- Also called:
- African lion hound
- Related Topics:
- hound
- On the Web:
- World Animal Rescue Network - Rhodesian Ridgeback (Oct. 25, 2026)
Rhodesian Ridgeback
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What is a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a South African hound dog distinguished by a narrow band of hair that grows forward along its back, against the direction of the rest of its coat. This dog breed is typically strong, active, and has great endurance. The Ridgeback is a trim, short-haired dog with hanging ears and a glossy yellowish-brown to reddish-brown coat.
True to its heritage, the Rhodesian Ridgeback enjoys hunting and is known for its power, independence, and courage. They require a good workout every day and enjoy activities such as jogging, hiking, swimming, and dog sports.
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Where did the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed come from?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed originated in southern Africa and is characterized by a distinctive ridge of hair growing forward along its back. This unique trait comes from a half-wild native hunting dog. These native dogs bred with various European breeds, resulting in the dog we know today as the Rhodesian Ridgeback. They are known to be strong, active, and have great endurance, making them versatile hunters, guards, and companions.
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Why is the breed called 'Ridgeback'?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback gets its name from the distinct ridge of hair that grows along its back in the opposite direction of the rest of its coat. This characteristic ridge is a defining feature of the breed, inherited from its ancestors, which included a half-wild hunting dog native to southern Africa. The name highlights this unique physical trait.
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What are some physical traits of the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a South African hound dog distinguished by a narrow band of hair that grows forward along its back, against the direction of the rest of its coat. This dog is typically strong, active, and has great endurance. The Ridgeback is a trim, short-haired dog with hanging ears and a glossy yellowish-brown to reddish-brown coat.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback should be kept in a fenced area because of its tendency to chase small animals it sees as prey. Coat care consists of weekly brushing and occasional bathing.
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What were Rhodesian Ridgebacks originally used for?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a South African hound dog distinguished by a ridge of hair growing forward along its back. Bred from native hunting dogs and various European breeds, they are strong, active, and have great endurance.
Originally, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were versatile dogs used for hunting, particularly lions, and as guards and companions. True to their heritage, they enjoy hunting and are known for their power, independence, and courage. While devoted to their families, some can be aggressive with unfamiliar dogs and aloof toward strangers. Though stubborn during training, they are capable of high levels of obedience and serve as excellent watchdogs and protectors.
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What kind of personality and care does a Rhodesian Ridgeback need?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known for its power, independence, and courage and is moderate in energy and playfulness. Ridgebacks are devoted to their families and generally get along with other pets. However, some can be aggressive with unfamiliar dogs and aloof toward strangers.
Ridgebacks require a good daily workout, such as a long jog or strenuous play. They should be kept in a fenced area because they tend to chase small animals. Weekly brushing and occasional bathing will keep their coat healthy. Some Ridgebacks are prone to dermoid sinus, which may require surgery, and puppies should eat large-breed puppy food to lessen the chance of hip dysplasia.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback, South African hound dog breed characterized by a narrow band of hair that grows forward along its back, against the direction of the rest of the coat. This ridge is inherited from a half-wild native hunting dog that, by breeding with various European dogs, formed the stock that gave rise to the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Typically strong, active, and of great endurance, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a trim shorthaired dog with hanging ears and a glossy yellowish brown to reddish brown coat. A versatile dog, it has distinguished itself as a hunter (especially of lions), as a guard, and as a companion.
- Also called: Ridgeback, African lion hound
- Area of origin:Southern Africa
- Breed group: Hound
- Height at withers:24–27 inches (61–69 cm)
- Weight: 70–85 pounds (32–39 kg)
- Life span: 10-12 years
- Did you know?: Australian movie star Errol Flynn was among the first people to breed Ridgebacks in the United States, though the bloodline he developed is now extinct. In 2014 a Ridgeback puppy named Raina was introduced as a companion to an abandoned cheetah cub named Ruuxa at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The two formed a special bond, and Raina helped Ruuxa recover after surgery. They are the subject of the children’s book Ruuxa & Raina: A Cheetah and Dog’s True Story of Friendship and Miracles (2018).
Care and upkeep
The Rhodesian Ridgeback requires a good workout every day, either in the form of a long jog or walk or a strenuous play session. The dog should be kept in a fenced area because of its propensity for chasing small animals it sees as prey. Ridgebacks enjoy numerous activities, including jogging, hiking, swimming, and tugging. They especially excel in such dog sports as lure coursing, obedience, agility, and nose work.
Coat care consists of weekly brushing and occasional bathing.
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Some Ridgebacks suffer from dermoid sinus, a congenital condition involving malformation of the neural tube. The disorder can cause infections and spinal issues, and surgery may be required. As with all large breeds, puppies should be fed a large-breed puppy food that slows the rate of growth, which has been shown to lessen the likelihood of hip dysplasia.
Temperament
True to its heritage, the Rhodesian Ridgeback enjoys hunting and is known for its power, independence, and courage. The breed is moderate in both energy level and playfulness. Ridgebacks are devoted to their family and generally get along well with other pets and household dogs. However, some can be aggressive with unfamiliar dogs, and many are aloof toward strangers. Though they can be stubborn during training, Ridgebacks are capable of high levels of obedience. They are excellent watchdogs and effective protection dogs. The breed makes an ideal companion and protector for people of all ages, but it is quite strong and may overpower children and seniors.
These are well established and widely accepted generalizations about the breed. Individual dogs may differ in behavior and temperament.