Rhodesian Ridgebacks forever!! (Rhodesian Ridgebacks)

Member Name: clara29

Product:	Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Date:	23/06/09 (112 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great watch dog, gentle nature, incredibly affectionate nature to those they love

Disadvantages: None at all

Im writing this review for anyone who finds themselves in a similar position to me three years ago - wanted to get a dog but what breed?
The situation was I was moving from a third floor flat to a house and knew I would feel more secure if I had a dog. I have never had a dog growing up and whilst I loved them, I was scared of certain breeds and was generally a little wary.
I am ashamed to admit it but I found certain breeds ugly and wanted a pretty looking dog - I say ashamed because now that I have had my beloved Ridgeback for three years I am SUCH a dog lover and think all dogs are beautiful in their own way!
Anyway, at the time I was looking for cute and pretty. But it was important that they be a good guard dog too - not much protection in a pug for instance.
I did about a years worth of research and finally decided on a Rhodesian Ridgeback and Im so glad I did. I just wanted to pass on my experience in the hope of helping and maybe reassuring anyone else in a similar position.

The ridgeback (also known as an African Lion Hound) was originally used to chase lions and assist hunters - NOT to hunt and kill lions as some people seem to think! They are so called because of the ridge of hair that grows along their back - it is not a protrusion of the spine but a line of hair that grows in the opposite direction to their coat.

They are known as a large breed belonging the Hound group. Some quick glance statistics and facts you may find useful:

Height: Dogs 25-27 inches (63-69cm) Bitches 24-26 inches (61-66cm)
Weight: Dogs 80-90 pounds (36-41kg) Bitches 65-75 pounds (29-34kg)
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Short haired dog therefore easy to groom - does shed though.
Health problems associated with breed: can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, dermoid sinus, and cysts.
Expect to pay between £700-£1000 or thereabouts.

My personal summary:

I have a three year old bitch. At first I swotted up on training but nothing really prepared my for having a puppy. I hated it at first, I was scared I was doing everything wrong but persevered and am SO glad I did because you get the dog that you are prepared to work for.

It is massively important to train and discipline a ridgeback firmly but without aggression - they will remember it if you strike them and there are many other effective ways. In my opinion you should never use violence on any animal anyway.
She house trained in a matter of weeks with the odd expected accident here and there. She slept in a cage at first as she loved the 'Den' feel of it. If you are going to cage train its essential that you dont use it for punishment, you buy one large enough for them to be able to turn round and stand up in. Just read up on it first!

Everyone assumes that large dogs require enormous amounts of exercise but its not true of a ridgeback! Dont get me wrong she gets enough exercise but she is the laziest dog who just loves vegging out on the sofa and in the sunshine - you can, but dont NEED to take them on 2 hour hikes!

Ridgebacks are also not guard dogs, they are watch dogs and there is a difference and should not be tied up in a yard like a guard dog. They will protect your home though always barking that loud bark when someone comes to the door! That said, she has never shown one single sign of undue aggression.

They are fiercely loyal and love nothing more than to be with their owners. They are good with children and if socialised great with other dogs too.

I would never ever have another breed, she is perfect and although it doesnt matter anymore still looks the cutest thing ever - she never lost her puppy features!

I hope this has helped!

Summary: The only breed for me