Dog breed · Hound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
A strong, self-reliant hound bred to track and hold big game, requiring confident and consistent handling.
AI-generated editorial illustration of the subject; not a photograph of a specific animal, product or case.
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- Southern Africa
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 29–41 kg (64–90 lb)
- Height
- 61–69 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Coat
- Short, dense wheaten coat with a dorsal ridge
- Temperament
- IndependentDignifiedAthleticProtective
History
Developed in southern Africa by crossing European hunting dogs with the ridged dogs of the Khoikhoi.
Appearance
Muscular and wheaten-coloured, with a distinctive reversed ridge of hair along the spine.
Exercise and activity
Ninety minutes or more daily, including free running in secure areas.
Care and grooming
Minimal grooming; focus energy on training, recall and impulse control.
Health considerations
- Dermoid sinus
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
- Degenerative myelopathy
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Ninety minutes or more daily, including free running in secure areas. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Dermoid sinus, Hip and elbow dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Bloat, Degenerative myelopathy), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime. Bloat has no screening test: learn its emergency signs and ask about prevention.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice