Didn’t you know? The Rhodesian Ridgeback, a dog with a unique spine ridge that looks like a strip of hair running in the opposite direction down its back, was actually bred to hunt lions in the African savannah. Fascinating, isn’t it? Now, let’s zoom into answering the million-dollar question: Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback a calm dog?
Understanding the backstory of the Rhodesian Ridgeback helps answer this. Bred in Southern Africa to keep lions at bay while hunters closed in, these dogs needed an undeterred focus, a great deal of intelligence, speed, and, interestingly, a calm and composed demeanor. They couldn’t afford to bark or show aggression as it would make the lion charge towards them and the hunters.
This fascinating lineage has carried over to present-day Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Not your typical excitable and hyperactive dogs, they display a calm and composed behavior, making them well-suited for families that appreciate a quiet and restrained temperament in their furry friend.
However, labeling a Rhodesian Ridgeback as merely a calm dog would be an oversimplification. It’s helpful to examine this dog breed’s character and nature to fully understand what “calm” means in context. It might not be the “calm” you’re thinking about!
Rhodesian Ridgebacks exhibit a calm demeanor mainly due to their innate independence and intelligence. They aren’t fidgety or anxious dogs and can spend time alone without being destructive or noisy, which adds to their “calm” category.
Yet, these hounds are undeniably energetic and active. In the wild, Ridgebacks could run up to 30 kilometers per day, hunting lions. Today, this translates into a necessity for physical exercise and mental stimulation. If unmet, a bored Rhodesian Ridgeback can manifest in behavior that’s anything but calm.
Being aware of this will avoid misinterpreting them as hyper or aggressive dogs. It’s their way of expressing frustration from inadequate physical activities. Sufficient exercise, the right training, and adequate mental stimulation – that’s the recipe for a calm and content Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Thanks to their pragmatic approach to life, Ridgebacks are calm and unfazed amidst busy or shifting environments. Unnecessary barking is a big no-no for them. They only bark for a reason – when they sense danger, or want to draw your attention to something important. Isn’t that a calm dog’s trait?
However, it’s worth noting that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are also cautious and reserved, especially around strangers. They make excellent guard dogs, always alert and vigilant with an innate ability to sense potential threats. It is their way of protecting their beloved family. The calm demeanor can therefore momentarily shift gears when they sense danger.
So, if you’re planning to bring a Rhodesian Ridgeback into your life, remember, they may be calm but are certainly not couch potatoes. They need to burn off their energy with a good exercise routine.
Here’s something that might surprise you: despite their toughness and intimidating presence, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are total softies at heart. They are affectionate, loyal and form deep bonds with their family members, including children. So, while they appear calm and aloof, they simmer underneath with a protective urge and the readiness to shower love over those they care for.
One last addition to the calmness quotient – they are not demanding for attention! Unlike fussy lap dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are contented being near their owners without constant cuddling or petting. They express their love and affinity subtly – a small nudge, a gentle gaze, lying at your feet while you work – that’s how they roll!
Wrapping it up, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is indeed a calm dog, but it’s a composed, pragmatic, and deeply affectionate calm. If your idea of calm is a passive, low energy, and excessively docile dog, then this ‘African Lion Hound’ might not suit you. But if it’s a self-assured, independent, and intelligent companion who loves you like no other yet can keep a lion at bay, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the perfect pet for you.
So, what do you think? Isn’t the calmness of a Rhodesian Ridgeback a unique blend of traits that make this breed so endearing? I bet you wouldn’t have thought so when we started. Now, you know better and that’s what matters. Welcome to the Rhodesian Ridgeback club!
