Rhodesian Ridgeback
About the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 24-27" |
| Weight | 70-85 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,700-$2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,500/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
- Guard Dog
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Rhodesian Ridgeback
The story behind the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback took shape in southern Africa in the nineteenth century, when European settlers crossed their imported breeds — mastiffs, hounds, pointers, and others — with the ridged hunting dogs kept by the Khoikhoi people. The result was a versatile frontier dog that could guard the homestead, withstand heat and rough country, and hunt big game; packs famously tracked and held lions at bay for mounted hunters, earning the breed its old name of African Lion Hound. A standard was drawn up in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, in the 1920s. From there the breed spread through the British Commonwealth and to the United States, where the American Kennel Club recognized it in 1955, and it transitioned into a companion and show dog.
Originally bred for: Big-game tracking, Guarding, Companion. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Grow these puppies slowly on large-breed formula and resist pushing size. Adults are efficient feeders who stay athletic on moderate, high-quality meals, and a lean silhouette with clear tuck-up protects joints across a long active life.
Watch for: The deep, capacious chest places this breed among those where quiet, divided meals and no strenuous play afterward count as standard practice. No particular food allergy is recognised. Have a veterinarian guide changes in feeding.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.