Rhodesian Ridgeback: Care Tips & Common Conditions

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are athletic, loyal, and intelligent dogs that make great family companions. If you’re unsure whether this breed is for you, we’ve created this Rhodesian Ridgeback breed guide to provide you with a full rundown on breed characteristics, health concerns, and expected costs of adoption and ownership.

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What is a Rhodesian Ridgeback? Overview and Breed History

The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed dates to the 16th century, developed as a cross between European dogs (Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Greyhounds) and the semi-domesticated dog of the Khoikhoi people in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in southern Africa.

Originally, they were bred to be versatile hunters, as well as home guardians and companions. Rhodesian Ridgebacks needed to be tough and hardy, able to withstand the harsh terrain and temperature of southern Africa. They were used to hunt big game, such as lions and wild boar.

The defining feature of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is in the name: a ridge that extends along the back from the shoulders to the haunches. The ridge is tapered and symmetrical, containing two identical whorls positioned opposite each other.

Regarding Rhodesian Ridgeback size, males are approximately 25 to 27 inches tall and weigh 85 pounds, while females are 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh approximately 70 pounds. They are slightly longer than they are tall.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks have an athletic build that is well-suited to their original function as hunters in rough terrain. Their coat is smooth and short with a wheaten color that ranges from light to red.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament and Ideal Home Fit

There’s a reason why Rhodesian Ridgebacks were used as home guardians and family companions. Aspects of their temperament include being loyal, intelligent, and protective. This breed tends to be wary of strangers but is extremely affectionate with the family and very good with children.

Because of their size and high activity levels, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are best-suited for homes with a large, fenced-in yard. They love to run and play and would thrive in an active household.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks also do best with experienced dog owners. They can be good with other pets, provided they are raised together in the same home.

This breed requires plenty of mental stimulation; otherwise, they can become destructive due to boredom. Get ready to have lots of toys and plenty of time for play and other physical activity to stave off boredom.

Fortunately, Rhodesian Ridgebacks don’t bark a lot. They mainly bark to alert the family to strangers.

Grooming, Training, and Daily Care Tips

Rhodesian Ridgebacks’ short and smooth coat requires only minimal grooming, with a bath once or twice a month and weekly brushing. Also, this breed doesn’t shed much, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time sweeping up fur around your home.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are relatively easy to train, but they can be strong-willed and have a stubborn and independent streak, which may make training challenging. Firm and consistent training, with continual positive reinforcement, goes a long way in helping Rhodesian Ridgebacks be obedient and well socialized.

This breed needs about 2.75 to 4.5 cups of high-quality food each day, divided into two meals. Ideally, they should eat a diet formulated for large-breed dogs; these foods often contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints, given that large-breed dogs are prone to joint problems like arthritis.

Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies should eat a puppy food that supports healthy growth and development. Puppy diets are formulated to have the right amount and proportion of ingredients to promote a steady rate of growth to avoid orthopedic issues.

This breed requires a lot of mental stimulation to stay mentally engaged and avoid boredom-related destruction. Food puzzle toys and games like hide-and-seek are great options for mental enrichment.

They require at least 30 minutes of brisk exercise each day, but 60 minutes is ideal. Hiking is a great way to keep this breed active and mentally stimulated. If you’re a runner, your Rhodesian Ridgeback will love to accompany you on runs.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems & Insurance Costs

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are prone to several health concerns, listed below.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that occurs when the top of the thigh bone doesn’t fit properly into the socket of the hip bone, causing pain and lameness in the affected leg. Elbow dysplasia is also genetic, occurring when the bones that make up the dog’s elbow don’t grow at equal rates, causing looseness and pain in the elbow joint.

Dermoid Sinus

Dermoid sinus is a genetic condition in which a tube-shaped cyst (fluid-filled sac) develops near the spine and can penetrate the skin as well as muscle tissue. Infection is possible. Surgical treatment is an option, but Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies with this condition may be euthanized.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is defined as underactive thyroid glands. Symptoms in dogs include weight gain, lethargy, and dull hair with excessive shedding. It is treated with lifelong thyroid replacement hormone.

Bloat

Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus, is especially common in large, deep-chested dogs like Rhodesian Ridgebacks. It can occur when dogs rapidly ingest their meals or exercise soon after eating, causing the stomach to expand and twist on itself. Bloat can have life-threatening consequences, so it requires immediate and aggressive veterinary treatment.

Insurance Costs

Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a life expectancy of about 10 to 12 years. If you’re wondering whether Rhodesian Ridgebacks need pet insurance, the answer is yes. Pet insurance may help to cover the costs of a wide range of illnesses and accidents, depending on the type of insurance.

Most pet insurance will cover large-breed orthopedic risks, such as arthritis. However, insurance plans may not cover genetic conditions like hip dysplasia. Review the insurance policy closely to determine which conditions are covered and which ones are not.

Yearly pet insurance premiums for Rhodesian Ridgebacks are approximately $504 to $924, but this varies according to factors like age, health status, and geographic location.

Should You Adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

At this point in the breed guide, you may be asking yourself, “Should I adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback?” Well, it depends. Not every breed is right for every pet parent, so it’s important to consider the pros and cons of any breed you’re thinking about adopting.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks have many positive qualities. They are loyal, have minimal grooming needs, and make great running partners. They are also protective, affectionate, and don’t bark much.

However, they are also strong-willed and have a strong prey drive. They can also be aloof and become destructive if bored.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Adoption Tips and What to Expect

Purchasing a Rhodesian Ridgeback is an option, but we recommend adopting this breed from a rescue organization or animal shelter. The top Rhodesian Ridgeback rescues in the United States include the Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue, Inc., and Ridgeback Rescue US.

Individual states, such as Colorado, Texas, and Virginia, also have Rhodesian Ridgeback rescue organizations.

If you have decided that a Rhodesian Ridgeback is the right breed for you and you are ready to adopt, there are a few questions you should ask the adoption organization:

Adopting a Rhodesian Ridgeback from a rescue organization is significantly less expensive than purchasing one from a breeder. Adoption generally ranges from $100 to $500, while purchasing from a breeder can cost anywhere from $1700 to $2500.

Looking for “Rhodesian Ridgeback adoption near me”? Browse our vast network of shelters and rescues to find the perfect pet today.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Cost Breakdown: What It Takes to Raise One

The adoption/purchase fee is just the first step in a long list of other expenses. After paying several hundred dollars to adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback, or several thousand dollars to purchase one, you’ll need to consider your first-year costs and ongoing expenses.

First-year expenses for a Rhodesian Ridgeback range widely, from about $800 to $2000. Examples of these expenses are listed below:

Ongoing needs include food, veterinary visits, and pet insurance, which can add up to several hundred dollars a month.

You may have other expenses that pop up, including fencing for your yard and orthopedic beds. Boarding or pet sitting will be expenses whenever you travel.

Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback Right for You?

In summary, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dogs who need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If the answer to the question “Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback right for me?” is yes, we encourage you to consider adopting through a rescue organization, if possible.

With the right structure and space, Rhodesian Ridgebacks make devoted companions.