Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed

Thinking of getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog and want to know if a Rhodesian Ridgeback is suitable for your household?

Use the Rhodesian Ridgeback information on this website to learn more about adaptability, health issues, life span of Rhodesian Ridgeback and more.


Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Facts

Rhodesian Ridgeback Facts

  • Name: Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • Other Names: African Lion Dog, African Lion Hound
  • Origin: Zimbabwe
  • Breed Group: Hound (AKC:1955), Sighthounds & pariahs (UKC)
  • Breed Type: Purebred


Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Facts

Rhodesian Ridgeback Information

Slightly longer than tall, the Rhodesian Ridgeback combines speed, power and endurance. The Ridgeback must have an athletic build to enable it to catch up to a lion and then harass it without being hurt. Because the lion is not the only quarry of the Ridgeback, the dog must also be strong enough to bring down other large game. Its stride is efficient and long. The short glossy coat is adapted for working in hot climates. A distinctive feature is the clearly defined ridge, which should start with two identical whorls just behind the shoulders and taper to a point between the hipbones.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is the hound group's answer to a somewhat protective dog. Not only is it a keen and versatile hunter, but it is a loyal guardian. It is good with children, especially protective of those in its family, but it is sometimes overly boisterous in play for small children. It is strong-willed and powerful; some can become domineering. It is reserved with strangers and can be aggressive toward strange dogs and animals.

What to do if you lose your Rhodesian Ridgeback

If your Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Report your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the lost pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups Here.

3. Visit the local vet clinics to see if someone has handed in your lost pet.

4. Telephone the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Pounds.

What to do if you find a lost Rhodesian Ridgeback

If you find a Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Report the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Phone the Local Council to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the pet to the local Animal Shelter near to your suburb.

5. Take the pet to the local Vet who can scan the animal’s microchip and locate the registered owner of the pet.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must call your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.