--- title: "Rhodesian Ridgeback" id: "191548" type: "breeds" slug: "rhodesian-ridgeback" published_at: "2022-07-02T04:19:11+00:00" modified_at: "2026-10-17T15:28:29+00:00" url: "https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/rhodesian-ridgeback/" markdown_url: "https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/rhodesian-ridgeback.md" excerpt: "The Rhodesian Ridgeback, originally bred in Southern Africa to hunt lions, is a remarkable and versatile breed known for its loyalty and affectionate nature. These medium-sized dogs are well-suited for families, making them a great choice for those with young..." taxonomy_breed_group: - "Hound Group" taxonomy_breed_size: - "Large" --- [Back to Breeds](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/) Large breed # Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies The Rhodesian Ride back can also be called The African Lion Hound or African Lion Dog is a dog breed that is bred in Southern Africa. They possess the extraordinary ability to keep a lion at Bay in anticipation of their master’s return. Discover more about our[Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies for sale](/puppies-for-sale/) below! - Great with kids - Active breed - Alert watchdog - Protective [Ask about Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies](#pb-ask) We do not have Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well. - Exercise 60 min a day ![Rhodesian-Ridgeback](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rhodesian-ridgeback-1-600x600.jpg) Share[https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpetlandmallofgeorgia.com%2Fbreed%2Frhodesian-ridgeback%2F](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpetlandmallofgeorgia.com%2Fbreed%2Frhodesian-ridgeback%2F) [https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpetlandmallofgeorgia.com%2Fbreed%2Frhodesian-ridgeback%2F&description=Rhodesian%20Ridgeback%20puppies](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpetlandmallofgeorgia.com%2Fbreed%2Frhodesian-ridgeback%2F&description=Rhodesian%20Ridgeback%20puppies) ## About the Rhodesian Ridgeback [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmallofgeorgia.com) The Rhodesian Ridgeback, originally bred in Southern Africa to hunt lions, is a remarkable and versatile breed known for its loyalty and affectionate nature. These medium-sized dogs are well-suited for families, making them a great choice for those with young children or other pets, as they often coexist harmoniously with both. Though they possess a strong personality, their temperament is generally gentle and loving, making them wonderful companions who thrive on close family bonds. Read more about the Rhodesian Ridgeback Show less With a moderate energy level, Rhodesian Ridgebacks enjoy a daily dose of exercise, whether it’s a brisk walk or an energetic romp in the yard. They are reasonably adaptable to various living environments but may prefer homes with a bit more space to roam. While weekly grooming will keep their coat looking great, expect some shedding that requires occasional attention. When it comes to training, Rhodesian Ridgebacks often excel due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Their trainability makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners who are willing to invest time in teaching them the ropes. Overall, this breed’s unique blend of affection, intelligence, and moderate energy levels can create a fulfilling bond with the right family. If you’re considering welcoming a Rhodesian Ridgeback into your life, visit us at Petland Mall of Georgia to meet these exceptional dogs in person. [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmallofgeorgia.com) ## Rhodesian Ridgeback breed profile Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse. ### Temperament - Affection Very affectionate - Playfulness Playful - With strangers Warms up - Territorial Territorial - Prey drive High ### Family & other pets - Young children With supervision - Older children Good - Other dogs Usually fine - Cats Needs care ### Energy & exercise - Energy High - Mental stimulation High ### Training - Trainability Quick to learn - Intelligence Very bright - Stubbornness A stubborn streak ### Care & upkeep - Shedding Moderate - Drooling Minimal - Barking Occasional ### Home life - Apartment living Prefers a house - Time alone A few hours - Cold weather Needs a coat - Warm weather Comfortable ### A good match for - First-time owners Manageable - Senior owners Suitable - Running partner Excellent - Hiking Excellent - Therapy work Possible - Guarding Protective ## Living with a Rhodesian Ridgeback ### History Their lineage can be traced back to the 17th century to the Khoikhoi people who inhabited the Cape Peninsula during the period of Dutch trade with the Khoikhoi people. The dog the Dutch used to defend swathes of farmland has a typical muscular build and ugly appearance, and it is famed for its notoriety of defending its stead against encroaching lions in anticipation of their master’s arrival. Through genetic research, the Ridgeback and Great Danes imported by the Europeans fall within the same Genetic group. These breeds were bred with the native dogs of the Khoikhoi people and native African dogs to create a breed called the Boer Hound (Dutch: ***Boerhund***). They later developed through selective breeding to become the pioneers of the present-day Rhodesian Ridgeback. ### Temperament A defining characteristic of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is intelligence and loyalty. Sometimes, they might react questionably to strangers but that shouldn’t be misconstrued as aggression. A Rhodesian Ridgeback will not attack a stranger if it has a good temperament. Inexperienced dog owners are required to reevaluate their options regarding Ridgebacks to prevent altercations. It is pertinent that constant supervision, training, and socialization is adopted to promote the positive development of the Ridgeback. ### Environment Although the primary role of The Rhodesian Ridgeback is to hunt and chase, they are well accustomed to a family setting. A sizeable fenced yard area should be provided for them to perform physical activities. Climatic conditions, such as Rain and Sunshine have little effect on them, so you have little or nothing to worry about this dogged breed. ### Exercise This dog breed is bursting with energy so it requires a daily exercise regimen. You can incorporate exercises such as hunting expeditions, extensive play, and challenges that will prevent those energy bombs from going off. These exercises effectively keep them from destroying your prized possessions. ### Grooming Avoid the use of pesticides in instant-relief solutions for Ticks and Fleas, the breed is highly sensitive to these solutions. