It must be high-quality dry dog food with all the right nutrients in place. Medium. Regular brushing can help remove the dead hair on its skin. This breed makes good as a service dog. Treats also help with getting them to become less guarded over their food. by You must be strong enough to control them. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known for being great with older children and other animals if socialized at an early age. The Rhodesian Ridgeback must be exposed early to other dogs if you wish to keep it in a home with multiple pets within. 20 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds You Mustnt Mess With, 10 Popular Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes (with Pictures), Why Do Dogs Bark In Their Sleep? In fact, they may not even need a lot of instructions. They may also cuddle to keep warm or to get closer to their owner if they perceive there to be a threat. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a great dog to own for many reasons. Rhodesian Ridgebacks, especially ones intended to be used as guard dogs, can benefit greatly from socialization. Originally bred to hunt lions, the Rhodesian Ridgeback makes an amazing watchdog and guard dog in one.With a super-strong prey drive, they thrive with experienced handlers who can dedicate time to their daily exercise needs. Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback good for first-time owners? If the only reason that you want a Ridgeback is because you think that its cool to own a dog who was once used to hunt lions, think twice about the decision that youre making. Have you ever heard of a dog that was bred to hunt the king of the jungle? Rhodesian Ridgebacks have short, glossy coats. When in an area that you Rhodesian Ridgeback can run around in, off-leash, attach a bell to their collar so that other animals know that they are in the area and have a chance of escaping if the dog gets them in the site. As a companion, this breed has prospective pet parents who love it. As with other stubborn breeds, training must begin with the puppy acknowledging that youre the leader. Ridgebacks have a well-earned reputation as being a handful, even for experienced owners. Each breed has its own strengths and weaknesses, on the basis of which each owner selects the ideal pet for himself. We created Pet Educate to ensure that any owner can get access to the information they need to take the best care of their pet. Even its intelligence may turn into a problem as it would need a lot of mental stimulation to prevent it from getting bored. They are devoted family dogs who pine for their family if left alone outdoors. This is a dog who wont think twice about fighting off a bear or cougar, and they arent afraid to take on human assailants either. What Can Make Rhodesian Ridgebacks Aggressive? Protein is the most needed nutrient, as well as minerals, vitamins, and a few others. Teach it how to Stop, Sit, Drop an object from its mouth, and even stop attacking someone on command. (2023), Are Bernedoodles Good Family Dogs? I always tell the to-be owners of these dogs to be mindful of the repercussions of neglecting the dogs. Subscribe for your weekly dose of animals! However, that isnt a usual occurrence. Ridgebacks have a muscular and athletic body, built for endurance. An essential requirement, besides training and socialization, is keeping up with their energy, and allowing them to have sufficient mental and physical stimulation. Be prepared to accept your Rhodesian Ridgeback for who he is and dont expect to be able to change many aspects of his personality. On the other hand, if you want a dog who will protect your home and property from any potential intruders, the Ridgeback is a great choice. This breed does not do well in apartment living or being kept alone all day and will act out in different ways, none of which are useful if held in these confined ways. They often have puppies or older dogs that came from good homes where their owners passed away or something unrelated to the dog occurred. Rhodesian ridgebacks may well be born with their ridge, but they're certainly not born with a name, so let's get stuck into our lists of the most popular Rhodesian ridgeback names. Do not expect your Rhodesian Ridgeback to show self-control when on leash if they see something they want to chase. Socialize it to curb the level of wariness it has. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is loyal, affectionate, and protective. About Puplore Contact Us Privacy Policy Disclosure. When you buy through links on PupHelp, we may earn an affiliate commission at no added cost to you. Their athleticism and activeness when combined with an enormous urge to protect their families make them take on the most ferocious animals you could see. not fully trained yet either. Ranchers and hunters often have to train Rhodesian Ridgebacks not to be gun shy, which animals to track, and to stay with a horse out on the trail. You are supposed to provide it ample space where it can exercise its guarding behavior or everything hound. Well answer that question by looking into different aspects of this breed, from its basic information to its needs. They were also bred for endurance and can have a lot of energy. They wont hesitate to put themselves between their owners and a perceived threat, protecting them at all costs. There was a time when Rhodesian Ridgebacks were hunting lions and other huge animals to keep them off the human settlement. You must be conscious of the diseases this breed can get even before shopping or adopting one. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is ready to defend its family with all it has. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are well known for being excellent family dogs. Therefore, if you are considering a Rhodesian Ridgeback, you better make space on your couch. Rough handling will not be accepted by the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The adorable Rhodesian Ridgeback features a high prey drive, and the breed is quite independent. It may be best to monitor your Ridgeback with other dogs in the household until it is clear that they have developed a strong social relationship with lots of positive social signals and play between them. This activity must be done with care as no dog would appreciate getting injured on the paws. March 31, 2021, 11:12 amupdated December 2, 2021, 9:04 am. Rhodesian Ridgeback is a good family companion, courageous hunter, and Friend. Exercise also helps maintain the weight level, as well as keeping it going. