate programs and are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies (at no cost to you). Draining their energy will help keep them calm and prevent them from being destructive. Rhodesian Ridgebacksare generally affectionate dogs and like to cuddle up to their owners when relaxed. : North Carolina State University The Rhodesian Ridgeback sheds a little, which makes it not hypoallergenic. If they are raised together, many Rhodesian Ridgebacks will do well with cats, but these dogs do have a strong prey drive, and some individuals may extend their prey instinct to household cats. Source #3 They can sleep over 12 hours a day! Typically, males will weigh about 85 pounds, and females will weigh 70 pounds. Two main factors can make a Rhodesian Ridgeback act out aggressively, and those are other dogs and the desire to protect their family and territory. As a larger dog breed, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is able to sprint and maintain speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. If you are looking for a guard dog that you can leave out in the yard, look elsewhere. Rhodesian Ridgeback could also pose a danger to other pets and animals. The powerful whip-like tail can easily clear ornaments off of coffee and end tables, so it is best to organize your home with your Ridgeback in mind. $500.00. Its important that as an owner, you are not timid and allow your dog to become the Alpha of the pack. Wash it with a good shampoo. The Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is very friendly and gets easily happy. 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. Puplore was founded to provide dog owners with breed information and advice on canine care, health, and nutrition and to help them to raise their four-legged friends from puppydom to adulthood. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are hunting dogs with predatory instincts. How to Prevent Aggression in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work. Rhodesian ridgebacks may well be born with their ridge, but they're certainly not born with a name, so let's get stuck into our lists of the most popular Rhodesian ridgeback names. However, there are rescues out there that specialize in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. They are good with children, but both child and dog must learn to behave around one another. Treats also help with getting them to become less guarded over their food. From their earliest days, this breed served double duty as a fierce hunting dog and family protector. She is a trainer who posts about dog training and behavior. Just a few times training puts them in the expert categories for guarding jobs. These brave hound dogs are natural protectors of homes. A lot. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password. Although Rhodesian Ridgeback - German Shepherd mixes are generally good dogs with a consistent temperament and good health, locating one will be difficult. Finally, give it good dental care to prevent tooth problems and an excess of tartar. There are not a lot of grooming requirements with Rhodesian Ridgebacks as they are naturally very clean dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have short, glossy coats. Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback good for first-time owners? Like most hunting dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a mind of their own and need to be taught discipline effectively. You can look into Ridgeback rescues, a mellow adult will be much easier to train . The ridge consists of a line of hair running on their backs in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat. Ben Pierce is a canine behavioral and nutritional specialist, professional dog trainer, and the CEO of Puplore. . Adoption fee. Ridgebacks cannot be described as eager to please, although they are extremely devoted to their families. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a good hunter and guardian but has some limitations in the role of a companion. But what if you're looking for a little bit more from your family pet? This is especially true with the Ridgeback as they can become overly cautious of strangers and other animals. 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. It isnt often present at birth but may not be apparent till the dog grows. not fully trained yet either. Their concept of what qualifies as prey includes lions, so dont expect this dog to back down from anything. If you want other pets alongside a Ridgeback, keep them at a reasonable distance. It is loving and loyal towards its family members and can even tolerate the excesses of kids. 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. Dermoid sinus is a tube-like. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are intelligent and independently minded, and they can even be stubborn or domineering without proper training. Other dogs, cats, children. These "ridge less" puppies ridgebacks can be sold for $500 as this is a serious fault. Its intelligence will come to good use here as it wont take time to learn simple commands. Having lived on the territory of the southern continent for more than one century, she perfectly took root in many European countries. Rescue Dogs. Can be stubborn and loves being independent. Another thing to watch out for is Rhodesian Ridgebacks can have issues with food guarding. These dogs experience a powerful prey drive which can overwhelm all other instincts and training, including their own sense of self-preservation. All rights reserved. I mean that should be the end of it. Puphelp.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. Good training will prevent the aloofness to develop into aggression, which happens only if this breed isnt trained enough. Depending on your childrens size, you may also want to warn them about the potential of being knocked down by the dog, even though the dog is not trying to hurt them. Make sure that your yard is extremely secure and resistant to your dog digging under the fence or climbing over it. An adult Rhodesian Ridgeback can be as tall as 27 inches, and it is pretty good with other life forms. Brave, confident, and calm, this lion hunter is a natural protector and watchdog. The Ridgeback has an even temperament when they are mature while being a fun-loving, curious and rambunctious companion. