Rhodesian Ridgeback
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are powerful African hounds bred to track lions and guard homesteads. These athletic, independent dogs are devoted but reserved with their families and naturally protective, requiring experienced owners who can provide extensive exercise, early socialization, and confident leadership to prevent them from becoming overly territorial or aggressive with strangers.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Hound
Life Expectancy
10-12 years
Height
24-27 in
Weight
70-85 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 5 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #43
Hound context: Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Rhodesian Ridgeback
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Rhodesian Ridgebacks are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Rhodesian Ridgebacks in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Rhodesian Ridgebacks, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 60 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
Moderate
Moderate
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Rhodesian Ridgebacks generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
Moderate
~8h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Very High
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Training & Behavior
High
High
Very High
Very High
Maintenance & Care
Low
Moderate
Low
Low
Environment & Adaptability
Low
High
Moderate
High
Moderate
Grooming & Coat
Low
Moderate
Low
Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Rhodesian Ridgeback lines were developed for scent/sight hunting. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Hound. Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Rhodesian Ridgebacks were developed in Southern Africa (Zimbabwe/Rhodesia) to hunt lions—yes, actual lions—as part of big-game hunting parties.
The breed's distinctive feature is a 'ridge' of hair running down their back that grows in the opposite direction from the rest of their coat.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks nearly went extinct after hunting traditions changed, and modern dogs descend from a handful of survivors found in Southern Africa.
The breed has an intense prey drive and can become unpredictably aggressive toward small animals and even children who trigger their hunting instinct.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are prone to hip dysplasia and dermoid sinus (a congenital skin condition), requiring health screening.
Famous Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs
Scent and sight trailblazers
Famous representatives are usually known for tracking, hunting heritage, or storytelling roles.
Classic pop-culture hounds
Many of this group's recognizable dogs come from cartoons, books, and family films.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Recommended Products
Joint Supplements
Larger and active breeds often benefit from joint support supplements starting early.
Shop Supplements →Is Rhodesian Ridgeback right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Rhodesian Ridgeback compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Rhodesian Ridgeback are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/rhodesian-ridgeback/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/rhodesian-ridgeback/