A Ridgeback puppy can be an absolute pleasure to bring into your home, however if you are looking at adding one of these puppies to your family then it is a good idea to learn a bit about them before making that decision.

This dog is a large breed and as such will need to be trained from an early age so that they will be manageable and also social when they are a full grown dog. You really don't want a dog of this size to be anti-social and unmanageable.

Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have quite a good temperament and can be great with children,the only draw back is that because they are so large they will easily knock over a child when they get a bit excited. Although they wouldn't intentionally hurt a child, they can do so if they accidentally knock them over which is one reason why children should always be watched when around dogs.

Here are a few facts about Rhodesian Ridgebacks that you will want to know if you are considering bringing one into your home.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Adult Size

These are a tall breed with a male adult reaching a height of between 25 to 27 inches and a weight of around 80 to 90 pounds. The femail dog can reach a height of between 23 to 25 inches and a weight of around 65 to 75 pounds.

Although this is a placid breed of dog, due to their size and muscular body they can be quite frightening to a person who doesn't know the dog. Although placid in nature they are a good guard dog and will be protective of their human family.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament

This breed has a lovely temperament and are a loyal, loving dog. They are extremely intelligent which is a big plus when it comes to training. Their greatest joy in life is to spend time with their family. Although they love a walk, they are also quite happy to lie and sleep all day.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Considerations

One of the biggest health problems found in this breed is a condition knownn as Dermoid Sinus. This condition unfortunately can only be fixed in very rare cases, in most cases there is not cure and it can be quite painful for the dog. If buying a Ridgeback puppy you should have him/her checked for this condition before purchase.

Another problem in large breeds is Hip Dysplasia and once again this should be checked before purchasing a puppy and it is also recommended to ask about the parents of the puppy whether they had any hip problems.

Bloat is one other condition that can affect large, deep chested dog. When your dog has been exercising or eating, let them wait five to ten minutes before drinking which can go a long way in preventing bloat. If your dog shows any sypmtoms of bloat you should take him to the vet immediately.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Exercise Requirements

A daily walk will be enjoyed and your Ridgeback will love to get out and about and be quite active running around. When he comes home he will usually switch back to lazy mode and be quite happy to sleep.

They aren't a hugely active breed and wont pester you constantly to go on walks, they are quite happy to laze around. It is important for their health and fitness though to take them on daily walks.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Grooming

This breed is quite easy to keep clean being a short hair dog. A weekly brush will keep their coat shiny and healthy. They are big so they can be a handful when trying to bath so it's a good idea to get them use to a bath from when they are young.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Life Span

As with most large breeds a Ridgeback will generally live for around 10 to 12 years. A good healthy diet and good living conditions will help your dog to live a healthy and long life.

Conclusion

This breed really is a great addition to any home as long as you remember that the little cute puppy you are considering buying will grow up to be a very large dog. But given some good training and lots of love and attention, they will be a pleasure to have in your home.