Large breed
Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies
The Rhodesian Ride back can also be called The African Lion Hound or African Lion Dog is a dog breed that is bred in Southern Africa. They possess the extraordinary ability to keep a lion at Bay in anticipation of their master’s return. Discover more about our Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies for sale below!
We do not have Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well.
- Exercise 60 min a day
About the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback, often affectionately known as the “African Lion Hound,” has a rich history rooted in Africa where they were bred for hunting large game, including lions. Their unique ridge of hair along the spine and powerful physique serve as a testament to their noble heritage. As a prospective owner, you will find these dogs to be not only striking in appearance but also loving companions with a strong bond to their families. Their affectionate nature makes them a wonderful fit for homes with young children, as they tend to be patient and playful.
Read more about the Rhodesian Ridgeback Show less
With a moderate energy level, Rhodesian Ridgebacks require regular exercise, which can come in the form of daily walks, playtime, or even runs in a secure yard. While they are not the most ideal choice for apartment living due to their size and exercise needs, they thrive in active households where they can be part of family activities. Grooming is straightforward, requiring just weekly brushing to manage shedding, which is considered moderate. You will appreciate their low-maintenance grooming routine that allows you to spend more quality time with your new furry friend.
When it comes to training, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with consistent guidance and positive reinforcement. They do have a moderate tendency to bark, which can be managed with proper training. With some socialization early on, they typically get along well with other dogs, although their instincts might steer them toward being more reserved around cats. As you consider welcoming a Rhodesian Ridgeback into your home, know that you are opening your heart to an affectionate, loyal companion that will thrive in an environment full of love and activity. If you are in the area, visit Petland Merrillville, IN to meet these wonderful dogs and see if one might be the perfect fit for your family.
Rhodesian Ridgeback breed profile
Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.
Temperament
-
Affection Very affectionate
-
Playfulness Playful
-
With strangers Warms up
-
Territorial Territorial
-
Prey drive High
Family & other pets
-
Young children Good
-
Older children Excellent
-
Other dogs Usually fine
-
Cats Needs care
Energy & exercise
-
Energy High
-
Mental stimulation High
Training
-
Trainability Quick to learn
-
Intelligence Very bright
-
Stubbornness A stubborn streak
Care & upkeep
-
Shedding Moderate
-
Drooling Minimal
-
Barking Moderate
Home life
-
Apartment living Prefers a house
-
Time alone A few hours
-
Cold weather Average
-
Warm weather Comfortable
A good match for
-
First-time owners Some experience helps
-
Senior owners Suitable
-
Running partner Good
-
Hiking Good
-
Therapy work Possible
-
Guarding Strong guardian
Living with a Rhodesian Ridgeback
History
Their lineage can be traced back to the 17th century to the Khoikhoi people who inhabited the Cape Peninsula during the period of Dutch trade with the Khoikhoi people. The dog the Dutch used to defend swathes of farmland has a typical muscular build and ugly appearance, and it is famed for its notoriety of defending its stead against encroaching lions in anticipation of their master’s arrival.
Through genetic research, the Ridgeback and Great Danes imported by the Europeans fall within the same Genetic group. These breeds were bred with the native dogs of the Khoikhoi people and native African dogs to create a breed called the Boer Hound (Dutch: Boerhund). They later developed through selective breeding to become the pioneers of the present-day Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Temperament
A defining characteristic of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is intelligence and loyalty. Sometimes, they might react questionably to strangers but that shouldn’t be misconstrued as aggression. A Rhodesian Ridgeback will not attack a stranger if it has a good temperament.
Inexperienced dog owners are required to reevaluate their options regarding Ridgebacks to prevent altercations. It is pertinent that constant supervision, training, and socialization is adopted to promote the positive development of the Ridgeback.
Environment
Although the primary role of The Rhodesian Ridgeback is to hunt and chase, they are well accustomed to a family setting. A sizeable fenced yard area should be provided for them to perform physical activities. Climatic conditions, such as Rain and Sunshine have little effect on them, so you have little or nothing to worry about this dogged breed.
Exercise
This dog breed is bursting with energy so it requires a daily exercise regimen. You can incorporate exercises such as hunting expeditions, extensive play, and challenges that will prevent those energy bombs from going off. These exercises effectively keep them from destroying your prized possessions.
Grooming
Avoid the use of pesticides in instant-relief solutions for Ticks and Fleas, the breed is highly sensitive to these solutions. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a short hair coat, so caring for them is relatively easy. With the aid of a brush damp coat or brush, owners will be able to extract dead hair peacefully.
Our Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country.
The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell.
Caring for a Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Grooming
- Weekly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Low
- Monthly food
- Average
- Outdoor space
- A yard is recommended
- Allergy friendly
- Not considered hypoallergenic
Rhodesian Ridgeback Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback good family dogs?
Yes! They are. They are amazing loyal companions and friendly with Children. When raised alongside cats they relate well with them. Although they’re friendly with children, both dogs and children must learn how to tolerate and coexist with each other.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks dangerous?
There’s a level of notable animal aggression, this is due in part to the natural hunter-prey instinct it possesses. Ridgebacks can also display aggressive dominance to other dogs of similar sexual attributes.
What are Rhodesian Ridgebacks used for?
South African Boer farmers needed a versatile breed, temperature tolerant, could traverse the rugged terrain of the southern African Bushland, guard property and withstand drought conditions. These challenges led to the breeding of the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Do Ridgeback bark?
The Ridgeback possesses a lot of characteristic features, but barking isn’t their guilty pleasure. So, they don’t bark a lot.
Are the Rhodesian Ridgeback good fighters?
Yes, they are! As long as they are properly trained, they will remain loyal to you and protect you against incursions.
Can Rhodesian Ridgeback be left alone?
Ridgebacks are like a compassionate lover, they require love and attention, and are willing to follow you to almost everywhere you go unless they’re instructed otherwise.
Do Ridgebacks shed a lot?
Depending on its environment, Ridgeback sheds little hair. If it’s kept in your home, they shed a little and if they are kept outside, they shed seasonally. Due to their short coats, their odor is minimal and live a clean life.
Why is my Ridgeback shedding too much?
If your Ridgeback is shedding a lot of hair frequently, it’s a sign of poor health and time to visit the vet. Also, you should take a look at the grooming routine and tweak it correspondingly.
When Should I spay/neuter my Rhodesian Ridgeback?
The right time to spay/neuter a ridgeback is when it has attained full sexual maturity.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks healthy?
The most common disease of Ridgebacks are cataracts, this is a serious eye condition in Ridgebacks. 21% of Ridgebacks suffer from thyroid disease. Other diseases of the joints like hip and elbow dysplasia are not too common with Ridgebacks.
Ridgebacks are excellent hunting dogs that have been bred to be loyal, loving and friendly with the family. They require constant exercise to compensate for the energy bursts they possess. Ridgebacks tend to be clingy most times unless they’re instructed otherwise. In the outdoors, Ridgebacks will loyally guard against intruders, hunt prey and guard against Lion encroachment. A downside is the eye disease they suffer from, however, through proper treatment and care, they’ll be able to live a normal life.
