Hound group · Southern Africa
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Also called African Lion Dog, Ridgeback, African Lion Hound.
What makes them remarkable
The ridge along its back is hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat.
- Dignified
- Affectionate
- Strong-willed
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 32 to 39 kg70 to 85 lb
- Lives
- 10 to 12 years
- Energy
- High
- Trains
- Moderate
- Barks
- Low
Training
Training a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Hound breeds. Recall is the whole game. Build it on a long line before you trust it, and never punish a slow return.
Consistency Is Everything
Start here
Strong-willed and intelligent, Ridgebacks find every gap in your consistency. Same rules every day, rewarded every time.
Early Socialisation Essential
Natural guarding instincts mean early exposure to many people, dogs, and situations is vital to prevent over-protectiveness.
Mental Stimulation Needed
Bred to make independent decisions hunting lions. They need mental challenges and problem-solving to stay satisfied.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Rhodesian Ridgeback and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to hunt by scent or sight, often far from the handler. Independent, with a nose or eyes that override you.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsModerate
- StrangersLow
- CatsLow
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1-2 hours daily. Long runs, hiking, and athletic activities. They are endurance athletes.
- Grooming
- Low maintenance. Weekly brushing, occasional baths.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Short, Dense, SleekLight Wheaten, Red Wheaten
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Common in large breeds; screen breeding dogs
Dermoid Sinus
Severe
Breed-specific neural tube defect present at birth; requires surgical correction
Hypothyroidism
Mild
Can cause weight gain and coat issues; manageable with medication
Where they come from
History
Developed in Southern Africa by crossing European breeds with native Khoikhoi dogs. The distinctive ridge of backward-growing hair comes from their African ancestry. Used to track and bay lions.
- Rider · Patrick Swayze's beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback companion
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