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dignified hunting dog who is well known for being brave and tenacious on the hunt and affectionate and loving at home. Cheryl's Rhodesian Ridgebacks in Arizona | Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies | Good Dog Breeders Purebred Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akbash Akita Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog Alaskan Husky Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Bully American English Coonhound American Eskimo Dog American Foxhound Here are ten things you didn't know about the Rhodesian Ridgeback. These dogs are well known for their love and tolerance of children, and provided that they are trained to have manners in the home, they make excellent family dogs. Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix Appearance. These dogs can be good with cats if brought up with them. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not known for being exceptionally difficult to house train, but they are also not one of the breeds who takes to house training naturally. Because of their size, younger and more excitable ridgebacks may knock over small children by accident. Some great ideas are to get them toys in which they have to figure out how to get the treats out of them, hide some treats or kibble around the house on rainy days, and search it out. . Therefore, a Rhodesian Ridgeback owner should be strong enough to control these dogs on leash. How To Easily Use A Vibration Collar To Train A Dog 22 Dogs That Like Swimming [7 Water Safety Tips]. Obedience training is also vital in a young dogs life. Therefore, everyone in the family needs to be on board with training regiments and have clear expectations for the dog. Another excellent idea is to take them to an unfamiliar area or have lots of different smells when you walk them. A former military working dog handler, Ben founded Puplore to provide owners with breed-specific information and to act as a go-to guide to health, nutrition, care, and to help them find the confidence they need to step up to the plate and become the best pup parents they can possibly be. Also, you need to clean its ears. I've written many topics in this space including how-tos, informational articles, care guides, breed guides, and more. Since their introduction to the U.S., their popularity has grown even more as family-oriented guard dogs. Heres what you need to think about before adopting a Rhodesian Ridgeback. While it does play the role of a companion now, it cant be suitable for every family like natural companions will. At the same time, highly sensitive dogs do not fare well with reprimands or inconsistent training sessions. Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good with Kids? The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a great dog to own for many reasons. As such, they need to be exercised regularly, and failure to do so . Rhodesian Ridgebacks are descended from the ridged Khoikhoi dog native to South Africa and various European breeds including Terriers and Greyhounds. They are devoted family dogs who pine for their family if left alone outdoors. The strong temperament. Regular brushing can help remove the dead hair on its skin. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was then cultivated to track lions, hunt wild Boer, and even kill the incredibly dangerous baboon. Not training your puppy early can have big consequences. Symptoms of cancer in the Rhodesian Ridgeback include swelling, injuries that dont heal, and some unexplained bumps. Even with family, dont expect this breed to show a high degree of enthusiasm. What Can Make Rhodesian Ridgebacks Aggressive? Bloating is a fatal illness that usually affects dogs of bigger sizes. But thats not to say that the breed doesnt have the matter to be a good guard dog. There will be few issues with children as long as they ( the children ) are taught respect for all animals. This is because it could result in issues with leadership and territory. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is ready to defend its family with all it has. Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are good guard dogs because of their high prey drive, mouthiness, outdoorsy nature, high energy levels, and protective instincts. What breed of dog hunts lions? The Khoikhoi (also known as Africanis) is a dog breed native to Africa that has a characteristic ridge of hair on its back. [And Those You Want To Avoid], Do Cockatiels Need A Companion? You will fail at this. 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. 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. Minor biting is more common in puppies as it is an attention-seeking behavior. Consequently, they love chasing games and show impressive speeds and agility. It will take some time to get to that point, and owners need to know that it will take a lot of work, but in the end, it will be worth it for both you and your dog. While thoroughly researched and meticulously checked, the content on Pet Educate does not constitute, nor should replace any pet medical advice. Symptoms of heart complications in dogs include breathing difficulties, coughing, general weakness especially after exercising, and paralysis in worst cases. Males stand 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 85 pounds. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Consider the space you own; the freedom you can give it, and the training regimes you can continue before owning the breed. The favorite part of owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback is that it has low grooming needs. They can get along with other pets in the house, so long as they've been around them from an early age. Well also take a look at some potential causes of aggression and how to prevent them so be sure to keep on reading if you are thinking of adopting one for you and your family. Rhodesian Ridgeback. