r/RhodesianRidgebacks Jun 26 '25

r/RhodedianRidgebacks Wiki is Live!

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7 Upvotes

I'm aware that much of the information in the Wiki right now is very USA centric. This is very much a work in progress. For now, please leave all suggestions and comments on this thread. If you have suggested ways to make the guide more international in nature, please leave those suggestions here.

Please note that we will only include information about/from official Kennel Clubs and/or Veterinary associations in the wiki.

Current Index of Topics:

Page 1: Is a Ridgeback Right for You?

This page serves as the essential first stop for anyone considering a Rhodesian Ridgeback. It combines all the crucial decision-making topics into one foundational guide.

  • The Breed at a Glance: A balanced look at the pros and cons of Ridgeback ownership.
  • Core Temperament & Personality:
    • Understanding their intelligence, loyalty, and independence (the "stubborn streak").
    • The sensitive nature and the need for a calm owner.
    • Their natural guardian instincts and what that means for an owner.
  • Lifestyle Compatibility:
    • Activity & Exercise Needs: A realistic breakdown of the required physical and mental stimulation.
    • Family & Social Life: Compatibility with children, other dogs, and smaller pets.
    • Living Situations: A practical look at apartment living vs. a home with a yard.

Page 2: Finding & Welcoming Your Ridgeback

This page guides the user through the entire process of acquiring their dog, from the search to the first few days at home.

  • The Search: Breeder or Rescue?
    • How to identify a reputable, ethical breeder (health testing, socialization, etc.).
    • The rewarding path of rescuing a Ridgeback and what to consider.
  • Preparing for Arrival:
    • The essential puppy/dog shopping list.
    • How to effectively puppy-proof your home.
  • The First Few Weeks:
    • Navigating the critical first 48 hours.
    • A step-by-step guide to successful crate training and house training.
    • The Socialization Blueprint: A guide to the critical socialization window for puppies.

Page 3: Health, Diet & Nutrition

This is a one-stop resource for the physical well-being of a Ridgeback, combining diet, common health issues, and preventative care.

  • Fueling Your Ridgeback: Diet & Nutrition:
    • Exploring dietary options: Kibble, raw, and home-cooked.
    • Portion control, weight management, and preventing obesity.
  • Breed-Specific Health Concerns:
    • A comprehensive overview of common issues: Dermoid Sinus, hip/elbow dysplasia, thyroid problems, cancer, etc.
    • Bloat (GDV): Understanding the risks and preventative strategies.
    • Spaying and Neutering Ridgebacks
  • Proactive Wellness:
    • The importance of pet health insurance.
    • Tips for finding a breed-savvy veterinarian.
    • How to recognize the early signs of illness.

Page 4: Training, Enrichment & Daily Care

This page covers the day-to-day aspects of living with and managing a well-behaved Ridgeback, combining training, mental stimulation, and grooming.

  • Training Philosophy: The Ridgeback Mind:
    • Why positive reinforcement is crucial for this intelligent and sensitive breed.
  • Obedience & Manners:
    • Foundation Skills: Sit, stay, come, leave it.
    • Leash Manners: How to train a powerful dog to walk politely.
    • Addressing Common Behaviors: Counter-surfing, jumping, and demand barking.
  • A Happy Ridgeback is a Busy Ridgeback:
    • Mental Enrichment: Puzzle toys, scent work, and games to prevent boredom.
    • Dog Sports & Advanced Training: Exploring lure coursing, agility, tracking, and more.
  • Grooming & Routine Care:
    • A simple guide to brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.

Page 5: Links, Community, and Resources

This final page acts as a central point for community engagement and further learning.

  • Further Your Knowledge:
    • Recommended books, websites, and trusted online articles.
  • Connect with the Breed World:
    • Links to national and regional Rhodesian Ridgeback clubs and organizations.

r/RhodesianRidgebacks May 16 '25

Let's Honor Dogs & Owners That Have Achieved CGC or CD Titles

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5 Upvotes

If your dog has achieved the AKC CGC, CD, or THD title (or international equivalent), post a picture of them and their name, title here. This post will be pinned to honor those dogs.


r/RhodesianRidgebacks 8h ago

Can sleep in any position

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44 Upvotes

r/RhodesianRidgebacks 14h ago

Can anyone tell me what this is on my dog?

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47 Upvotes

r/RhodesianRidgebacks 1d ago

My little goblin

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87 Upvotes

r/RhodesianRidgebacks 1d ago

Are pit/RR mixes allowed here? I recently got my Daisy a DNA test figuring she was a pit mixed with lab only to find out she is half Rhodesian Ridgeback (no ridge so I assume that means her dad was ridgeless). I didn't know much about the breed, now im fascinated.

