The Rhodesian Ridgeback is undoubtedly a great dog. But there can also be problems with the beautiful South African.
As with any other dog breed, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can have typical breed diseases, but also problems in training and keeping.
What problems can arise in the upbringing and keeping of a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Problems often arise with training and keeping. However, the reason is rarely in dogs to search.
The owner often has them demands of the dog underestimated when buying and cannot meet them, which inevitably leads to problems.
families with children
Socialized early on, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very child loving dog. However, he is temperamental four-legged friends relatively large and heavy even as a young dog. Out of sheer love and joy, it can happen that your children are literally knocked over several times a day.
housing situation and time
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is no city dog. He is also neither a fashion dog nor a status symbol.
He can’t be alone in an apartment all day while he’s on the job, nor is it enough to go out with the active dog for a few minutes after work.
Upbringing
One early, steady and consistent education is the be-all and end-all for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The four-legged friend has one strong hunting instinct and can very idiosyncratic be. He is a passionate hunter.
If the dog is not trained or has been trained incorrectly, it will make its own decisions and can hardly be controlled by its human.
Ever heard of the Continental Bulldog? You can find out what problems this dog breed can cause in our article Continental Bulldog: Common Problems, Training & Experiences.
Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback suitable for beginners?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback makes an excellent hunting, family, and companion dog. Assuming he is from a experienced holder socialized early on and raised continuously and consistently.
This equally intelligent and proud dog breed is definitely not for beginners.
This has to be considered when keeping & educating a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Danger:
The Rhodesian Ridgeback places very high demands on its people. So before you consider getting such a dog, you should first clarify whether all family members agree.
It is also important to consider whether the living situation, the job and the experience in dog ownership and training are suitable for this dog breed.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has one balanced naturehas strong nerves and has a high stimulus threshold. They can also be quite sensitive and, although they are often used as guard dogs, they are not naturally dangerous or aggressive.
The four-legged friend needs one in his attitude strong hand. Here, however, the term “strong” is meant more on a mental level.
One competent and consistent leadership is very important for this dog breed. But this should be from one on affection based partnership to be carried.
The road to a well-behaved Rhodesian Ridgeback can be a long one. Ridgebacks are so-called late developer and often only reach their mental and physical maturity at the age of two to three years.
How much exercise and exercise does the Rhodesian Ridgeback need?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback will be happiest in a rural setting. A city apartment is only suitable to a limited extent.
Here should at least be the possibility with the dog at least once a day to drive to the outskirts or to the countryside to be able to give him free rein here.
Two to three hours a day you should take this into account. Running, cycling and fetch games keep the Rhodesian Ridgeback fit.
dog sport and agility are almost a must for this breed.
Experiences – that’s what other owners say about the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Most Rhodesian Ridgeback owners have happy, problem-free dogs. There are usually problems when a Ridgeback changes hands as a second hand, so to speak.
Inexperienced dog owners often give up their Ridgebacks because they are overwhelmed. Even the experienced new owners of the four-legged friend then have a hard time with the upbringing mistakes.
How do I get the problems under control?
It is best to prevent problems from arising in the first place through early education. The housing and time situation, as well as the experience in dog training should be clarified from the beginning before purchasing a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Mistakes in upbringing are difficult to rectify later. Moving from the city to the country or changing jobs to have more time for your four-legged friend is often difficult to do afterwards.
The most common health problems in Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Health problems include, as with most heavy breeds, Hip and elbow dysplasiawhich are also partly hereditary.
The Ridge that gives the breed its name often presents a problem. This is one genetic defectalso called in humans open back is known and occurs in dogs in a weak form, which can nevertheless have side effects.
The Ridgeback is often deliberately over-bred, which is partly due to torment breeds connected is.
Conclusion
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is at the same time a sensitive, but also demanding dog that needs affectionate and consistent training with a lot of freedom in keeping it.
He is best taken care of by an experienced owner in a rural area.
What experiences have you had with the Rhodesian Ridgeback? We look forward to your comment.