Does anyone own a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

Question

Hi I own a male Ridgeback and wondered if anyone else here owns one or is interested in the breed. And what you think of them.

Yes he`s very smart, a big softy and loves everyone.New to messenger, would love to chat to ridgy owners.

Answer 1

Had one of these donated to the police kennels by a young lady who could`nt control him, a lovely dog but extremely aggressive. He was given to me to see if I could do anything with him. After four weeks of him trying to tear me limb from limb he realised he was`nt going to win and started to settle down, I soon realised he was never going to make the grade as a police dog and rather than have him put down I switched him to explosives and he took to it like a duck to water. It took another fourteen months of hard work to get him through his finals but he made it and we became sort of mates, he now works all over the world on mine detection. A lovely dog in the right hands, I suppose we had a love hate relationship, I loved him and he hated me, but that's OK, goes with the job.

Answer 2

I've heard mixed information on the breed's personality -that they can be strong-willed, are very energetic, and really do need to be trained-but the two I've met were absolutely wonderful dogs. A friend of mine who worked at the barn where I used to ride would bring hers along all the time to spend the day there with her. He didn't have any formal training, but he was SO smart! He was terrific around other dogs and even with the barn cats, would respect the horses, and was awesome with people. Hunter is among the friendliest dogs I've met. I'd consider owning a Ridgeback myself just because of my experience with him if they weren't so expensive. The other Ridgeback I met was also very friendly, though I didn't get to interact with him on a regular basis like I did with Hunter. I think they're terrific dogs if you can give them the exercise they need. I love the little ridge along their spine that gives them their name-it's so different. Have fun with your boy! :)

Answer 3

I grew up with 2. They were real softies though supposed to be guard dogs! I rode on their backs when I was a toddler.
When they're puppies they're very active but the older they get they're actually very mellow and laid-back!
Need good training when young to iron out silly behaviour issues.

Answer 4

One of my customers has one and what a great big softy she is. Trouble is she slobbers all over the windows i've just cleaned, (the dog that is not my customer) Lovely animal though.

Answer 5

I have never owned one, but always thought they were a beautiful breed. I have also read they make wonderful family dogs, and like to be around children( as do most any dogs actually). Lucky you!

Answer 6

I actually almost got bit by one at the shelter I used to work at. Hope your's is much nicer. I think this one was just fearful. They seem to be pretty smart.

Answer 7

I know most are lovely however unfortunately the only one I know belongs to my neighbours friends and is very dog aggressive-it attacked my elderly Saluki recently.

Answer 8

yes my family has one..her name is Sunny she is very small...40 pounds at the adult age but she is very loving and likes to talk...its so funny..she gets along with other dogs very well too. the best dog i have ever had

Answer 9

I have one - hes 10 months and 30 inches to the whithers. He is very cuddley and totally food mad!!!

Answer 10

They are wonderful dogs. My aunt has owned 3 and they were all great dogs.