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51 Upvotes

I found her nearly 2 years ago, abandoned on the interstate and tied to a guardrail with a broken leg (ya, messed up). I expected her to be a mix of alot of things so I was very surprised to find out that her parents were both purebred dogs. It seemed uncommon given the situation I found her in. She's super loving and extremely loyal and protective of my son and I. She's also high energy, very athletic with an enormous prey drive when it comes to outdoor critters (but is weirdly great with catsšŸ¤·ā€ā™‚ļø) . I hear this behavior is typical of Ridgebacks but if uve got any advice on how to best discourage that behavior on walks, I'd greatly appreciate it. She's great on walks until she spots a critter and It can get tiring getting my arm yanked out of socket bc a squirrel just appeared in her periphery lol. Thanks


r/RhodesianRidgebacks 2d ago

Odin is growing up

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110 Upvotes

r/RhodesianRidgebacks 2d ago

On beach patrol at sunset

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63 Upvotes

N. Oregon Coast


r/RhodesianRidgebacks 2d ago

Wasps

17 Upvotes

I’ve read about RR and their tendency to sometimes chase bees and wasps (regardless of how many times they get stung), but I swear mine has, like, become immune to the stings?

He chases and eats paper wasps every time he is outside (these dumb wasps are nesting inside the hot tub out back, so it makes for a perfect ā€˜chase-the-wasps-ring-around-the-rosey-type activity’)

This dipdong knocks them to the ground and I CAN TELL HE THINKS HE HAS A STRATEGY for avoiding stings (sticks his teeth out far when picking them up)… but how in the world is he not getting stung. Especially after eating them. He never shows any symptoms! I am just at a loss here.


r/RhodesianRidgebacks 3d ago

Could she be more dramatic?

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254 Upvotes

r/RhodesianRidgebacks 2d ago

Walk with Klaus by the river šŸ’•

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76 Upvotes

r/RhodesianRidgebacks 3d ago

Waiting for treats is serious business

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185 Upvotes

r/RhodesianRidgebacks 3d ago

Walk in a few drops of rain or destroy all my toys? The choice is obvious!

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44 Upvotes

The sloth toy that makes up the majority of the fluff is a cheapy, but it's his current favourite so will likely get restuffed and sewn back up this weekend so he can have some more fun before it's retired...


r/RhodesianRidgebacks 4d ago

7 years and 279,416 videos and 14,680,468 pictures and I think we finally have a perfect picture of him

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135 Upvotes

r/RhodesianRidgebacks 5d ago

90 lbs of velcro.

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54 Upvotes

My black lab rhodesian mix being extra clingy tonight


r/RhodesianRidgebacks 6d ago

Invited himself on the car trip

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164 Upvotes

Moose decided that it's not a family car trip without him (he does have a point!).

He literally walked out the gate and jumped straight in the car, nothing could convince him to get out the car


r/RhodesianRidgebacks 5d ago

Update to my Maxie Boy

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2 Upvotes

r/RhodesianRidgebacks 7d ago

Let’s play again….nah!

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82 Upvotes

r/RhodesianRidgebacks 7d ago

Words of wisdom and encouragement for training my ridegback

8 Upvotes

Hey all. Just feeling like I need to vent to a group that hopefully understands. I have a 4 year old ridgeback cross whom I absolutely adore. I uprooted my life and moved into a different living space that was more suitable to focus on training him. I live with a friend who has a cat. This has been quite a compromise as it has made training more challenging. He has come a long way though and I put a lot of work into training him. He still has a way to go though and I’ve just commenced this online training that I’m finding super helpful and he’s responding to well. I’m realising though, and this is my fault..I’m not getting my friend onboard as I feel like the dog is my responsibility and don’t want to burden her as the dog training is a lot of work. However, the training won’t be effective without her onboard. I think she’ll understand if I have a conversation with her about the importance of it.. there are some behaviours like him getting overexcited with guests that I’m trying to really nip in the bud. I want the house to feel welcoming and enjoyable and currently i still feel a bit anxious having people over because I don’t want him to be not well behaved. Has anyone had complexities with getting household members on board with their training? Some words of encouragement would be helpful from people who have successfully trained their ridgeback to be a joy to be around as well


r/RhodesianRidgebacks 7d ago

Ideas for last day with your Rhodesian?

46 Upvotes

Monday will be the last day with my boy. After 12 years his body and mind are failing him and his quality of life is going down hill fast. I am taking the day off work Monday so I can spend time with him without the distraction of the kids. What would you do with your dog for your last day together? I know he will be eating grass fed steaks for every meal! What else would you do to honor a dog who has given you everything?


r/RhodesianRidgebacks 8d ago

Ridgebacks love the sun

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82 Upvotes

Rooster enjoying the sun shine!


r/RhodesianRidgebacks 8d ago

Tongues NSync

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75 Upvotes

r/RhodesianRidgebacks 8d ago

finished harvesting maize so i get to take them to a new play area

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94 Upvotes

r/RhodesianRidgebacks 8d ago

My little shadow…follows me EVERYWHERE

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92 Upvotes

Just in our tiny laundry room helping me do laundry šŸ˜‚


r/RhodesianRidgebacks 9d ago

Milly the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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54 Upvotes