Has any one been un-happy with their decision to own that breed?
2006-08-16 15:08:34 · 8 answers · asked by joeandhisguitar 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Ridgebacks are by no means 'huge' animals. They're certainly not small dogs and are large, but not huge... They are powerful and agile and intelligent. They are also sighthounds which means two things. First, they need a lot of exercise to stay in good condition... Second, you shouldn't own one without either a fenced in yard or more than 50 acres of property. Being sighthounds, if their chase instinct is still intact (and it will be unless you get a puppy mill dog from a pet store or an overactive breeder) you will not be able to stop them when they see anything that could be prey... chipmunks, rabbits, cats, etc...
They were bred for two things in Africa: hunting small game and baying lions/protection. Despite popular belief, a ridgeback can NOT kill a lion, nor were they ever intended to. Their purpose in this aspect was to keep lions away from the villages and in some cases to corner the animal until a human could get there to kill it. They also did this in LARGE packs, not a single dog against a lion... they used their number and agility for this not their power and stamina.
Ridgebacks can make great pets especially if you're looking for a jogging partner... some tend to get defensive as their instincts are hard wired to protect their family... they do respond better than a lot of sighthounds but please do not just let one run around in your suburban back yard; it may take 5 years but it will end up dead if you do this.
PLEASE PLEASE read up about the breed before you buy one... also consider rescuing one... luckily there isn't as many of them in rescue as other breeds but there are some who need homes. This is a link to breed info and rescue, please read it before you take home a new ridgeback puppy.
http://rrcus.org/assets/html/breedinfo/For_you.htm
http://www.ridgebackrescue.org/what_is_an_rr.html
2006-08-16 16:01:50 · answer #1 · answered by tripforyou 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are AWESOME dogs, but be CAREFULL who you purchase the dog from. This is a "loyal" breed that should be VERY well socialized to prevent them from becomming OVER PROTECTIVE. Purchase ANY dog from a breeder who ONLY breeds ONE breed of dog. Be SURE that you ARE ALLOWED to see I even interact with AT LEAST ONE of the puppies parents. Be SURE you are willing to devote the time required to make your Ridgeback the loving & happy dogs they can be. Backyard breeders with Ridgebacks are NOT A GOOD IDEA!!! because these dogs can as I said become OVER PROTECTIVE!!!!!
Find a knowledgeable breeder who is more than willing to answer any questions you may have about the breed & their temperments. A REPUTABLE breeder will gladly talk your ear off with the pride they have in their breed.
2006-08-16 16:12:26 · answer #2 · answered by More Lies & More Smoke Screens 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I evaluate the Rhodesian Ridgeback and perfect puppy for those that like a touch larger canines. they are oftentimes very retaining of their relations, hence, want to be properly educated and the owner have administration over them. Ours became playful with our 3 12 months old son and yet very careful with him. She also secure him. they are sight hounds and can want to be particularly quick and they are good. it truly is believed that they were made out of crossing Gt. Danes with close by ridgebacked canines in Africa. They do shed even in spite of the reality that they are short lined yet brushing with a curry brush like used on a horse eliminates the lifeless and laying off hair ok.
2016-11-04 23:37:18 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My family doesn't actually have a Rhodesian ridgeback, but my friend, whom we see often, does. Poms, the dog, is just about the sweetest dog I have ever known! He is a big ol' lug, but still tries to sit on your lap if you're close enough to the floor. The only bad thing is that they shed almost as much as our dog, Daisy who is a laborador.
2006-08-16 15:16:05 · answer #4 · answered by WinkleDoodle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are a wonderful dog, but they can jump over a 4 foot wall with ease, and they need lots of room to run.
2006-08-16 15:15:18 · answer #5 · answered by Lindy357 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friends parents have one. They love it, and I love going over there to play with it. The only thing is that they are high maintenence ( if you want to keep it looking like it should).
they are super dogs.
2006-08-16 15:21:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beautiful animal. Loyal, good with kids
HUGE
2006-08-16 15:29:41 · answer #7 · answered by mel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope GREAT DOGS.....Now I want another...darn
2006-08-16 15:18:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