Hound group
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The African lion hound — dignified, strong-willed and devoted to its family.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are athletic hounds famous for the ridge of hair along their spine. They are loyal, protective and calm at home, but independent, strong and in need of confident, consistent training.
- Height
- 24–27 in61–69 cm
- Weight
- 70–85 lb32–39 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Size
- Large
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- Southern Africa (Zimbabwe)
Coat: Short, dense, sleek coat with a ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction along the spine. Colours: Light wheaten to red wheaten.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Ridgebacks are dignified, loyal and affectionate with their families. They are often aloof with strangers and make excellent watchdogs.
They are strong-willed and intelligent, and can be stubborn. Their prey drive is high, and adolescents are boisterous. Early socialisation and firm, fair training are essential.
Living with a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Exercise
Needs 60–90 minutes of exercise daily; excellent running and hiking companions.
Grooming
Minimal: a weekly brush and regular nail care. Light shedding. Check the ridge area and skin for any lumps or changes.
Training
Independent and sensitive; consistent, reward-based training works best.
Kids & other pets
Loyal with their own children; can be selective with other dogs and unsafe with small pets.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but may counter-surf or chew when bored.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Rhodesian Ridgeback matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Rhodesian Ridgeback typically lives 10–12 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Dermoid sinus
A congenital tube-like defect along the spine; puppies should be checked at birth.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Degenerative myelopathy
A progressive spinal disease; the SOD1 DNA test identifies at-risk dogs.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
An inherited seizure disorder with a DNA test.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Thyroid evaluation
- DNA tests: degenerative myelopathy and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Rhodesian Ridgeback; Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
European settlers in southern Africa crossed their dogs with the ridged dogs of the Khoikhoi people. The resulting hounds could track and hold lions at bay for hunters, guard farms and cope with the harsh climate.
The breed standard was drafted in Bulawayo, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), in 1922. The AKC recognised the Rhodesian Ridgeback in 1955.
Did you know?
- Ridgebacks did not kill lions; they held them at bay until hunters arrived.
- The ridge is caused by a gene that is also linked to dermoid sinus.
- Ridgebacks were famously used by Cornelius van Rooyen to hunt lions in the late 1800s.
Library guides for Rhodesian Ridgeback owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Training
Heel and Loose-Leash Walking
A strong Rhodesian Ridgeback needs loose-lead manners early.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs?
- Yes, for experienced, active families. They are loyal but strong-willed.
- Do Ridgebacks shed?
- Lightly. Their short coat is easy to maintain.
- Are Ridgebacks aggressive?
- They are protective and aloof, not aggressive by nature; socialisation matters.