Rhodesian Ridgeback
Also called African Lion Dog, African Lion Hound and Van Rooyen's Lion Dog
- Great with kids
- Needs space
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large and athletic breed of dog that was originally bred in Zimbabwe for hunting large game. They are intelligent, independent, and loyal, and make excellent companion dogs.
- Weight
- 66–86 lb (30–39 kg)
- Height at the shoulder
- 24–27 in (61–69 cm)
- Life span
- 10–12 years
- Exercise
- About 60 minutes a day
- Coat
- Short, Smooth
- Origin
- Southern Africa, Zimbabwe (19th century)
Traits
Family and friends
- Children: Good with children
- Other dogs: OK with other dogs
- Strangers: Polite with strangers
Home and activity
- Energy: Energetic
- Apartment living: Needs space
- Barking: Barks a little
- Training: Easy to train
Care
- Grooming: Very little grooming
- Shedding: Sheds moderately
- Drooling: Hardly drools
Temperament
Athletic
Dignified
Independent
Intelligent
Loyal
Reserved with strangers
Coat colours
Light wheaten, red wheaten and wheaten
Males and females
| Measure | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 79–86 lb (36–39 kg) | 66–71 lb (30–32 kg) |
| Height | 25–27 in (63–69 cm) | 24–26 in (61–66 cm) |
Recognized by
American Kennel Club (AKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), The Kennel Club (UK) (KC) and United Kennel Club (UKC)
Caring for a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Find pet services near you that suit this breed.
Breeds of a similar size
All large breeds
Sources
- Official Standard of the Rhodesian Ridgeback (AKC) (opens in a new tab)
- Breed Standards: Rhodesian Ridgeback (UKC) (opens in a new tab)
- Rhodesian Ridgeback | Breed Standards | The Kennel Club (opens in a new tab)
- F.C.I. Standard No.146 dated 10.12.1996 (opens in a new tab)
- Rhodesian Ridgeback - Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)
Breed details from The Dog API (opens in a new tab).