Rhodesian Ridgeback

A Rhodesian Ridgeback’s coat is fairly low-maintenance and won’t require a lot of trips to the groomer.  

• Bathing: Give your dog a bath at least once a month. With their short fur, they can easily be wiped down between bathing times with a towel and grooming spritz (as long as they don’t get too dirty on their adventures—then just opt for a full bath).  
• Brushing: Although they’re relatively light shedders, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do shed year-round. Brush them weekly to remove loose fur and keep their coat glossy. A slicker dog brush works best.  
• Dental care: Help keep your pup’s teeth in shape by brushing them daily with a dog toothpaste like Petsmile Dog Toothpaste. It’s a good idea to start this routine with your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy early so they get used to the experience.  
• Ear care: Check their ears every day. If there’s redness, swelling, debris, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to infections.  
• Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails once a month or whenever you hear them clacking on hard surfaces. You can use nail clippers or a nail grinder. 

When it comes to training, Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies need a confident pup parent who uses positive reinforcement to teach skills like how to walk nicely on a leash and come when called. They can be a bit mouthy as puppies, so it’s important to teach them to play gently—without biting.  

Start obedience training with your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy early, and teach them cues like sit, stay, and lie down. If you adopt your dog when they’re older, start training then—despite the common saying, it’s never too late to each an older dog new tricks.   

Also invest time in socialization, which involves exposing your Rhodesian Ridgeback to new people, places, and things in a positive manner. It’s important to introduce your pup to these new experiences so they’re used to novel interactions and become a chill, confident, well-mannered adult. 

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very smart dogs. So if it takes them a while to get the hang of things, it’s not for lack of intelligence, but more so because they can be a bit independent-minded. Some have a strong urge to follow their old hunting instincts, which may be telling them to chase something waaayy over there. Try training your dog in a controlled environment, like in your living room, to help them focus.  

They learn best from pet parents who are consistent and patient with their lessons. Once you understand what works for them, training becomes much easier.  

These pups can also be sensitive souls, so communicate with them in a kind, even-tempered voice and offer lots of praise (positive reinforcement is always the way to go!).  

Recall is a great skill to teach these dogs; you can even use a long leash like the Mendota 20-foot Lead, when you practice. But either way, you should be in a fenced area.   

Never hesitate to reach out to a certified dog trainer for extra help if needed.  

There’s no one-size-fits-all nutrition plan for Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs, but every canine needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards. Choose a diet for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).   

Consider a large-breed diet, especially when they’re a puppy. Puppy food made for large dog breeds help support a Ridgeback’s rapid growth during their first year of life. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food is a good option, but see what your vet recommends.  

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not above surfing countertops or going to other great lengths to steal human food, so keep an eye on your dinner—for your sake and theirs. You wouldn’t want them to upset their stomach or eat something toxic. 

Keep in mind that calories from dog treats count, too, even though they’re important for motivating your dog during training. Treats should never be more than 10% of a Ridgeback’s daily calories. 

If the calories are adding up, use other forms of positive reinforcement to reward your pup, like a favorite toy or an enthusiastic “good job!” 

Your Rhodesian Ridgeback needs a minimum of two 30-minute walks per day, but most will appreciate more physical activity. And chances are they’ll let you know if they’re not getting enough exercise by barking, digging, or chewing your furniture.  

These pups are agile runners, so if you’re training for a marathon, take them along. They can handle the vigorous activity, and they’ll probably be the ones who slow down for you to keep up. (They don’t mind; they’re just happy to be invited.)  

They’ll enjoy running around or playing games in a fenced yard, and extracurriculars like agility trials or nose work will be greatly appreciated.  

As large dogs with a love of the great outdoors, Rhodesian Ridgebacks need homes with a ton of space. They like to run and are brilliantly fast, so a fenced yard with lots of acreage would be a dream space.   

They’ll want a warm, safe space indoors, too—think right next to you on the couch at night—but it’s a nonnegotiable to give them the outdoor space to be the active pup they are.  

Rhodesian Ridgebacks would adore a single pet parent or a couple, and they’d be equally happy with a family. They key is that they need an experienced pet parent who can socialize them properly—particularly with smaller children, if you do have a family at home.   

They’ll probably tolerate another dog sibling if they’re around the same size, but they might be not a good fit for smaller dogs and cats thanks to their prey drive that makes them want to chase. 

These devoted pups will bark if they hear unusual (or, let’s face it, any) sounds, which is another reason to give these deserving canines lots of space—for their own benefit and the neighbors’.