I mean that should be the end of it. . These dogs do have some differences across genders you can learn about. Furthermore, they were expected to chase down prey like antelopes over huge distances and kill them for their master. Having lived on the territory of the southern continent for more than one century, she perfectly took root in many European countries. Someone Who Values a Guard Dog Rhodesian Ridgebacks have odorless coats that do not require regular bathing but can get dirty and smelly if they get into the mud. Ensure that you measure its meal accordingly and keep treats at a minimum. : North Carolina State University We are seasoned pet owners and enthusiasts who love to share everything that we learn about them! Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good guard Dogs? Would a Rhodesian Ridgeback make a good guard dog? These dogs were bred in the steppes of South Africa to counter the constant threat of lions, boars, and bears. Dog breeders in Great Britain sought to influence this breed by selecting dogs with the highest qualities for breeding. Other dogs, cats, children. Males range in height from 25 to 27" (85 pounds, 38 kilograms) and females from 24 to 26 inches (70 pounds, 32 kilograms). You are unlikely to notice much impact in your home from having a Ridgeback inside. A hound dog is naturally inclined to have a higher prey drive than working-class dogs. If you are looking for a guard dog to keep in your backyard, the Ridgeback is not a good choice. What is the Rhodesian Ridgeback known for? The adorable Rhodesian Ridgeback features a high prey drive, and the breed is quite independent. Recommended:20 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds You Mustnt Mess With. If they are raised together, many Rhodesian Ridgebacks will do well with cats, but these dogs do have a strong prey drive, and some individuals may extend their prey instinct to household cats. Peteducate.com uses affiliate links; where we may earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you). The Rhodesian Ridgeback is loyal, affectionate, and protective. The Rhodesian Ridgeback protection instincts develop that attachment early on. I always tell the to-be owners of these dogs to be mindful of the repercussions of neglecting the dogs. Do Cavalier King Charles spaniels make good pets? Unfortunately, these independently minded dogs have a tendency to make up their own mind about what constitutes a threat. Brittany SpanielBeagleBoykin SpanielVizslaSpringer Spaniel. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed to hunt lions, but it also makes an excellent watchdog and guard dog. In a nutshell, yes, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a good family dog. One recommendation is not to have too many male dogs in one household. Rhod. When you notice this, get your dog treated. Do not hesitate to consult a vet if you have questions regarding your pets medical condition. To prevent boredom destruction, ensure that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are getting plenty of exercise and an area to run around. Having lived on the territory of the southern continent for more than one century, she perfectly took root in many European countries. They were also bred for endurance and can have a lot of energy. The breed stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the giant ones there are Im talking about the likes of Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Bloodhounds. The Ridgeback is an expensive dog breed when you want to shop for one. Highly energetic and can adapt to indoor living. In addition, instilling confidence, and the ability to discern friend from foe is of the utmost importance. To summarize, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a very stable temperament, isn't aggressive, and is generally good with children - but clarify just what you are expecting with your breeder. Overall, there are plenty of reasons why Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good guard dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks should not be left outside in cold temperatures, and they should always have access to shelter in case of inclement weather. The decision to buy a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy or adopt an adult dog is a very significant decision. Both have similar symptoms, however, in that they affect a dogs movement, can cause pain and may make the dog unwilling to move. Though chewing and nipping are two dominant behaviors in this breed, these dogs have a low chance of biting. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is no exception, so if you are thinking about purchasing such a dog for yourself, then first read the information below. These dogs can never be trusted off-leash and need a securely fenced yard if they are to be allowed off-leash in an open area. In addition to physical exercise, let these intelligent dogs use their minds as well. It is important to choose a reputable trainer, and the handler, as well as the dog, complete the course together. A Rhodesian Ridgeback wont think twice about putting themselves in danger in order to take on a prey animal. Originally bred as an all-purpose working dog, the Golden Retriever Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix is known for its intelligence and loyalty, making it the perfect companion dog. %privacy_policy%. DoggoMag.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It is loving and loyal towards its family members and can even tolerate the excesses of kids. The Rhodesian Ridgeback must be exposed early to other dogs if you wish to keep it in a home with multiple pets within. Therefore, if you are looking for your first dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is probably not a good choice. As a larger dog breed, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is able to sprint and maintain speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. It's important to start weekly grooming practices at a young age, which will help your dog become comfortable when handled. This has security advantages but can turn into aggression if your Rhodesian Ridgeback pooch isnt well trained. These dogs need to be with their family and will pine for them if kept alone. Even with careful direction and training, this is a dog who may need to be physically handled rather than expected to obey in particular circumstances, especially where strange humans or other animals are involved. These powerful hunting dogs tend to be independent, like to make up their own minds about situations, and can even be stubborn and domineering. However, the grown-up dog isnt friendly to everyone. The unneutered male Ridgeback might also get aggressive towards other male dogs. We also participate in other affiliate programs and are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies (at no cost to you). Perhaps lesser known about them is that they originated in Africa to be hunting dogs used for hunting lions and other large prey. Any dog with the temperament and size to back it up has the potential to be a good guard dog. Health. Some great ideas are to get them toys in which they have to figure out how to get the treats out of them, hide some treats or kibble around the house on rainy days, and search it out. These are dogs who need to be with their families. With the characteristic ridge along their back and stunning red coat, Rhodesian ridgebacks are a stand out in the hound group.. Rhodesian ridgebacks were hunters developed in Africa to corner and hold big game prey, such as lions, bears, and boar.. It is important to keep in mind that these are very big dogs, so they will need to learn self-control in order to avoid accidentally bumping into your child or knocking them over. They are fiercely loyal, great with families, and easy to care for. While thoroughly researched and meticulously checked, the content on Pet Educate does not constitute, nor should replace any pet medical advice. While they are known to have a mind of their own, they are an even-tempered gentle breed, especially around their families. So, are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Aggressive? While it is fairly unlikely for a Rhodesian Ridgeback to start a fight, if another dog in your household engages them, the Ridgeback will probably not back down. A firm believer in treating all animals with kindness and compassion, and that positive discipline is paramount in achieving a harmonious canine-human relationship, Bens former and present careers have enabled him to become a leading light in his chosen profession and business. Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good guard dogs? And is also very affectionate and friendly to almost anyone it meets. To dogs they don't know they can be reserved and sometimes aggressive if they feel threatened. The Rhodesian Ridgeback can also be found competing in various dog sports, including agility, lure coursing, obedience, and tracking, and he's a good hiking or jogging companion. Please consult a licensed veterinarian for any medical condition or query regarding the health of your pet. I also have ten pets of my own currently. Depending on your childrens size, you may also want to warn them about the potential of being knocked down by the dog, even though the dog is not trying to hurt them. (2023), Are Bernedoodles Good Family Dogs? On average, a Rhodesian Ridgeback can grow up to 27 inches tall at shoulder height. The Ridgeback has an even temperament when they are mature while being a fun-loving, curious and rambunctious companion. Managing all kinds of weather isnt a problem for hound dogs. They are also an excellent family pet and are very loyal and affectionate. Ridgebacks have a well-earned reputation as being a handful, even for experienced owners. Teach it how to Stop, Sit, Drop an object from its mouth, and even stop attacking someone on command. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dignified hunting dog who is well known for being brave and tenacious on the hunt and affectionate and loving at home. Your responsibility is to socialize your pup extensively so they learn how to modulate their behavior around other dogs. Males stand 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 85 pounds. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal, dignified, and sensitive; traits that you may not initially think of when considering this breed. The Ridgeback has droopy ears which are prone to infection, so it needs to be wiped regularly. Have you ever heard of a dog that was bred to hunt the king of the jungle? For families who don't have too many people coming and going and value a good watchdog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be an excellent choice. What else is there to talk about their hunting abilities other than that? As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their dogs for hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid function and eye anomalies. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a breed of dog known for the line of fur that trails down their spine, giving them their name. Personality. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. The Ridgeback can develop some dangerous tumors, much like humans do. Here are at least 14 reasons why. He is capable of great endurance with a fair amount of speed. Their natural and instinctive protectiveness makes them the perfect guard dog without any special training required. Rhodesian Ridgebacks Dog Breed Information, A Typical Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament. All rights reserved. Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be reliable guard dogs. What breed of dog hunts lions? Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not generally aggressive dogs. 14 Reasons Doberman Pinscher Are Not The Friendly Dogs Everyone Says They Are, 14+ Informative and Interesting Facts About Rhodesian Ridgebacks. You don't want a poorly socialized, untrained 95 pound muscular dog. But what if you're looking for a little bit more from your family pet? Because they have a powerful prey drive, some Rhodesian Ridgebacks may view smaller dogs as prey animals, especially if they were not raised together. This dog can also be very vocal and barks or bays when it senses danger. [And Those You Want To Avoid], Do Cockatiels Need A Companion? The stubbornness, independent spirit, and intelligence of the Ridgeback make training a challenge. The Ridgeback that works or spends its time outdoors more would need lesser exercise than its apartment counterpart. The following has everything that you need to know about the Ridgeback, including information about the breeds personality and characteristics that an ideal owner must have. Chef Reader is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Most importantly, the dog should be around other well-balanced dogs to learn correct behaviors. With all we now know about the Ridgeback, do you think it is right for you? Its intelligence will come to good use here as it wont take time to learn simple commands. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be great house dogs, provided that they have a family who makes the appropriate accommodations for them. It isnt often present at birth but may not be apparent till the dog grows. The Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed originated from Africa and is known to be an energetic and outgoing watchdog. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a medium to large sized athletic dog that's a member of the hound group. Different factors can cause heart complications in dogs, but the result is the same. Minor biting is more common in puppies as it is an attention-seeking behavior. Well also take a look at some potential causes of aggression and how to prevent them so be sure to keep on reading if you are thinking of adopting one for you and your family. Rhodesian Ridgebacks, especially ones intended to be used as guard dogs, can benefit greatly from socialization. According to professional dog trainers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks score out of 5 in terms of their guard dog ability. Heres what you need to think about before adopting a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are intelligent and independently minded, and they can even be stubborn or domineering without proper training. Deafness has no particular cure but the affected dog can be taught to live a normal life. Males of the breed stand on average 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh approximately 85 pounds, whereas females are generally 24 to 26 inches tall at 70 pounds. The strong temperament. It is essential that adults manage interaction between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and new children in the home, no matter how good the dog is with the familys children. You can opt for a puppy class where your pooch would learn with some other puppies. But, are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? Rhodesian ridgebacks are extremely tolerant dogs and excellent companions. The males can grow up to 26 inches at the shoulder and the females should be somewhere around 25 inches, give or take. These dogs were bred to hunt in a pack, and they generally do well with other large dogs, although some individuals may view smaller dogs and cats as potential prey. As with any dog breed, socialization is the key to having a well-balanced dog. Make sure that your dogs restrained enough to not attack them. 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