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a fair-sized dog, built for athleticism. Breed Characteristics. These canines have exceptional protective instincts that allow them to efficiently look after their home and family members. These dogs can be good with cats if brought up with them. Outfitted with a ridge of hair down their spine, they were bred to hunt and trap lions in Africa. They also get along well with children if raised properly. To curb the stubbornness and make it obey you, you need to start early. You simply cannot strip them of that. The average price range of a Rhodesian Ridgeback pup falls between $1,700 to $2,500 but may vary depending on many factors. Its not like the dogs dont have any animal needs. These dogs were bred in the steppes of South Africa to counter the constant threat of lions, boars, and bears. The Rhodesian Ridgeback sheds a little, which makes it not hypoallergenic. Similar to other dogs, positive reinforcements work better than punitive methods. However, they are territorial and can show aggression around other dogs or people if they feel the need to protect. Coat length. Furthermore, this breed isnt the best fit for first-time dog owners as its independent spirit and stubbornness can become infuriating to the inexperienced. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their dogs for hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid function and eye anomalies. Another thing to watch out for is Rhodesian Ridgebacks can have issues with food guarding. A few rare health conditions found in Rhodesian Ridgebacks include deafness, eye and skin problems, and hypothyroidism. 2022 TrendingBreeds. It remains loyal, brave, and ready to defend those it loves. An adult Rhodesian Ridgeback can be as tall as 27 inches, and it is pretty good with other life forms. Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good house dogs? There are many ways you can help your Rhodesian Ridgeback from becoming dangerous or having aggression issues. The younger they are when they start to receive obedience training and socialization around other dogs and people outside of the family, the less likely they are to become aggressive. The heart gets weakened. Ear cleaning also reduces the amount of wax in the ears. Overall, there are plenty of reasons why Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good guard dogs. These dogs experience a powerful prey drive which can overwhelm all other instincts and training, including their own sense of self-preservation. Rhodesian Ridgebacks should not be left outside in cold temperatures, and they should always have access to shelter in case of inclement weather. Petfinder recommends that you should always take reasonable security steps before making online payments. Like all animals, you can expect some health issues. They are hound dogs with a high prey drive that need regular exercise and do not do well living in small areas. You May Also Like:10 Popular Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes (with Pictures). They have many interesting qualities that make them a good family-orientated dog breed. This breed is very common in Africa and is much cheaper. At the same time, highly sensitive dogs do not fare well with reprimands or inconsistent training sessions. While in many breeds, males are more athletic and outgoing, it seems to be the exact opposite when it comes to the Rhodesian Ridgeback. But there is nothing that says that you can't get the socialization and training right just because it's your first time. What does a guard dog have to do with affection towards its family? Your furniture and other pets may have to bear the brunt. They are fiercely loyal, great with families, and easy to care for. They have a muscular build with a deep chest, long neck, and a lengthy tail. Their short-haired coat needs minimal grooming and they do not shed much. Do not hesitate to consult a vet if you have questions regarding your pets medical condition. Are Rhodesian ridgebacks aggressive? This instinct can carry over to their food, favorite toys, and treats. It wasnt until 1922, however, that the Rhodesian Ridgeback became a recognized dog breed from a stock of tribal dogs that had been crossbred with a European breed known for its hunting abilities. But that trigger gets developed over time as the dog forms an unbreakable bond with its owner. Not the family dog for everyone, the Rhodesian Ridgeback needs firm training from a confident and experienced owner. It is a family dog, good with children and tolerant of other pets but what more should a family know before taking it in? Rhodesian Ridgebacks generally have a low tendency to bite; although nipping and chewing are a trait of all dogs to some extent. Feeding the Rhodesian Ridgeback involves picking up the right products for its diet. It seems like a minor disease but is a fast killer. Weekly brushing and monthly bathing sessions can help decrease the shedding. If they are raised together, many Rhodesian Ridgebacks will do well with cats, but these dogs do have a strong prey drive, and some individuals may extend their prey instinct to household cats. Finally, give it good dental care to prevent tooth problems and an excess of tartar. When it becomes an adult, it mellows down to a self-assured guardian. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a strong desire to protect their family from danger. Rhodesian Ridgebacks Are Energetic and Athletic. Although many characteristics have changed as the breed has evolved, the characteristic ridge has remained. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is no exception, so if you are thinking about purchasing such a dog for yourself, then first read the information below. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has many wonderful and individual traits. The breed is the result of crosses among the native ridged Khoikhoi dog and dogs brought to Africa by. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a hound, which means he can be more laid-back than many Herding or Sporting breeds. Like most hunting dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a mind of their own and need to be taught discipline effectively. The whip-like tail can be especially difficult to control around children since it tends to be just the right height to hit kids in the face. Here are some points to keep in mind when considering a Rhodesian Ridgeback for your family. With the proper training and socialization, along with a good owner or handler, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be great family dogs, without any aggression issues. Again, they will associate you and others around their food bowl with positive things. These dogs can never be trusted off-leash and they need strong fences to contain them. Ridgebacks were hunting lions and other huge animals to keep in mind when a... 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do rhodesian ridgebacks make good service dogs