South AfricaPurpose
The original purpose of the Rhodesian Ridgeback was to track and stop big game (especially lions). Nowadays they are used for guarding purposes in some countries.
The breed is a versatile hobby dog and an excellent companion dog. It is also well suited to families with children.
As a breed it is very hardy, relatively fast, muscular and powerful. These characteristics make it suitable for a wide range of activities. With the Rhodesian Ridgeback you can do agility, tracking trials, obedience trials, canicross and track racing and service dog activities.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks often have a strong or very strong hunting and/or prey drive, which cannot always be completely eliminated even with good training.
Temperament & Behaviour
As a puppy, the Rhodesian is very energetic, curious and happy. The reticence that is characteristic of the breed does not become apparent until adulthood, and for some not even then.
As an adult, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is calm and unobtrusive in the home, but usually has a watchful streak, which it expresses by barking in its own territory.
The breed is intelligent and strong-willed, but often also soft, so it requires determined training from puppyhood onwards.
As an adult, the dog is a little reserved with strangers, but is friendly once he gets to know them. The Rhodesian is very loyal and affectionate towards its owner. The dog is self-aware, intelligent and has a sense of humour.
It is often said that the Rhodesian is a good companion – not an obedient slave following orders blindly.
Health
The Rhodesian is healthy for its size in terms of hips. Its elbows are also a bit healthier than average.
Health risks include various musculoskeletal conditions such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and spondylosis, as well as osteochondrosis of the shoulder joint and hindquarters.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks also have some immunological diseases. The most common of these are allergies, atopy, hypothyroidism and tumours. Prostatitis, anal infections and uterine infections in ageing bitches are fairly common.
Puppies May Be Born Without The Ridge
Rhodesian puppies are often born with cosmetic defects. The puppy may lack a ridge completely or the ridge may be asymmetrical. The dog may also have too many black hairs or too big white markings. These are considered as colour defects.
Grooming
The coat of the Rhodesian does not need any special treatment.
What Kind Of Person Is The Breed Suitable For?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is suitable for active people who enjoy the outdoors and nature.
A good sense of humour and patience are virtues of the owner of a Rhodesian. Training should be fun and motivating, and the training sessions should be kept short. The Rhodesian likes to be close with their people and seeks comfort. It is by no means a yard dog or a kennel dog.
Dog Breeds Similar To Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback is an African dog breed that is known for its characteristic ridge of hair down the back. If you’re looking for a similar dog breed, here are some breeds you may want to consider.
The only other dog breed with a ridge is the Thai Ridgeback, but they have pricked ears and don’t bear much resemblance to the Rhodesian.
So, let’s forget the ridge and have a look at our list.
Dogs That Look Like Rhodesian Ridgeback
Let’s start with dog breeds that look like Rhodesian Ridgebacks, but may lack similarities in other areas.
1. Hungarian Vizsla (Short Haired)
| Breed | Energy Level | Exercise Need | Playfulness | Affection Level | Friendliness (Dogs) | Friendliness (Other Pets) | Friendliness (Strangers) | Ease of Training | Watchdog Ability | Protection Ability | Grooming Need | Cold Tolerance | Heat Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vizsla |
Vizslas come with two types of coats: short and wire. The Short Haired Vizsla looks a lot like the Rhodesian Ridgeback, while the Wirehaired Vizsla does not.
2. Weimaraner
| Breed | Energy Level | Exercise Need | Playfulness | Affection Level | Friendliness (Dogs) | Friendliness (Other Pets) | Friendliness (Strangers) | Ease of Training | Watchdog Ability | Protection Ability | Grooming Need | Cold Tolerance | Heat Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weimaraner |
Weimaraner, dubbed the “Grey Ghost,” was bred as an all-purpose hunting, pointing, and retrieving gundog. It is a cautious, almost stealthy dog in the field.
Sleek features, beautiful color, and elegance in motion have helped in the growth of popularity of this breed as a companion and working dog.
3. Broholmer
Broholmer (sometimes known as the Danish Mastiff) is a large mastiff type breed from Denmark.
4. Black Mouth Cur
The Black Mouth Cur is an American multi-purpose dog breed. The BMC is mainly used as a herding dog and can hunt any size game, but it is also a family dog that wants to protect its home.
5. Dalmatian
| Breed | Energy Level | Exercise Need | Playfulness | Affection Level | Friendliness (Dogs) | Friendliness (Other Pets) | Friendliness (Strangers) | Ease of Training | Watchdog Ability | Protection Ability | Grooming Need | Cold Tolerance | Heat Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dalmatian |
If you can look past the unique spots that this breed is known for all around the world, the Dalmatian is a pretty good look-a-like of the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
6. Great Dane
| Breed | Energy Level | Exercise Need | Playfulness | Affection Level | Friendliness (Dogs) | Friendliness (Other Pets) | Friendliness (Strangers) | Ease of Training | Watchdog Ability | Protection Ability | Grooming Need | Cold Tolerance | Heat Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Dane |
The Great Dane has a taller build, but the face is very similar to the Rhodesian.
Other Similar Breeds
These dogs are not exactly Rhodesian Ridgeback doppelgangers, but you might want to check them out too.
