They can be great dogs, but are relatively rare in this country.
From Wikipedia
Ridgebacks are loyal and intelligent. They are, however, aloof to strangers, and can be territorial and aggressive without proper handling. This breed requires training and dedication and is only for the experienced dog owner. They are strong-willed, intelligent, and many seem to have a penchant for mischief though lovingly. They do not make a good first dog, though the same traits that make them difficult often appeal to the more experienced owners. Although they can withstand wide temperature variations due to their African heritage, they are sensitive and prefer to be with their human families inside. They were traditionally hunters, guardians and companions.
Despite their athletic, sometimes imposing exterior, the Ridgeback has a sensitive side. Excessively harsh training methods that might be tolerated by a sporting or working dog will likely backfire on a Ridgeback. The Ridgeback accepts correction as long as it is fair and justified, and as long as it comes from someone he knows and trusts. Francis R. Barnes, who wrote the first standard in 1922, acknowledged that "rough treatment ... should never be administered to these dogs, especially when they are young. They go to pieces with handling of that kind."
My recommendations? I would watch your children around any dog at their ages at all times, and teach them how to respect dogs and properly pet and approach them. They are not a good breed for a lacks owner, but no matter what kind of dog your brother gets, your children need to be supervised at all times. Teaching children young how to respect a dog is a valuable lesson, no dog can be guaranteed never to bite a child if handled roughly. How well your brother trains and socializes his dog will be FAR more important then the breed in regards to how well it gets along with your kids.
2007-12-02 09:52:25
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback and she is excellent with children. The breed was bred to hunt lions but also to guard families so they are very good with the entire family.
The only problem with RRs is they are a very dominant breed and can be over protective and possibly aggressive with other dogs, but proper socializing can remedy this. My RR is a rescue and is quite dog aggressive, but she has never been anything but gentle with children of all ages. But they do require a knowledgable owner or they are a real handful.
I wouldn't worry in the least. I have never heard of an RR that wasn't naturally good with kids.
2007-12-02 18:15:20
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answer #2
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answered by Shanna 7
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Rhodesian Ridgebacks are fantastic family dogs.
They are smart, calm, quiet, and very patient.
They have lots of energy and need good training and socialization, of course, but that's true of any dog.
I baby sat for a few of them and was impressed by their loyalty, and sense of protection they provide.
All in all, they are fantastic pets.
Remember, all dogs are different and all dogs need training and socialization to be the best pets.
2007-12-02 17:55:10
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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as with any breed there is individual variation but since the kids are old enough to know not to treat the dog poorly, there should be no problem. except the kids probably can't walk a dog of that size without being pul;led off their feet if a squirrel runs across the path.
2007-12-02 17:53:39
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answer #4
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answered by ragapple 7
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Almost any dog can be good with kids if they are raised with them, Is your brother getting a puppy or a dog, if he is getting a dog, ask the shelter, or the people he is getting the dog from how he is with kids. Most of the time its not about the breed, its about how the dog was raised. Goodluck!!
2007-12-02 17:43:17
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answer #5
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answered by tsafemevas 2
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I've only known a half dozen or so. None had any problems and were wonderful dogs, but they were all raised right. So it's gonna depend on how your brother raises him. Training where he lives how much he's socialized etc etc No one here should jugde the breed..
2007-12-02 17:43:07
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answer #6
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answered by luvmydobes 3
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make sure your kids have lots to do with this dog, get them involved with it, like giving it treats when you visit it, its all about the training, if your bro does the right thing with the dog, the dog will do the right thing for your brother, and your kids. good luck!
2007-12-02 17:47:38
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answer #7
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answered by lilly 3
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This site is a wonderful, honest look at specific breeds:
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/rhodesianridgebacks.html
They are very strong willed dogs and need a lot of training and outlets for their energy. I personally wouldn't recommend one with small children in the house.
2007-12-02 18:33:16
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answer #8
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answered by Lisa 4
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All i know about them is that they are bred to fight lions. How old is the one that your gonna get? Most dogs are fine with kids if raised right. But you also have to teach the kids how to treat it like don't let them pull on em or poke em (duh :) ) and to leave them alone when the dogs get tired. That will make the dog WAY less likely to snap.
2007-12-02 17:48:10
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answer #9
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answered by Cliffy 3
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what are those? if you mean horses then yes horses love kids! lol
2007-12-02 17:41:56
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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