Rhodesian Ridgeback
Sleek, strong and protective
Ridges 101
Hound groupThe Rhodesian Ridgeback is formidable dog, as befitting a breed developed to hunt large African animals and protect property, livestock and family members from harm. They are swift of foot and courageous of heart, devoted to family and especially children. Their ridge of backward-growing hair, which should run from their shoulders down the center of their back, was an unexpected outcome of the use of multiple kinds of dogs in developing the breed, but now it's their definiting feature.
What we love about Ridges
A dog who can hold a lion at bay will always stand up for you
Energy level
Energy level: 50% (Moderate)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary
Size
Size: 24 to 27 inches tall. This is a Large sized Dog.
- Energy level
- Moderate (50%)
- Bark level
- As needed
- Height
- 24 to 27 inches
- Lifespan
- 10 to 12 years
- Weight
- 70 to 85 lbs
The Rhodesian Ridgeback stands 24 to 27 inches tall and weighs 70 to 85 lbs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They are known for a moderate (50%) energy level and a as needed bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Rhodesian Ridgebacks get?
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks stand 24 to 27 inches tall and typically weigh between 70 and 85 pounds.
- How long do Rhodesian Ridgebacks live?
- The average lifespan of a Rhodesian Ridgeback is 10 to 12 years.
- Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good for first-time dog owners?
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks have moderate energy levels and can be suitable for first-time owners who are committed to regular exercise and training.
- Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks bark a lot?
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This Rhodesian Ridgeback health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Ridge
Risk level for common Ridge conditions
Mid-life Rhodesian Ridgebacks should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Skin cancer poses very high risk. Hypothyroid disease is at high risk.
- Skin cancer
- Very High Risk
- Hypothyroid disease
- High Risk
- Lymphatic cancer
- Above Average Risk
80% on risk scaleSenior Ridge
Risk level for common Ridge conditions
Senior Rhodesian Ridgebacks face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Splenic cancer and Skin cancer and Lymphatic cancer pose very high risk.
- Splenic cancer
- Very High Risk
- Skin cancer
- Very High Risk
- Lymphatic cancer
- Very High Risk
Ridge puppy
Risk level for common Ridge conditions
Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Foreign body ingestion and Gastroenteritis pose very high risk. Conjunctivitis is at high risk.
- Foreign body ingestion
- Very High Risk
- Gastroenteritis
- Very High Risk
- Conjunctivitis
- High Risk
Young adult Ridge
Risk level for common Ridge conditions
As Rhodesian Ridgebacks grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is at high risk.
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
- High Risk
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Above Average Risk
Mature adult Ridge
Risk level for common Ridge conditions
Mid-life Rhodesian Ridgebacks should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Skin cancer poses very high risk. Hypothyroid disease is at high risk.
- Skin cancer
- Very High Risk
- Hypothyroid disease
- High Risk
- Lymphatic cancer
- Above Average Risk
Senior Ridge
Risk level for common Ridge conditions
Senior Rhodesian Ridgebacks face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Splenic cancer and Skin cancer and Lymphatic cancer pose very high risk.
- Splenic cancer
- Very High Risk
- Skin cancer
- Very High Risk
- Lymphatic cancer
- Very High Risk
Ridge puppy
Risk level for common Ridge conditions
Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Foreign body ingestion and Gastroenteritis pose very high risk. Conjunctivitis is at high risk.
- Foreign body ingestion
- Very High Risk
- Gastroenteritis
- Very High Risk
- Conjunctivitis
- High Risk
Young adult Ridge
Risk level for common Ridge conditions
As Rhodesian Ridgebacks grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is at high risk.
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
- High Risk
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Above Average Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your Rhodesian Ridgeback's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 9 months)
- Foreign body ingestion: Very High Risk, Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Conjunctivitis: High Risk
- Young Adult (10 months to 4 years)
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV): High Risk, Trauma: Above Average Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Above Average Risk
- Mature Adult (5 years to 8 years)
- Skin cancer: Very High Risk, Hypothyroid disease: High Risk, Lymphatic cancer: Above Average Risk
- Senior (9+ years)
- Splenic cancer: Very High Risk, Skin cancer: Very High Risk, Lymphatic cancer: Very High Risk
Movie star Errol Flynn is recognized as the first breeder of Rhodesian Ridgebacks in the United States, keeping them on his Hollywood ranch in the 1930s.
Rhodesian Ridgeback coat care and colors
The Rhodesian Ridgeback's short, smooth coat is easy to care for – weekly brushing will keep it looking great. Because Ridgebacks are strong dogs, acclimate them to nail trims early with positive reinforcement for cooperation. Some tend to drool.
How often should I bathe my Rhodesian Ridgeback?
How often should I bathe my Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks need haircuts?
Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks need haircuts?
What kind of coat does my Rhodesian Ridgeback have?
What kind of coat does my Rhodesian Ridgeback have?
Ridge exercise & training
Ridge fun facts
Top girl names for Ridges
of Ridges are female
of Ridges are male
Top boy names for Ridges
Nationwide loves Rhodesian Ridgebacks of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among Rhodesian Ridgebacks insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
Rhodesian Ridgeback statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Ridges
Best. Rhodesian Ridgeback insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free