Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Size: 25-27 -inches (male); 24-26 inches (female);
Coat: Short, dense and glossy
Temperament: Sensitive, intelligent, loyal, protective and strong-willed
Exercise needs: One to two hours
Origin/native country: Southern Africa
A breed of African lion hound originating from South Africa and Zimbabwe in the 1600s, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a cross between the European breeds of Dutch colonizers and the ridge-backed native hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi people.
As you can probably gather, this is how they got their name (Rhodesia was the colonial name for the independent country now known as Zimbabwe) and they’ve since become popular pets and guard dogs. They’re distinguished by a ridge of hair running along the back some two inches wide.
But are Rhodesian Ridgebacks the breed for you? Large and a little intimidating, they may not always seem ideal additions to the home but they actually have many surprising qualities. So let’s take a closer look at this hound breed and whether you’ll be a good match.
Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks need a lot of exercise?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a very high-energy dog breed and they need to be kept significantly active every day otherwise they will become bored and destructive.
“These dogs were originally bred as hunting dogs in Southern Africa, so they are active and built for strength and endurance,” says expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. “They will need between one and two hours of play and exercise each day.”
This generally includes taking them for long walks and runs rather than a gentle stroll. As such, they fare better with active owners who have a lot of time on their hands. They are also best suited to homes that have a large, securely fenced yard or at least a sizable, safe patch of land on which they’re allowed to run free and satiate their desire for both mental and physical stimulation.
Since Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a great sense of smell, you should play scent games with them, which can be as simple as hiding treats around the house or yard.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks easy to train?
Since they are very intelligent dogs, you will find Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not only relatively easy to train but are actually among the big dog breeds that make sensible pets. That said, you do need to have some experience of owning a dog because there are some challenges.
“Ridgebacks are smart, but they are also independent, meaning that training can be tricky for novice owners,” says Dr MacMillan. “They can come across as stubborn and strong-willed, so consistent positive reinforcement training is essential.”
Training is certainly important. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have natural guardian instincts which mean they need to learn how to engage appropriately with strangers. They also have strong prey drives so it’s best to train them in areas free of distractions and then work on taming that urge to chase.
Crate training should be considered as a way of dealing with separation anxiety because Rhodesian Ridgebacks don’t like being left alone all day.
Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good family pets?
As gregarious and gentle dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are protective of their families, which is why they are among the best guard dog breeds. But this can cause a problem.
“They can be a bit wary or reserved when first meeting strangers which is why appropriate training and early socialization is so important,” says Dr MacMillan.
Even so, they tend to be calm within the home.
“Their large size can make them seem intimidating, but these dogs will make gentle and loyal pets with the right care,” Dr MacMillan adds. You may, however, want to avoid introducing them into a home with very young children simply because this breed’s size could potentially cause injuries should they collide.
“They can be good with children, but they are very strong and large, so supervision is always required,” Dr MacMillan says.
Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks need a lot of grooming?
You will find Rhodesian Ridgebacks are rather low maintenance dogs.
“They have short and easy-to-care-for coats and they are considered low shedders, so they shed less than some other breeds of dog,” Dr MacMillan says. In general, you’ll only need to give them a once over each week with one of the best dog brushes and that will remove any loose hairs.
Keep the nails in trim, preferably using one of the best nail grinders for pets because it can be a stressful experience for Ridgebacks and give them the occasional bath.
What are Rhodesian Ridgebacks’ most common health problems?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are pedigree dogs so they are at risk from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.
“These are hereditary joint problems that can affect the development of your dog’s limbs. If the joint doesn’t fit together smoothly then painful lameness can occur and early onset osteoarthritis,” says Dr MacMillan.
Dermoid sinuses can also be present at birth in some Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
“This neural tube defect is caused by incomplete separation of the skin and nervous system during development in the womb,” Dr MacMillan explains. “This often painful condition is commonly found on the neck or upper spine. It is a congenital condition, meaning that affected parents can pass the problem on to their offspring. Dermoid sinuses are thought to be linked to the same genes that give these dogs the characteristic ridge on their backs.”
Finally, hypothyroidism is also very common in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
“This is a condition that can lead to weight gain, lethargy, hair thinning, and infertility,” Dr MacMillan says.
Should I get a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are wonderful, loyal dogs who adapt well to human family life. They infrequently bark, love to play and, if you’re an active household, you’re going to rub along extremely well – while ensuring this breed remains sufficiently stimulated and less prone to boredom and destruction.
If you’re time-poor, however, and you tend to spend the majority of your days outside of the home, away from pets, then you will run into problems. It’s also important to devote a lot of time to training.
Want to learn more about African dog breeds? Here’s everything you need to know about the Boerboel
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated on February 27, 2025.
