Rhodesian Ridgeback
USD $900-$1200 Price Avg.
Hunting Dogs
Group
Purebred
Breed Type
Large
Size
10-12 years
Lifespan
Breed Information
| Group | Hunting Dogs |
|---|---|
| Popularity/Rank | 41 |
| Origin | Zimbabwe |
| Other Names | African Lion Dog, African Lion Hound |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Price (Avg.) |
USD $900-$1200
How much does a Rhodesian Ridgeback cost? According to a rough estimate, you will spend between $900 to $1200 on your Rhodesian Ridgeback if you purchase it from a reputable breeder. If you select a dog with exceptional bloodlines, the price may be higher. The price might even be higher if the dog has already been trained. You'll usually pay less if you get a Rhodesian Ridgeback from a shelter. |
| Size | Large |
| Weight |
Male: 80-90 pounds (36-41 kg),
Female: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg) |
| Height |
Male: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm),
Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Recognized by |
AKC, FCI
The American Kennel Club in 1955 as a Hound breed. And FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds section. |
| Purpose | large game hunting, guarding |
| Date of Origin | 1800s |
| Ancestry | African tribal dog, Bloodhound, Dane, Greyhound, Mastiff, Pointer, Terrier |
Appearance & Maintenance
| Coat | Dense |
|---|---|
| Coat Colors | Golden, Gray, Red, Wheaten, White |
| Grooming Level | |
| Shedding Level | |
| Eye Color Possibilities | Amber, Brown |
| Nose Color Possibilities | Black, Brown |
| Coat Color Possibilities | Fawn, Red |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Coat Density | Normal |
| Coat Texture | Straight |
| Recommended Brushes | Deshedder, Nail Clipper, Slicker Brush |
| Brushing Frequency | Weekly |
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Dignified, Intelligent, Loyal, Mischievous, Sensitive, Strong, Willed |
|---|---|
| Intelligent | |
| Trainability | |
| Playfulness | |
| Sensitivity Level | |
| Affection Level | |
| Social Interaction Required | |
| Barking | |
| Watchdog Ability | |
| Territorial | |
| Biting Force | Low |
| Mouthiness | |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | |
| Prey Drive | |
| Adaptability | |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | |
| Fighting Dog | Yes |
Good & Friendly with
| Apartment Life Friendly | |
|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly | |
| Kid-Friendly | |
| Cat Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| Office Friendly | No |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | |
| Pet Friendly | |
| Friendly with First Time Owners | No |
| Service Dog | Not really |
| Therapy Dog | Not really |
| Detection, Sniffer or Security Dog | Not really |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) | Not really |
| Boat Dog | Not really |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog | Not really |
Health Elements
| Health Issues | |
|---|---|
| Health Problems | Dermoid Sinus, Elbow Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Energy Level | |
| Exercise Required | |
| Sleeping Required | |
| Weight Gain Potential | |
| Weather & Climate | Tolerates warm and cold weather. |
| Stinkiness | Medium |
| Drooling tendency | |
| Activity Level | High |
| Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week | 10 miles |
| Minutes of Activity Per Day | 60 minutes |
Food & Costing
| Avg. Daily Food | Recommended daily amount: 2 3/4 to 4 3/8 cups of a high-quality daily, divided into two meals. |
|---|---|
| Cups Per Day | 2.8 cups |
| Daily Cost | $1.50 - $1.90 |
| Monthly Cost | $39.00 - $52.00 |
Reproducibility
| Gestation Duration | 60-64 days |
|---|---|
| How often can the Rhodesian Ridgeback have a litter? | Once a year. |
| Litter Size | 6-8 puppies (Once a year.) |
Description
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, muscular dog breed that originated in South Africa. They are known for their distinctive ridge of fur along their back, which is the result of a genetic mutation. The breed has become popular in recent years due to its loyal and protective nature.
Appearance: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a short, dense coat that can be any color from light tan to dark red-brown. They have long legs and a muscular body with an athletic build. Their most distinguishing feature is the ridge of fur along their back, which runs from the shoulders to the tail and is made up of two rows of hair that grow in opposite directions.
Lifespan, Size, Weight & Colors: The average lifespan for a Rhodesian Ridgeback is 10-12 years. They typically weigh between 70-85 pounds and stand at 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder. Common colors include red wheaten, light wheaten, golden wheaten and brindle.
Personality: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an intelligent breed with an independent streak and strong protective instincts towards its family members. They are loyal companions who thrive on human interaction but can also be aloof around strangers or other animals they don’t know well.
Friendliness: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally friendly with other dogs but may be wary around strange dogs or those they don’t know well due to their protective nature towards their family members. They tend to get along well with children if raised together from puppyhood but may not tolerate rough play or teasing from unfamiliar kids due to their size and strength so supervision should always be present when they are interacting with children outside of the family unit . As far as other animals go, they usually do not get along well with cats or small animals such as rabbits due to their hunting instincts so it’s best not to introduce them into homes where these types of pets already exist unless you plan on keeping them separated at all times .
Temperament: The temperament of this breed can vary greatly depending on how it was raised as puppies; however most will exhibit some level of independence combined with loyalty towards its owners . This means that while they may need some extra training when it comes to obedience commands , once trained they will remain obedient even when left alone for extended periods . Additionally , this breed tends to have high energy levels so regular exercise should be provided in order for them stay healthy both physically and mentally .
Health : Generally speaking , this breed does not suffer from any major health issues ; however there have been reports of hip dysplasia , eye problems , bloat , skin allergies , thyroid issues , heart disease , epilepsy and cancer occurring within certain lines . It’s important for potential owners to research any breeder before purchasing one in order ensure that all necessary health tests have been performed prior purchase .
Adaptability : This breed does best in homes where someone is home most days as they do not like being left alone for extended periods ; however if given enough exercise during the day then they can adapt quite easily into homes where both parents work full time jobs . Additionally , since this breed loves spending time outdoors then having access to a yard would also help them adjust better into new environments quickly .
Benefits : One major benefit associated with owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog is that despite being large sized dogs ; they require minimal grooming which makes them ideal pets for busy households who don’t have much time available for grooming sessions every week . Additionally since these dogs were bred originally as hunting companions then having access outdoors allows them plenty opportunities explore new scents while getting plenty exercise throughout day which helps keep them mentally stimulated too !
History
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog breed that originates from Southern Africa. The breed was developed in the late 19th century to be a versatile hunting dog that could track and take down large game. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is unique in that it is the only dog breed with a ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat. This ridge is thought to be the result of a genetic mutation.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback was almost extinct by the early 20th century due to cross-breeding with other breeds and the loss of their hunting grounds. However, a few dedicated breeders managed to keep the breed alive and it eventually became popular in North America and Europe.
The ancestry of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is thought to include the Africanis, a type of wild dog found across Africa, as well as various mastiff-type breeds brought to Africa by European settlers. The first recorded mention of the Rhodesian Ridgeback was in 1877, although it is likely that the breed existed before this time. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was officially recognized as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club in 1955.
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