Rhodesian Ridgeback
Muscular, athletic, and dignified, this breed stands out for its trademark ridge of hair and strong-willed yet loyal personality. Affectionate with family, it thrives on activity and companionship.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
63–69 cm (male)
61–66 cm (female)
WEIGHT
36–41 kg (male)
29–34 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–12 years
Rhodesian Ridgeback: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Rhodesian Ridgeback isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Rhodesian Ridgeback's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is dignified, loyal, and reserved with strangers, often forming strong bonds with family members while maintaining an independent nature.
Key Personality Traits
Reserved but affectionate with familiar people
Learns quickly, responds well to training
High stamina, enjoys regular physical activity
Likes interactive play, not overly exuberant
Adjusts moderately to new environments and changes
Strengths
- Loyal to family members
- Strong, athletic build for outdoor activities
- Generally quiet and calm indoors
- Highly intelligent and trainable with consistency
- Good stamina for long walks or runs
Challenges
- Can be stubborn or independent-minded
- High prey drive toward small animals
- Needs significant daily exercise and stimulation
- May be reserved with strangers
- Prone to boredom-induced destructive behavior
Protect your Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and can learn quickly but may display stubbornness, requiring patient, consistent training methods and early socialization for best results.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have high energy levels and need regular, vigorous physical exercise along with mental stimulation to prevent boredom and promote well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Rhodesian Ridgeback would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Requires experienced handler due to independence and strength
Apartment Living
Needs space and regular exercise, may become restless in small spaces
Active Lifestyle
Thrives in active homes with regular outdoor activities or exercise
Kids
Large size and high energy may overwhelm small children
Multiple Pets
Tolerates other pets if socialized early, may show prey drive
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods, may develop destructive habits
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Rhodesian Ridgebacks compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rhodesian Ridgeback
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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