Rhodesian Ridgeback
羅德西亞背脊犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, athletic African hound named for the ridge of backward-growing hair along its spine, bred to track lions and guard the homestead. Ridgebacks are dignified, even-tempered and devoted to their family but strong-willed, reserved with strangers and driven by a powerful prey instinct; their short coat is easy-care and copes well with heat.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 61–69cm |
| Weight | 30–39kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–12years |
| Breed group | AKC: hound FCI: 6 |
| Role | Hound |
| Coat | Short coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 45–150min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 2/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 2/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Elbow dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is reported in the breed. Ask your vet about thyroid testing if you notice weight gain, lethargy or coat changes.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is reported in the breed. Ask your vet promptly if your dog has a seizure.
Degenerative myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord condition of older dogs, is reported in the breed; a DNA test identifies risk. Ask your vet if an older dog shows hind-leg weakness.
Neuroaxonal dystrophy / neurological DNA-tested conditions
Inherited neurological conditions are reported in the breed and DNA tests exist for some. Ask your breeder which tests were done.
Immune-mediated conditions
Immune-mediated conditions are reported in the breed. Ask your vet if your dog has unexplained illness.
Behaviour
Dignified, reserved with strangers
The CKC says the Ridgeback is dignified and even-tempered, may be reserved with strangers and is regarded as a strong protector of the home; the AKC adds it can be strong-willed and independent, is a devoted companion that needs to live indoors with its family, and can be aloof or domineering without early training.
Strong prey drive — enclosed areas only
The AKC says that because of their very strong prey drive Ridgebacks should always be in a safely enclosed area when off lead; they need a moderate amount of exercise — long walks and play sessions — and love to run. The CKC notes great endurance and a fair turn of speed.
Temperament
The AKC summarises the breed's temperament as "dignified / affectionate / even-tempered".
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "more than 2 hours per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 2/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Rhodesian Ridgeback
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Rhodesian Ridgeback (Hounds)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Rhodesian Ridgeback
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise more than 2 hours per day, lifespan over 10 years), plus the recommended pre-breeding health schemes and DNA tests.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Rhodesian Ridgeback (standard no. 146, group 6)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club's 'Are you prepared for an RR?' checklist asks whether you can provide a safe fenced area and never let the dog run loose, give enough attention, exercise and firm-but-loving discipline, and accept a puppyhood that can last two or three years; it notes the short, low-odour coat is great for hot climates, but that an adult can clear a five-foot fence and that a bored Ridgeback will find its own entertainment.”
— Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States — Are You Prepared for an RR? via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Rhodesian Ridgeback — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Rhodesian Ridgeback — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Rhodesian Ridgeback — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Rhodesian Ridgeback — FCI standard no. 146 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Are You Prepared for an RR? — The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States — Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States — Are You Prepared for an RR? (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.