Rhodesian Ridgeback
Hound Group
Height at Shoulders
Females 24-26 in, Males 25-27 in
Weight
Females ~70 lbs, Males ~85 lbs
Life Expectancy
10-12 yrs
History
The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in southern Africa during the 19th century. Their ancestors were mixes of local ridged Khoikhoi dogs and Greyhounds and terriers brought by Dutch colonists. The Rhodesian Ridgeback came into existence when Rhodesian hunter Cornelius van Rooyen bred their ancestors into his pack of lion-hunting dogs. The offspring were able to chase down and hold lions until the hunter arrived with the rifle, guard the homestead, and serve as gentle companion animals.
Breed Characteristics
While not all Rhodesian Ridgebacks share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.
Intelligence
Affection Towards Family
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
Exercise Needs
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★★★
Energy Level
Sensitivity
Noise Level
Prey Drive
Shedding
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
★★★★☆
Intelligence
★★★★★
Affection Towards Family
★★★★☆
Friendliness Towards Strangers
★★★☆☆
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
★★☆☆☆
Exercise Needs
★★★★★
Energy Level
★★★★☆
Sensitivity
★★★★☆
Noise Level
★☆☆☆☆
Prey Drive
★★★★★
Shedding
★★★★☆
Common Traits
Gentle, tolerant, and affectionate
Escape artists that are known to wander and even blaze through underground electric fences
Protective of family and make good guard dogs
May become destructive if not given enough mental stimulation or exercise
Confident, outgoing, and often stubborn
Known to compete for dominance with other dogs, especially of the sam sex
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