Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback: does it suit you?
11 quick questions, the same ones this page answers. After each answer you see what the breed needs, and at the end whether it fits your life.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: a good fit for you
Rhodesian Ridgeback: could work, with compromises
Rhodesian Ridgeback: probably not the right dog for you
Your answers match what the breed needs.
Most of your answers fit. Check the points below before you decide.
Some of your answers don't fit what the breed needs. The points below show where.
What to think about
What fits
A better match for your answers:
None of the 42 breeds on this site fits your answers better.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is at present the only registered breed indigenous to southern Africa.[1] Known as the ‘Lion Dog’, it originally hunted in groups of two or three, tracking game, especially lion, and holding it at bay until the hunter arrived.[1] It is still used to hunt game in many parts of the world, but is especially valued as a watchdog and family dog.[1] In the standard’s words it is dignified and intelligent, aloof with strangers but showing no aggression or shyness.[1]
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 32–36.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
Rhodesian Ridgeback: origin and history
Its forebears can be traced to the Cape Colony, where they crossed with the early pioneers’ dogs and with the semi-domesticated, ridged hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi people.[1] The breed takes its name from the ridge of hair that grows in the opposite direction along its spine, a feature the ancient Khoikhoi dogs also had.[2]
The first standard was drafted by F. R. Barnes in Bulawayo, Rhodesia, in 1922, based on that of the Dalmatian, and was approved by the South African Kennel Union in 1926.[1] Southern Africa is its FCI region of origin, and the breed is classified in Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 3 (Related breeds).[1]
Fact sheet
Character and needs
Rated on a scale from very low to very high.
- Exercise needshigh
- Trainabilitymoderate
- Grooming needsvery low
- Sheddingmoderate
- Barkinglow
- Good with kidshigh
- Good with other dogsmoderate
- Good with catslow
- Apartment-friendlylow
- Copes with being alonemoderate
- Watchdog instincthigh
- Good for first-time ownerslow
- Affectionhigh
Rhodesian Ridgeback: questions and answers
Is it a good dog for first-time owners?
Not as a first dog. It rates 2 out of 5 for first-time owners. Training takes patience and consistency (3 out of 5 for trainability). The guarding instinct needs early socialisation and calm, consistent handling. If it would be your first dog, plan for a puppy class and a trainer who knows the breed.
How long can it be left alone?
Up to 4 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. A few hours alone work if you build up slowly (3 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.
How much exercise does it need?
About 2 hours a day, spread over several walks. Plan for off-lead running or games, not just walks on the lead. Until the dog is fully grown, keep walks short and avoid jumping to protect the growing joints.
How long does it live?
10–12 years is the typical life expectancy. That is shorter than the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). As with most large breeds, life is shorter than for small dogs. Breed-typical health risks: hip dysplasia, epilepsy.
How big does it get?
61–69 cm at the withers and 32–36.5 kg. Size class: large.
Is it a good family dog?
Yes. It rates 4 out of 5 with children. Its size and energy can knock over small children, so supervise play. The dog protects its family, so visitors and your children's friends need a calm introduction. With other dogs it rates 3 out of 5, with cats 2 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.
Does it shed a lot?
Moderately: 3 out of 5 for shedding. Grooming is quick: a brush once a week is enough.
Male or female?
63–69 cm at the withers for males and 61–66 cm for females, according to the breed standard. Weight: 36.5 kg for males and 32 kg for females. Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.
Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boxer?
Biggest difference: barking (low vs. moderate).
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | Boxer | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Weight | 32–36.5 kg | 25–35 kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 years | 10–12 years |
| Coat | Short | Short |
| Barking | Low | Moderate |
| Good with kids | High | Very high |
| Good with cats | Low | Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | Moderate | Low |
Who it suits
A good fit if you…
- love being outdoors and have 2 hours or more a day for exercise
- have children
- want an easy-care coat
- want a quiet dog
- want a watchful dog
Rhodesian Ridgeback: the downsides
Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:
- Needs about 2 hours of exercise a day
- Every day, in any weather, for 10–12 years. Without enough exercise and things to do, the dog gets restless and may start chewing or barking.
- Not a first dog
- 2 out of 5 for first-time owners. The breed needs consistent training from someone who has handled dogs before.
- Strong guarding instinct
- 4 out of 5 as a watchdog. The dog is wary of strangers and needs early socialisation and calm, consistent handling.
- Needs space
- 2 out of 5 for apartment living. The dog does best in a house with a garden or with fields on the doorstep.
- Chases cats
- 2 out of 5 with cats. Living with a cat works best if they grow up together, and even then not always.
- Breed-typical health risks
- Hip dysplasia, epilepsy. Choose a breeder who screens the parents, and consider health insurance.
