All you need to know about the Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breeds. A complete profile on the breed information, history, personality, adaptability, food, and care, etc.,
Dog Breed Group
Height:
Weight:
Life Span:
Origin:
Friendliness
Adaptability
Health And Grooming
Trainability
Physical Needs
Overview of Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed:
Rhodesian Ridgeback is a hunting dog breed categorized in the hound group developed by European settlers in South Africa. The name Rhodesian Ridgeback is referred to a distinctive feature of the breed, a narrow strip or ridge of hair. It grows on its back in the forward direction. They are good family apartment dogs and suitable for individuals who are eager to invest time in training and socializing them.
History of Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed:
The origins of Rhodesian Ridgeback can be traced to the dogs of various breeds brought to South Africa by the Boers in the 16th and 17th centuries. These dogs were crossed with the semi-domesticated hunting dogs used by the Khoekhoe tribe. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was introduced into modern-day Zimbabwe, where they were found excellent companions in the sport of hunting lions.
Personality of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed:
Rhodesian Ridgeback is a loyal, intelligent, and sensitive breed that gets affected by any kind of harsh treatment. The protective instincts in Rhodesian Ridgeback make them good with children, some may be very boisterous for young kids. The alertness towards strangers also makes thid dog breeds a good guard dogs and they can be aggressive with other dogs and pets.
Coat color and Grooming:
The energetic Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs exist in Red Wheaten, Wheaten, and Light Wheaten coat colors. The Rhodesian Ridgeback requires minimal coat care and brushing on a weekly basis. It is to remove dead hair and an occasional bath should be adequate. The cleanliness in teeth and ears must be regular temperament, it is important to trim nails to ensure hygiene.
Feeding (Diet and Nutrition):
Folic acid & Folate, Oils & Fats, Fatty acids, Protein, and Vitamins are vital to meet the nutritional requirement through food for Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs. The healthy food diet includes Salmon, Whitefish, Peas, Chicken, beef, eggs, carrot, Turkey, soybean meal, chickpeas, brown rice, and oatmeal. The recommended quantity of high-quality food is between 2 3/4 to 4 3/4 cups which is divided into two meals in a day.
General Care:
It is quite necessary for Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs to get an adequate amount of exercise as it keeps them mentally happy as well. Rhodesian Ridgeback is not a dog that can leave outside all day and it is significant to socialize them by spending the time. Hare coursing is a great activity because it really activities their prey drive as they are bred to hunt.
Common Health Problems:
An average life span of a Rhodesian is between 10 to 12 years. Thyroid problems are quite common in the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed, this disease can cause issues like weight gain and hair loss. This can be controlled by inexpensive medication. Although this breed dog tends to healthy, the common health problems are mentioned below:
- Dermoid Sinus
- Neural tube defect
- Congenital heart defect
- Degenerative Myelopathy deafness
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Canine hip Dysplasia
Size (Height and Weight):
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a lean, muscular dog slightly longer than tall and the short, glossy coat is suitable for working in the hot climates. The ridge of hair is approximately two inches at the widest point which has been clearly defined. The average height of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is between 24 to 27 inches tall and weighs an average between 64 to 90 pounds.
Pros
- Intelligence and tolerant with kids and other pet dogs
- Minimal shedder
- Friendly, playful, and affectionate
Cons
- Can be destructive if left alone
- Likely to try to escape fenced enclosures
- Training can be difficult if not started in early stage