Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy?

Question

My husband and I really want to get a dog. He is in love with Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Can anyone recommend them? What are some things you like about them?

Answer 1

I personally like the breed. The can be very sweet dogs, but, just like any other breed, they need to be socialized and trained properly at a young age and it needs to be continued throughout the dog's life. You might want to consider enrolling in a puppy class, like the ones that PetsMart offer. If this is ya'lls first dog, or first Ridgeback, you might want to consider getting one from a reputable breeder. I strongly support adopting shelter dogs, but you do not know what a shelter dog's background was like, physically, mentally, and emotionally, and you do not know what habits the dog has or might pick up. If you do get your pup from a breeder, make sure that at least one parent is there and that you will be able to see it. Ridgebacks are sweet dogs, very loyal, do not have many health issues, and are very smart, as a breed. I have known several people that have owned them. Good luck!

Answer 2

We got one from animal rescue. He was a bundle on energy but became very territorial once mature even with being spayed. He was so unstable that we kept him away from children even though he was raised with kids and loved them. This was sad because up until this animal, we always kept our dog as a family companion involved with the family. We just couldn't take the chance of an accident.

We ended up sending him to the shelter because he put our sons head in his mouth when the boy gave his mom a goodnight kiss. It was definitely a warning that scared the heck out of my wife. We explained his history and clearly said he was unstable and unsuitable for any family with children.

The rescue group went to the shelter, got the dog and because he was well trained and house broken, quickly found another home for him. Less than a year later, he mauled the families 2 year old because she was in his yard.

The take-away's here are several.

1. If you're going to get a Ridgeback, make certain it's from a reputable breeder. A rescue dog may not be purebred so you can't be certain the animal you select will have the traits of the breed.

2. Rescue dogs may have been abused and there's no way to know what previous issues may develop into problems later on.

3. They ARE very active. They seem to be able to play forever without tiring.

These dogs are/were lion hunters in Africa and have great personalities. But like any large dog, they CAN seriously hurt people.

Final advise: Stay away from any backyard breeder. They may have cheaper puppies but you want someone with an interest and knowledge of the breed. Only reputable breeder have the time and money necessary to carry on a well developed and planned breeding program.

Puppy mills and backyard breeders are selling a potentially dangerous situation especially when considering any large breed dog.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

Ridgebacks are a very intelligent breed, but are also quite willful and can be disobedient. They're definitely not a dog anyone should buy on a whim - you need to do a lot of research because they're not right for everyone.

They have a high prey drive and are not a breed you can trust off leash. They are, however, a dog that bonds with its owner and not a breed to be left out in the yard - they need to be part of the family. Obedience can be something they excel at provided they have a strong, experienced owner. Because of their intelligence, they need to be kept busy so they don't get destructive, need a lot of exercise. They're fairly long lived for their size (up to 16, with the average being more like 12), and, like most of the hounds, are very healthy.

You need to do a lot of research before deciding on one and then make sure you research breeders, selecting one with physically and mentally healthy dogs.

Answer 4

I think the other answerer who had experienced a nasty one may have come across a problem dog. I used to work with some people who had a female and she had one of the nicest temperments I'd experienced in a dog that size. They do take a bit of exercise though. They are very intelligent, can be a bit piggish if allowed too much food and are great at obedience :)

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

I had a Ridgeback puppy a couple of years ago, and he was quite playful as a puppy. He grew to about 1.8m tall when on hind legs and around 50kg. I reccomend this large breed to people who do not have small children or elderly people staying with them. They will get agressive if laughed at and/or teased.

Answer 6

Ridgebacks are bread down from African wild dogs. Like most hybrid breeds they are smart,tough and loyal to their BOSS! They do not play well with others (other dog breeds, small animals or children). If you have lots of room, high fences and time an experienced dog owner can get a lot back from them. I know one hobby cougar hunter that swears by them. I personally don't believe they are for beginner dog people. Good luck!

Answer 7

Bentley and Shelby. Daisy and Duke Sonny and Cher Bonny and Clyde Dr.Jeckle and Mrs. Hyde (okay... that's a little out there) Sylvester and Tweety Donald and Daffy Good luck naming your puppies!

Answer 8

My friend has a few ridgebacks and they are all pretty anti-social. Anybody who isn't their 'family', they bark and stand their ground. It could be just them, but they were bred to be lion hunters, so....

Answer 9

If you do want one, try a rescue group first. They sometimes have puppies, and they rescue unwanted dogs, a good thing to support.

Answer 10

I know a woman who has one, and it is a great family dog , but very leary of strangers! I'd personally love one. They are beautiful.