Origin
Zimbabwe
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
29–41 kg
Height
— cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Light Wheaten · Red Wheaten
Rhodesian Ridgeback
About This Breed
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a South African breed distinctive for the ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat. Originally bred by the Khoikhoi people, they were later refined with European breeds to create dogs capable of hunting lions and guarding homesteads. They are athletic, powerful dogs. Their temperament combines the endurance of a sighthound with the tenacity of a scent hound. They are loyal and protective.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Origin
| Origin | Zimbabwe |
| Group | Hounds |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 29–41 kg |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years |
| Colors & Patterns | Light Wheaten · Red Wheaten |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Strong · Dignified · Loyal · Independent · Protective |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Introduce other pets gradually and watch how each animal responds.
Training and activities
Practice in short sessions and reward the behavior you want.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a gentle and intelligent dog that can make a terrific family pet for the right household. The dogs are named after the ridge of hair that grows down the center of their back—in the opposite direction from the rest of their coat, according to the breed standard. The Rhodesian Ridgeback size reaches 70–85 pounds and stand 24–27 inches high at the shoulder. They are muscular, powerful, and athletic. Also known as African Lion Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred as hunting dogs that could flush out and track large predators, including lions.
Care Guide
As hound dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great athletes with stamina and endurance. They require regular exercise—at least 45 minutes a day. Ridgebacks also need daily enrichment and mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored. They are known for their strong affection toward their human family, and when Ridgebacks are socialized and trained with positive reinforcement, they are good with children. But when it comes to unfamiliar people, the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s temperament can be much more aloof. Ridgebacks have short fur that comes in one color: wheaten. However, they can have varying shades of this color, from light brown to almost red. This breed has a strong, square head with a black or brown nose and floppy ears.