Life expectancy

11 years

Age adult

26 months

Height (Shoulder height)

65 cm

Weight

33 kg

Coat texture

short-haired / smooth / dense / Ridge, 5cm wide fur strip which grows on the back in the opposite direction of hair growth.

Coat color

light wheat color to dark red, red-brown

Common illnesses

dysplasia of the hip joint / elbow dysplasia / thyroid diseases (mostly hypothyreosis) / deafness / degenerative myelopathy / juvenile epilepsy / Breeding relevant to animal welfare / osteochondritis dissecans (OCD or OD) / symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy / hyperuricosuria/hyperuricemia (HUU) / hemophilia B / zinc deficiency-dermatosis / dermoid cyst/ dermoid sinus / wobbler syndrome / dermoid sinus

Food expenses per month in €

about € 68

Suitable for children

Rather yes

Needs a garden

Rather yes

Hunting motivated / needs alternative employment

Rather yes

First dog suitable

Rather not

Allergy friendly

Rather not

Athletic

Attention

Care and grooming

Eager to learn

Exercise

Nature

sensitive / sporting / vivacious / alert / intelligent / strong-willed, determined / attentive / cheeky, fresh

Bred for

watchdog / game hunting / herding dog / guard dog / lion hunt

Common illnesses

dysplasia of the hip joint / elbow dysplasia / thyroid diseases (mostly hypothyreosis) / deafness / degenerative myelopathy / juvenile epilepsy / Breeding relevant to animal welfare / osteochondritis dissecans (OCD or OD) / symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy / hyperuricosuria/hyperuricemia (HUU) / hemophilia B / zinc deficiency-dermatosis / dermoid cyst/ dermoid sinus / wobbler syndrome / dermoid sinus

Dog type according to FCI

scent hounds and related breeds

FCI description

They have always been used as hunting dogs, have an extraordinary sense of smell and pick up every trace. Running dogs had to follow the game over long distances, sweat dogs search for the injured (sweaty) game and follow it. They have an enormous urge to move and need a lot of exercise and meaningful, species-appropriate occupation. Many breeds, especially sweat dogs, are only handed over to hunters. If you are not aware of what hunting motivation means, you may soon be overwhelmed. Because this instinct cannot be completely trained away.

Dogs of this group are considered friendly, intelligent and social, therefore they are popular companion dogs. Think about whether you can cope with the hunting temperament, because once the untrained hunting dog has a track in his nose he quickly forgets any obedience and is up and away.

Short description

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a characteristic ridge on his back. The distinctive ridge on his back is formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. This breed was originally bred for hunting lions in Africa, and is still a very alert, bold and impressive dog. He needs a lot of physical exercise and a soft but firm training. He can be held as a family-dog if he is involved in sufficient exercises like man-trailing, dummy training or other compensational activities for hunting.