Where to Get A Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback (RR) is a purebred dog like few others: people who professionally breed them are as devoted to this breed as the dog will be to those for whom it is a properly maintained and appreciated companion. They are not for first-time families, and buying one on impulse is certainly not suggested. Also known as the African Lion Hound, the RR is a serious hunting dog that was for several centuries bred to track and hunt big game, and I mean BIG: the "Lion Hound" moniker is no joke. These dogs need an extraordinary amount of training, socialization and care, and they are not for people who are not prepared to dedicate 12 years or more doing every day that which this great dog requires to remain healthy, happy and managed.

There are many Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies for sale, and this page will help you to learn why they cost so much, where to find them and what to expect when seeking a breeder.

If you have done significant research and are ready to get a Rhodesian Ridgeback (RR), the next step is the price and why it may be so high. The Ridgeback is not too rare a purebred, but it does have a highly devoted human following. You won't find many backyard breeders (BYBs) selling RR puppies as the parents demand a lot of maintenance to keep them healthy, happy and non-aggressive, and the resources required to do this will consume that which most BYBs tend to desire exclusively: profit. Finding a reputable breeder is not difficult, however, but bear in mind that while some of them may offer RR puppies around $3,000 or more, there are many reasons why the Rhodesian Ridgeback price is somewhat astronomical.

• Health concerns are a top priority regarding Rhodesian Ridgebacks, as this breed is prone to severe hip dysplasia, dermoids, deafness and other major health problems; mitigating them is costly as are the health tests.
• Some breeders suggest getting two RRs, and while this may seem like a sales ploy, it is because this breed is extremely high-energy and there may be nothing better to help burn off the otherwise destructive (and difficult to undo) behavior than another Ridgeback.
• The cost of travel for the dam or sire for breeding may figure into the cost, as having two very healthy, award-winning and perhaps champion bloodline RRs produce puppies is what many breeders of this fine dog do.
• Older Ridgebacks should be certified free of dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), and this can be one reason why adult RRs may be more expensive than puppies — but beware that such a certification requires two years of age, and puppies will never have this certification.
• Low-cost Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies that are relatively qualified for being much lower are the ridgeless Rhodesian Ridgeback; there are some puppies that are born with the contradictory tuft of hair on his back and which gives this breed its name.
• Ridgebacks are hunting dogs, to be sure, but they are also highly valued as show dogs.
• Don't forget about the warranties that are sure to accompany your beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy — with all the costs of producing such a fine dog, you will want to rest assured that any unforeseen concerns won't create too many problems.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks (RR) are not readily found for free, but they are out there — and so are many RR mixes that look like purebreds but are hybrid dogs that have been abandoned for one reason or another. Perhaps one of the best sites for RR rescues is RhodesianRidgeback.RescueMe.org. Although most of the rescues advertised on this site are RR mixes, there is the occasional purebred RR. Some of the dogs are free, and some are available for adoption costs as low as $50.

You should be very aware of the RR's general disposition, however, and you should also know that rescue dogs — no matter the breed or mix — tend to have personality and / or health problems caused by being abandoned or abused. As RRs are extremely active, remarkably intelligent and can be stubbornly independent, this can make for a dog that is very difficult to manage, if not somewhat dangerous for first-time families. Just because a dog is free or very low-priced doesn't mean that there won't be many great costs later, so be sure to research long and hard — especially if you plan on getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback rescue.