Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a muscular South African hound, distinguished by a ridge of hair running backward along its spine. It was developed to track and hold lions at bay, and today it is a loyal, dignified family companion and athlete.

Origins and appearance

Settlers in southern Africa crossed European hounds and guard dogs with the local ridged dogs of the Khoikhoi. Ridgebacks are large and athletic, with a broad head, a deep chest, a short, sleek wheaten coat and a distinctive ridge of reversed hair, which has two crowns.

Temperament

They are loyal, intelligent and dignified. They bond closely with family and are reserved with strangers. They are protective. They can be strong-willed and sensitive. They chase moving animals. They are generally good with children in their family. They need company.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, with running, hiking and play. They enjoy jogging and lure coursing. Mental work matters. A secure fence is essential.

Training

They are intelligent but independent. Use firm, fair, positive methods and early socialization. Teach a reliable recall, a calm leash walk and impulse control. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The short coat needs weekly brushing. See short coat dog grooming guide. Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Dermoid sinus, a skin defect seen in the breed
• Hip and elbow dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Hypothyroidism. See hypothyroidism in dogs
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Cancer

Living with a Rhodesian Ridgeback

They suit active families with space and a secure yard. They need company and structure.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are large, bouncy and strong. Begin socialization, handling and training. Avoid hard exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for a large dog, training and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate warmth well, but dislike cold and wet. Provide a coat. They travel well.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include poor socialization, underexercising, weak fences and inconsistent training.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip and elbow scores, thyroid tests and dermoid sinus history. Meet the parents.

A ridge with a story

The ridge is formed by hair growing forward instead of backward. It can be narrow or wide, and the two whorls at the top are called crowns. Ridgebacks without ridges occur, but are not shown.

Lion hound or family dog

The nickname lion hound refers to the breed's role in holding lions at bay, not killing them. At home, expect a dignified dog that is playful with family and wary of intruders.

A day in the life

A balanced day includes a morning run or hike, a rest, a training session and an evening walk. Family time and structure make Ridgebacks content.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Ridgeback suits active, confident owners who want a loyal, athletic hound and will train. It may not suit sedentary homes or beginners. For a related African hound, see the Basenji.

Choosing a Ridgeback puppy

Because the breed has become popular, quality varies. Look for breeders who check hips, elbows and thyroid function, who are open about dermoid sinus checks in newborn puppies and who raise litters indoors with early socialization. Ask what temperament the parents show with strangers, since a well-bred Ridgeback should be confident and discerning, not fearful or aggressive.

Training the independent hound

Ridgebacks respond to fairness. Use rewards, calm handling and clear rules, and avoid harsh corrections that can provoke stubbornness. Early classes help puppies learn manners around other dogs and people. Keep sessions engaging, and teach life skills such as waiting at doors and walking on a loose leash before adolescence.

The takeaway

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are strong, loyal and dignified, and they need exercise, socialization and firm, kind training.