Rhodesian Ridgeback
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Connect with certified breeders who have Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies available.
Find Rhodesian Ridgeback BreedersGet to Know Rhodesian Ridgebacks
- The Lion Dog: Rhodesian Ridgebacks earned the nickname “African Lion Hound” because they were used to track and corner lions—not to fight them, but to keep them at bay with skill, courage, and teamwork until hunters arrived.
- Distinctive Genetic Ridge: The hallmark ridge is caused by a specific dominant genetic mutation, making it one of the few dog breeds defined by a visible genetic trait. Puppies are checked for proper ridge formation at birth, as it’s integral to breed standards.
- Athletes with Dual Speed: Ridgebacks are built for both sprinting and endurance, combining the Greyhound’s speed with the stamina needed to traverse the African savanna. Their athleticism makes them exceptional running and hiking companions.
- Protective but Reserved: Naturally watchful and loyal, they are protective of their families without being aggressive. Their balanced temperament allows them to be excellent guardians who rarely bark unnecessarily.
- Minimal Odor & Maintenance: Despite their short, sleek coats, Ridgebacks are remarkably low-shedding and virtually odorless, an evolutionary advantage for stealth when hunting in the wild.
Breed History
The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in southern Africa, developed by European settlers in the late 19th century by crossing local ridged hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi people with imported breeds such as Greyhounds, Mastiffs, and Great Danes. The result was a courageous and athletic dog capable of tracking and holding big game, most famously, lions, until hunters arrived. Their distinctive ridge of hair running along the spine, growing in the opposite direction of the coat, became their trademark. Officially recognized in the 1920s in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), the breed transitioned from big-game hunter to beloved family companion, prized for its loyalty, intelligence, and striking appearance.
Personality and Behaviour
- Brave but Gentle: Though bred for courage, they’re known for their affectionate nature and calm presence at home.
- Independent Thinkers: Ridgebacks are intelligent but can be stubborn, requiring patient and consistent training.
- Deeply Loyal: They bond strongly with their families, often forming a special attachment to one person while remaining gentle and loving toward all.
Care
- Exercise: High energy levels demand daily runs, playtime, or structured activity. Without adequate exercise, they may become bored and restless.
- Training: Early obedience and socialization are crucial. They’re responsive to positive reinforcement but can resist harsh or repetitive methods.
- Grooming: Their short coat is easy to maintain with a weekly brush and occasional wipe-down to remove dust and dander. Nail trimming and ear checks complete their basic care.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
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Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation (min age 12 months) |
| Elbow Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation |
| ACVO Eye Exam | Annual Eye Examinations until 9 years (108 months) old . Results registered with OFA |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | OFA evaluation from an approved laboratory or report from board certified endocrinologist or pathologist - OFA Thyroid exams are recommended at age 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8. |
| Cardiac Evaluation | (Optional) Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam |
| Congenital Deafness | (Optional) OFA evaluation based on BAER test (min age 12 months) GDC evaluation based on BAER test (min age 12 months) |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Rhodesian Ridgeback Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Rhodesian Ridgeback
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Rhodesian Ridgeback, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Rhodesian Ridgeback is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