Rhodesian Ridgeback: puppy price and monthly costs
£800 – £3,000 for a puppy from a breeder in the UK (Waggel). From £116 a month in running costs in the UK (PDSA, 2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
| Country | Puppy from a breeder | Running costs per month |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £800 – £3,000 [3] | from £116 [4] |
| United States | $1,800 – $2,500 [5] | $116 [6] |
| Canada | no data | CA$367 [7] |
| Australia | from A$2,000 [8] | A$210 [9] |
| New Zealand | no data | NZ$100 [10] |
- Set-up costs at the start: £415 – £560 for basic equipment, first vaccinations, wormers and neutering (PDSA, 2024).
- Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
- Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
- Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
- Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.
Health
Breed-typical health risks
- Hip dysplasia [2]
- A malformed hip joint. Both parents should be X-ray screened.
- Epilepsy [16]
- Can be inherited and is often well controlled with medication.
Health tests for the parent dogs
8 health tests appear in the breeding rules for the breed.
- No health test is required for breeding in the UK (The Royal Kennel Club); the table shows what is recommended.
- Needed for a CHIC number in the US (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center): hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), eye exam, and thyroid test.
- Required of club members who breed in Canada (Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Canada): hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), heart exam, thyroid test, and DNA tests (DM).
- Required of club members who breed in Australia (National Rhodesian Ridgeback Council): hip X-ray (HD) and elbow X-ray (ED).
- No health test is required for breeding in New Zealand (Dogs New Zealand); the table shows what is recommended.
| Test | United Kingdom [17] | United States [18] | Canada [19] | Australia [20] | New Zealand [21] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip X-ray (HD)Hip dysplasia | Recommended | Required | Required | Required | Recommended |
| Elbow X-ray (ED)Elbow dysplasia | Recommended | Required | Required | Required | Recommended |
| Eye examInherited eye disease, by a certified vet ophthalmologist | not in the rules | Required | Recommended | not in the rules | Recommended |
| Heart examInherited heart disease, by a cardiologist | not in the rules | Recommended | Required | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Hearing test (BAER)Congenital deafness | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Thyroid testAutoimmune thyroiditis | not in the rules | Required | Required | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| DNA test: DMDegenerative myelopathy | Recommended | not in the rules | Required | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| DNA test: JMEJuvenile myoclonic epilepsy | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
● Required. ○ Recommended: advised, not required. – Not in the rules. The clubs and their rules are in the source list.
United Kingdom: the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Standard requires no test, so every test is ○ recommended.
United States: ● means the test is needed for a CHIC number from the OFA; taking part in CHIC is voluntary.
Canada and Australia: ● means the breed club’s code of ethics requires the test of member breeders; the kennel club registers litters without it.
New Zealand: the kennel club lists these tests as advice and requires none, so every test is ○ recommended.
What to ask the breeder
- Certificates for both parents: hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), eye exam, heart exam, and thyroid test. A claim that the parents are “health tested” is not enough.
- DNA results of both parents for DM, or proof that both are clear by descent.
- To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
- The pedigree papers (United Kingdom: Royal Kennel Club registration certificate; Canada: CKC certificate of registration; Australia: Dogs Australia pedigree, issued by the state body; New Zealand: Dogs NZ certificate of registration). [22] [23] [24] [25]
- 8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [26] [27] [28]
- Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [29] [30] [31] [32]
Similar breeds
Sources
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 146: Rhodesian Ridgeback (2025)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Waggel (UK pet insurer): Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed Guide - Temperament, Training, Health
- PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
- Spot Pet Insurance: How Much Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Cost? (2026)
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
- Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
- Perfect Pets (breeder directory): Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders in Australia - breed guide
- Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
- Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
- nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
- American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
- City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
- Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
- PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
- PNAS 114(10):2669-2674 (Wielaender F et al.): Generalized myoclonic epilepsy with photosensitivity in juvenile dogs caused by a defective DIRAS family GTPase 1 (2017)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Royal Kennel Club Health Standard: A complete guide to health testing for responsible breeding (2026)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Canine Health Information Center (CHIC): CHIC Program Requirements and testing statistics: Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Canada: Code of Ethics (2012)
- National Rhodesian Ridgeback Council (Australia): Health Information
- Dogs New Zealand: Accredited Breeder Health Tests for the RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK (former Accredited Breeders Scheme test list)
- The Royal Kennel Club: What should the breeder give me?
- The Canadian Kennel Club: By-Laws (incl. Code of Ethics (2025)
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Importance of Pedigree Papers
- Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club Inc.): Registration Regulations (Section 4, Reg. 24: Litter Registration Limitations (2026)
- UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
- The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
- Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?
Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.
Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.
Breed traits describe typical tendencies. Every dog is an individual, shaped by genes, upbringing and training.