Rhodesian Ridgebacks are as majestic as lions and as loyal as the most devoted friend you could ever meet! But did you know that their dorsal ridge, with hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of their coat, is a signature characteristic exclusive to them? Or did you know that this tough African dog breed was bred to hunt lions in the wilds? Yet, they carry with them a paradox. Considered both a lion hunter and a gentle family-friendly dog, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have left many puzzled. Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback a difficult dog?
Let’s demystify the Rhodesian Ridgeback and delve deep into the questions:
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks challenging pets?
Why do they act the way they do?
What are they like to live with, and can you handle this breed as part of your family?
Sure, there can be challenges when it comes to owning a Ridgeback, much like any other breed. But, with the right knowledge and understanding, navigating the ‘Herculean’ task of raising a Ridgeback can turn into a beautiful journey of unconditional love and companionship.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks thrive on mental stimulation and physical exercise. Their intelligence can make them cunning and stubborn at times, often thwarting their owners’ intentions if they find them not satisfactory enough. And yes, they are a tough breed to train. We’re talking about a dog breed that was bred to tackle lions, after all! However, the same intelligence, combined with their natural curiosity, can also mean they can be quick learners when appropriately trained.
Many Rhodesian Ridgeback owners claim that their pets are ‘selectively deaf.’ This doesn’t mean they can’t hear you when you call them from a distance. Instead, it’s their way of weighing their options. They choose to listen when they deem it worthy. It can be frustrating, but this is where understanding their instinctual behavior kicks in. Patience, consistency, and a fair trade can get them to pay attention to you. Offering them a treat they can’t resist or a game they love can do the trick.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are also very protective dogs. Their size and power can make them excellent watchdogs. They have a deep, intimidating bark. It’s likely when someone rings your doorbell, your Ridgeback will be the first to answer. They are fiercely loyal to their owners, making it essential to establish a bond built on respect and trust.
Contrary to what you might think, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not typically aggressive dogs, but they are aloof with strangers. They will avoid interaction with those they don’t recognize, but this innate skepticism does not translate into aggression. It’s more an expression of their watchful nature.
A common notion about Rhodesian Ridgebacks is that they require significant physical exercise. While they do need a daily dose of exercise to maintain their physical health, they’re also content to laze on your sofa for hours. It’s a balance you must maintain – enough exercise to keep them healthy, but not too much that they become hyperactive.
When it comes to training this African lion hound, it’s essential to remember one thing – Rhodesian Ridgebacks have minds of their own. They do not like to be ordered around. They need consistent, calm, assertive, and reward-driven training from early on. Promoting positive behaviors and eliminating unwanted ones using positive reinforcement often yields best results in Ridgebacks.
Living with a Rhodesian Ridgeback is like inviting a bold, brave, and often too clever for their own good, friend into your life. They need a sense of belonging, they need to feel like a part of your family. They are sensitive and do not respond well to harsh disciplinary actions. What they need is love, attention, and understanding.
In the end, yes, a Rhodesian Ridgeback can be a challenging dog, but they are also profoundly loyal, fiercely intelligent, and with the right love and guidance, a Rhodesian Ridgeback will turn into a trusted and loving life companion. So, is a Rhodesian Ridgeback a difficult dog to own? Sure. But are they worth it? Absolutely. Because at the end of the day, when you see the content, happy and satisfied face of your Rhodesian Ridgeback, you’ll realize it was worth all those huffs, puffs, and challenges that came along the way. And that’s the beauty of owning and understanding this magnificent breed.
