Rhodesian Ridgeback Care

The Rhodesian Ridgeback (RR)--called so because of a horizontal stripe of fur on its back that grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat--is an energetic, affectionate, often mischievous breed with a history as a hunting dog. These large-sized, handsome dogs are known for their friendliness and their endurance, though their exercise requirements aren't too extensive. Overall Rhodesian Ridgeback care and maintenance won't take too much work, but will need to include some daily exercise and early training/socialization to avoid stubbornness.

Below you'll find plenty of details on raising a Rhodesian Ridgeback: puppy care and development, exercise needs, diet and nutrition, and more are all covered here. Consider this page your definitive Rhodesian Ridgeback size guide--and read on!

These dogs are active and athletic, and are blessed with incredible endurance--but in reality, Rhodesian Ridgeback exercise requirements aren't exceedingly high. With their history as hunting dogs, RRs will need a variety of activities that both condition them physically (walking, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (hunting, canine sports). They make great jogging and bicycling companions as well.

But specifically how much exercise does a Rhodesian Ridgeback need each day? The typical adult RR, depending on its age and activity level, will be fine with about an hour of proper exercise per day--and you can achieve this with a couple of walks, jogs, or bike rides and a good period of play. You can start exercising your RR puppy when it's three months old by taking it on short (5- to 7-minute) leashed walks, then you can increase the walks' length and frequency as the puppy grows.

A few things to keep in mind when exercising your Rhodesian Ridgeback: first, puppies younger than nine months old shouldn't participate in activities that include a lot of jumping, running on hard surfaces, or navigating of stairs, as doing so can injure their still-developing joints and bones. And regardless of age, all RRs must be leashed when in public. These dogs have exceptionally high prey drives, and will instinctively chase small animals--birds, squirrels, cats, even small dogs--if given the chance; a leash will help you control your RR when it spies an interesting-looking critter. Even when exercising in your own yard, the area will need to be secured by a tall fence. RRs are excellent escape artists (and they have bold, mischievous personalities as well!), so they'll quickly run off if allowed. Otherwise, RRs can exercise in a variety of situations and weather conditions.

Precautions aside, it's very important to exercise your RR every single day. If bored or restless, these dogs will become highly destructive, and they'll be even more bold, hyperactive, and naughty than they already are! Consistent activity will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind. A few exercise ideas:

• Walking/Jogging/Bicycling: Two 20-minute walks (or 15-minute jogs or bike rides) per day is a good target
• Fetch/Frisbee: RRs will chase a ball, stick, or Frisbee for hours
• Tug-of-War: Good indoor, rainy-day activity; use a rope or old towel
• Hunting: Puts these dogs in their natural element
• Canine Sports: RRs can excel at obedience, agility, and field trials, flyball, and other events
• Hiking: Excellent bonding activity; the dog can even carry the backpack

When indoors, it's a good idea to give your RR access to balls or chew toys that will allow the dog to burn excess energy. It's also recommended that you establish a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks, jogs, or bike rides after breakfast and dinner and a play period in the afternoon.

In terms of shedding and drooling, these dogs don't need too much care. The amount of Rhodesian Ridgeback shedding can vary depending on whether the dog lives inside or outside; drooling isn't an issue.

These dogs have short-haired, glossy coats. "Indoor" RRs will shed a little bit all year long--while RRs that live outside will have heavier shedding periods in the spring and fall. Either way, brushing your RR 1-2 times per week with a rubber curry comb should minimize the shedding and keep the coat nice and glossy. Cleanup--vacuuming the floors and lint rollers on clothes and furniture--will only be necessary occasionally (but more often, of course, if an "outdoor" RR comes inside during its shedding season).

And a RR almost never drools. If your Rhodesian Ridgeback is drooling excessively, it may be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.

Like all breeds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback diet will need to include plenty of animal proteins and carbohydrates for energy, vitamins and minerals for digestive and immune health, and omega fatty acids for coat and skin wellness. This means the best Rhodesian Ridgeback food is the premium dry kind, as it contains balanced portions of the above-listed ingredients.

The typical adult RR, depending on its age, size, and activity level, will need about 3½ cups of premium dry food per day, divided into two meals. RR puppies, again depending on age, will need a bit less: about 2¾ cups per day, divided into three meals (not two) until six months of age.

For further details, here's a handy Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy feeding guide:

*--Around this time, transition to adult food by first mixing in a bit of adult formula with the puppy formula. Over the course of a week, with each meal add a little more adult food to the mixture, until the dog is eating it entirely.

If possible, try and stick to the above-listed portions. Though this breed is not especially prone to obesity, it can certainly become overweight if overfed (and under-exercised)--and a fat Rhodesian Ridgeback will have joint, breathing, and digestive issues, not to mention a potentially shortened lifespan. You can help control your RR's weight by having consistent feeding and exercise schedules, by not feeding the dog table scraps, and by not leaving food in the dog's bowl all the time, thereby allowing it to eat anytime it wants. It's better to put your RR's bowl down only at mealtimes, then pick it up a few minutes after the dog begins eating.

If you're worried your RR is overweight, give the dog this simple test: run a hand along its side, and if you can't feel any ribs, it's diet time. Decrease the dog's daily food consumption by one-fourth, and add an extra walk, jog, bike ride, or play period to its daily exercise schedule.

Though opinions differ over what's the best dog food for Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies and adults, the most popular and sensible choice is premium dry food. This high-quality food, while more expensive and difficult to obtain, has the nutrients your RR needs to maintain its health in the long term. Cheap, generic food is not recommended for this breed, because it contains mostly empty "filler" ingredients that are unhealthy, are harder for the dog to digest, and may even shorten its lifespan if consumed on a daily basis.

Royal Canin, Blue Buffalo, and Taste of the Wild are three recommended brands that carry excellent lines of premium dry food.

Technically speaking, this breed is both an indoor and outdoor one. RRs will need to spend a lot of time inside with their human family members--but they'll also need plenty of outdoor exercise. For the Rhodesian Ridgeback, apartment living is okay provided the dog gets daily exercise, but homes with a yard are better suited for them.

Also, for the Rhodesian Ridgeback hot weather and cold weather are both okay, as long as the temperatures aren't too sweltering or frigid.