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© Zandebasenjis (Sally Wallis) | Dreamstime.com
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Rhodesian Ridgeback
Nickname: African Lion Hound
Breed origin: Africa
Original purpose: Hunt lions and protect families.
AKC recognized: 1955
AKC group: Hound
Size:
Weight: males 80 to 90 lbs;
females 65 to 75 lbs
Size: Height: males 25 to 27 inches;
females 24 to 26 inches
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© Ankevanwyk (Anke Van Wyk) | Dreamstime.com
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Color: Light wheaten to red wheaten.
Life span: 10 to 14 years.
General characteristics/temperament: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is dignified, even-tempered, strong, athletic, active, sensitive, loyal, and affectionate. They like to be near their family, but are reserved with strangers. They are capable of great endurance and speed. Once mature, they are generally very good with children, and are protective of their family. They have a strong prey drive, and are easily able to clear high fences. Care must be taken to keep them from chasing cats or squirrels into the street.
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© Ankevanwyk (Anke Van Wyk) | Dreamstime.com
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Good with children? Yes, but young dogs might knock over small children by accident.
Good with other dogs? Yes
Good with cats? No. Most have a high prey drive and will chase cats.
Good watchdog? Yes
Protective? Yes
OK for inexperienced owners? No
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© Ankevanwyk (Anke Van Wyk) | Dreamstime.com
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Intelligent? Yes
Easy to train? No
Energy/Activity Level: Moderate
Good jogging partner? Yes
Suitable canine sports/activities: conformation, lure coursing, agility, obedience, tracking, therapy
Exercise requirement: Daily romp in the back yard or park and longer trips to the park twice a week. More would be better, but they can adapt.
Grooming requirement: Brush weekly and bathe occasionally as needed. They are very clean dogs with little odor and minimal shedding if brushed regularly.
Known health problems: Dermoid sinus, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, cataracts, cancer, degenerative myelopathy, deafness.
Additional photos of Rhodesian Ridgeback
Recommended books for further reading:Show more books
Other websites for additional information:
American Kennel Club breed page
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
Wikipedia breed information page
Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
Ridgeback Rescue of the United States
DogBreedMatch