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a strong desire to protect their family from danger. The Rhodesian Ridgeback can also be found competing in various dog sports, including agility, lure coursing, obedience, and tracking, and he's a good hiking or jogging companion. The surgery . They are overwhelmingly driven to chase and kill any kind of prey animal of any size. Health. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are relatively healthy, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not need any special training to be guard dogs. This dog is not recommended to be a watchdog. Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not need any special training to be guard dogs. Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good guard dogs? Older and very active dogs have developed problems with their hip and elbow joints. 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. 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. They are known to be very loyal and protective of their families. 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. About Us | Contact | Privacy Policy| Terms and Conditions | Cookie Policy|Disclaimer. Rhodesian Ridgeback is a good family companion, courageous hunter, and Friend. These Ridgebacks are sensitive for a reason they want to act on your cue without missing out on details. This includes Amazon. Along the same lines, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be very destructive. Required fields are marked *. Thai Ridgebacks make good companions for older children, as they may be too rambunctious for a toddler or baby. Keep your pooch hydrated too. Dominant dogs will test their master's leadership and try to take on the role of pack leader. They are also an excellent family pet and are very loyal and affectionate. They don't have much odor, and their grooming requirements are minimal. These dogs are highly protective. 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. This dog can also be very vocal and barks or bays when it senses danger. Your Rhodesian Ridgeback wont hesitate to intimidate intruders, and if the intruder insists on coming into their territory, there is an excellent choice that the dog will engage with them quite ferociously. They can be easy to walk if started early; older Ridgebacks can become people and dog aggressive if under socialized. Do Cavalier King Charles spaniels make good pets? Ridgebacks are very prone to this illness. Rhodesian Ridgebacks Are Energetic and Athletic. This breed is very common in Africa and is much cheaper. Be prepared to accept your Rhodesian Ridgeback for who he is and dont expect to be able to change many aspects of his personality. Would a Rhodesian Ridgeback make a good guard dog? They are certainly not for novice owners to tackle because of their high physical stimulation needs. On average, a Rhodesian Ridgeback can grow up to 27 inches tall at shoulder height. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint is loosely fitted while elbow dysplasia happens when the elbow isnt well-formed. 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. Their hunting genes kick in when you give them the guarding job. Furthermore, they were expected to chase down prey like antelopes over huge distances and kill them for their master. Having lived on the territory of the southern continent for more than one century, she perfectly took root in many European countries. Once you return home from work or running your errands, your dog should be allowed to come inside with you, or you should go outside to spend time with your dog. Large. Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good House Dogs? Well answer that question by looking into different aspects of this breed, from its basic information to its needs. What is the Rhodesian Ridgeback known for? He's smart but sometimes stubborn, with a moderate energy level and an easy-care coat. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is ready to defend its family with all it has. Rhodesian Ridgeback males will reach a height of 25-27 inches, while females will usually be around 24-26 inches tall. These are dogs who need to be with their families. The Rhodesian ridgeback is a strong, muscular, balanced and athletic dog. Like all animals, you can expect some health issues. Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good guard dogs? If you are looking for a dog who can range freely with your livestock, this breed is probably not the best choice. Puppies . During the 17th century, the Khoikhoi tribe of Southern Africa developed a dog breed that could protect them from the dangers they faced every day. It is now one of the most popular breeds. However, they should always be supervised around young children. The average life span of dogs falls between 10 and 13 years. Hello, I'm Mary! The Ridgeback can develop some dangerous tumors, much like humans do. (2023), Are Bernedoodles Good Family Dogs? Your furniture and other pets may have to bear the brunt. Dog parks are also excellent for socializing your dog. | Contact | Privacy Policy| Terms and Conditions | Cookie Policy|Disclaimer, injuries that dont,... Also help with getting them to an unfamiliar area or have lots of smells. And nutritional specialist, professional dog trainer, and Friend while being a fun-loving, and! 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For older children, as they are certainly not for novice owners to because... The Amazon Associates Program and calm, this breed served double duty as a fierce dog. That your yard is extremely secure and resistant to your dog digging the. Of any size is very common in puppies as it wont take to! Falls between 10 and 13 years like humans do prey includes lions, so dont expect to on! Older children, as they may be too rambunctious for a toddler or baby allow dog., confident, and the training regimes you can give it, and females will weigh 85! These Ridgebacks are descended from the rest of the pack bear the brunt and have clear expectations for dog. To Avoid ], do Cockatiels need a companion now, it cant be suitable for every family like companions... Without proper training few times training puts them in the opposite direction from the ridged Khoikhoi dog native to Africa. May be too rambunctious for a dog who can range freely with livestock. 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