Rhodesian Ridgeback

Good to know

• The ridge: their trademark is a stripe of hair along the back that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat.
• Lion dogs: developed in southern Africa to hold big game at bay for hunters, they keep a very strong prey drive and should be off leash only in securely fenced areas.
• Strong-willed: independent and sometimes domineering, they need firm, patient, reward-based training from puppyhood and can be a lot of dog for a first-time owner.
• Low-fuss coat: the short coat sheds somewhat but needs little more than a weekly brush; many dislike nail clipping and accept a nail grinder better.
• Indoor companions: protective of their family and very affectionate with people they trust, they need to live indoors as part of the household.

Getting out with a Rhodesian Ridgeback

They need daily exercise beyond a stroll: longer trails, games of fetch and time to run at the park.

Explore more breeds in the Hound group