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a short hair coat, so caring for them is relatively easy. With the aid of a brush damp coat or brush, owners will be able to extract dead hair peacefully. Our **Rhodesian Ridgeback**puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country. The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering **Rhodesian Ridgeback**puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. ## Caring for a Rhodesian Ridgeback GroomingWeekly brushing Grooming costLow Monthly foodAverage Outdoor spaceA yard is recommended Allergy friendlyNot considered hypoallergenic ## Rhodesian Ridgeback Video ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Are Rhodesian Ridgeback good family dogs? Yes! They are. They are amazing loyal companions and friendly with Children. When raised alongside cats they relate well with them. Although they’re friendly with children, both dogs and children must learn how to tolerate and coexist with each other. ### Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks dangerous? There’s a level of notable animal aggression, this is due in part to the natural hunter-prey instinct it possesses. Ridgebacks can also display aggressive dominance to other dogs of similar sexual attributes. ### What are Rhodesian Ridgebacks used for? South African Boer farmers needed a versatile breed, temperature tolerant, could traverse the rugged terrain of the southern African Bushland, guard property and withstand drought conditions. These challenges led to the breeding of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. ### Do Ridgeback bark? The Ridgeback possesses a lot of characteristic features, but barking isn’t their guilty pleasure. So, they don’t bark a lot. ### Are the Rhodesian Ridgeback good fighters? Yes, they are! As long as they are properly trained, they will remain loyal to you and protect you against incursions. ### Can Rhodesian Ridgeback be left alone? Ridgebacks are like a compassionate lover, they require love and attention, and are willing to follow you to almost everywhere you go unless they’re instructed otherwise. ### Do Ridgebacks shed a lot? Depending on its environment, Ridgeback sheds little hair. If it’s kept in your home, they shed a little and if they are kept outside, they shed seasonally. Due to their short coats, their odor is minimal and live a clean life. ### Why is my Ridgeback shedding too much? If your Ridgeback is shedding a lot of hair frequently, it’s a sign of poor health and time to visit the vet. Also, you should take a look at the grooming routine and tweak it correspondingly. ### When Should I spay/neuter my Rhodesian Ridgeback? The right time to spay/neuter a ridgeback is when it has attained full sexual maturity. ### Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks healthy? The most common disease of Ridgebacks are cataracts, this is a serious eye condition in Ridgebacks. 21% of Ridgebacks suffer from thyroid disease. Other diseases of the joints like hip and elbow dysplasia are not too common with Ridgebacks. Ridgebacks are excellent hunting dogs that have been bred to be loyal, loving and friendly with the family. They require constant exercise to compensate for the energy bursts they possess. Ridgebacks tend to be clingy most times unless they’re instructed otherwise. In the outdoors, Ridgebacks will loyally guard against intruders, hunt prey and guard against Lion encroachment. A downside is the eye disease they suffer from, however, through proper treatment and care, they’ll be able to live a normal life. ## Similar Breeds ![Beagle](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/beagle-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Beagle](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/beagle/) 1 available ![Afghan Hound puppies breed info](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/afghan-hound-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Afghan Hound](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/afghan-hound/) ![American Foxhound puppies breed](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/american-foxhound-1-300x300.jpg) ### [American Foxhound](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/american-foxhound/) ![Basset Hound](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/basset-hound-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Basset Hound](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/basset-hound/) ## Ready to Meet Them? Call us to check current availability or to arrange a visit with a Rhodesian Ridgeback. - [Georgia, GA (678) 324-9046](tel:6783249046) ## Ask About Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies Our pet counselors are ready to help you find your new best friend. "*" indicates required fields ``` Petland Mall of Georgia 4082 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Emily H Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Cathy b Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joey was absolutely a delight to work with! I absolutely loved our conversation. She was very helpful answering questions. Next time I come in, I am definitely going to request joy Posted on Google Chris W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cally was a great sales associate! We appreciate her knowledge showing our girl the dogs! Posted on Google YOOmi R Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was GREAT! Very detailed and knowledgeable! And Timmy mini poodle was so sweet and cute!! Our girls loved the visit! Posted on Google Corina G Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Maleigha S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was a wonderful help and me and my bf had a great chat with him! Very kind professional and kind to us we loved the dogs too shoutout Chocolate. Posted on Google Grace K Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 👍 Posted on Google Alexander S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Blue is SUCH A CUTIE I LOVE HIM SM AGHHH Posted on Google Patrick W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joy was amazing and she was so helpful with information!! ```