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Rhodesian Ridgebacks are considered one of the most handsome breeds. They were mainly bred as hunters and home guardians. However, with modernisation, their prey drive has reduced significantly. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large dogs with muscular bodies. Their most prominent feature is their ridge of hair, hence their name.

In this article, we have covered everything you should know if you own a Rhodesian Ridgeback or plan to own one.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks, or the African Lion Hounds, were bred by Boer farmers in South Africa. They were mainly developed to endure extreme temperatures while hunting and all other harsh conditions that came their way. A minimal number of Rhodesian Ridgebacks went to the U.S. by 1911.

However, many Rhodesian Ridgebacks were imported to European countries after the Second World War. Finally, after a few decades, the American Kennel Club recognised Rhodesian Ridgebacks in 1955. Today, they rank 54th in popularity and are widely famous in South Africa.

Some of the characteristics of Rhodesian Ridgebacks are:

• Lifespan: Rhodesian Ridgebacks have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
• Height: Male Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 25 to 27 inches tall, while female Ridgebacks are 24 to 26 inches tall. 
• Colour: There is a slight variation in coat colours. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are seen in red wheaten, light wheaten, and wheaten.
• Weight: Males weigh about 80 to 100 pounds, whereas females weigh between 60 to 80 pounds.
• Temperament: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are affectionate, gentle, and entirely independent. They can also be stubborn at times.
• Energy Level: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are highly energetic and love to exercise.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be stubborn and, if not appropriately trained, they can be pretty destructive. So, here are a few tips to train your Rhodesian Ridgeback properly:

• Ignore Unwanted Behaviour: If you notice any unwanted behaviour in your Rhodesian Ridgeback, do not react; avoid it. This will help them understand that their behaviour is undesirable, and they will be less likely to repeat it. However, praise them every time they behave nicely.
• Teach and Repeat Basic Commands: Teach them the basic instructions and try to repeat them as often as possible. Ensure that all the members in your house are on the same page and use the same cue to train your Rhodesian Ridgeback. This will help them to memorise better.
• Hire Dog Trainers: If you are having trouble training your Rhodesian Ridgeback or are dealing with behavioural issues, you can hire a dog trainer. The trainer will assess your dog's needs and train it accordingly. You will also learn how to handle your dog and avoid future problems.

Some of the common health problems seen in Rhodesian Ridgebacks are:

• Dermoid Sinus: This is a severe congenital disorder affecting the skin of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. A narrow tube-like structure or cyst is seen near the spinal cord. The skin is penetrated in varying degrees and can even reach the spinal cord. Some puppies are euthanised, while some improve with surgical intervention.
• Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy: Although epilepsy is not an inherited disease, this type of epilepsy is caused by the passing of a gene from the parent Ridgeback to the child Ridgeback. The affected Ridgeback should be kept under surveillance, and lifelong medication is required to control the seizures.
• Bloating: Deep-chested dogs like Rhodesian Ridgebacks generally suffer from bloating, where the dog's stomach gets twisted upon being filled with gas. This, in turn, cuts the bloody supply to the stomach and can prove life-threatening if not treated promptly. They may act restless when bloated.
• Rhodesian Ridgeback Inherited Arrhythmia (RR IVA): This is an inherited disease where your Ridgeback's heart’s conduction system is affected. It manifests as irregular and abnormal heartbeats, and in severe cases, it may also cause the death of the dog. The signs usually occur between 6 months to 3 years.
• Cancer: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are prone to several cancers, such as malignant melanoma, osteosarcoma, and mast cell tumours. It is generally idiopathic and has no relation to an individual's inheritance. Lifelong treatment with chemotherapy is required.
• Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: Large dogs like Rhodesian Ridgebacks are prone to joint disorders like elbow and hip dysplasia. These can develop if obese or old and eventually result in arthritis. Your dog will have difficulty standing after extended periods of rest.

Some tips to take care of your Rhodesian Ridgeback are:

• Food And Nutrition: The meal portion of a Rhodesian Ridgeback depends on the dog's size, energy level, activity level, metabolism, and age. The dog should be fed high-quality food, and the meal portion should be split into two.
• Grooming: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are pretty low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Brush them twice or thrice weekly to remove loose and dead hair. After brushing, wipe them off with a clean, damp cloth.
• Exercise: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are highly athletic and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy. They should be indulged in activities that add to their mental and physical stimulation. If not stimulated physically, they might be prone to obesity and hence develop bone and joint disorders.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are excellent with kids. However, male Ridgebacks are aggressive towards other males, especially if they are not spayed. Therefore, it is essential to socialise your dog with other people and dogs to reduce their aggression. Other than that, Rhodesian Ridgebacks also make fantastic guard dogs.