In this article, we explore the pros and cons of Rhodesian Ridgeback temperament.
This breed is known for being loyal and intelligent, but does that make them territorial too?
The work of their early ancestors frequently involved hunting and guarding duties, so does that make them aggressive?
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along with kids and other other animals?
Let’s find out!
History of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
A dog breed that was developed in South Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s ancestors can be traced back to the Khoikhoi hunting dogs which were bred with European dogs.
F.R. Barnes drafted the original breed standard for the Rhodesian Lion Dog in 1922. Subsequently, in 1927, the South African Kennel Union approved the name ‘Rhodesian Ridgeback’.
In 1955, the American Kennel Club recognized the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed as a member of the hound group.
This breed has a muscular frame with a short and smooth coat. Bearing the trademark “ridgeback,” their spine has a line of hair that grows differently to other hairs. Their head is also long with a wide skull and a deep-set muzzle.
They are high energy dogs in their puppy years. However, after a few short years, the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s temperament means they can mature into calm companions.
Since these dogs are full of energy, they will need long walks or hikes to keep them happy and healthy.
The Typical Rhodesian Ridgebacks Temperament
This breed is active and aren’t likely to lay around in your yard or house all day. In fact, young Ridgebacks are boisterous, prone to boredom, and can dig big holes in soil or furniture!
The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s temperament means it is a confident and independent breed.
Bred to hunt, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is used to working solo and making decisions without help or influence from other dogs or people.
Needless to say, this ability comes from possessing lots of confidence and intelligence too!
Since so many of their forefathers worked as guard dogs, many modern Rhodesians are still wary of unfamiliar faces.
They might take a bit of time to warm up to new visitors, but with their family they’re famous for being soft and affectionate.
Great training and socialising will help a clever Rhodesian channel their intelligence wisely, and a shy Rhodesian make friends confidently.
Let’s see what that looks like next.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Easy to Train?
Like many hunting breeds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback temperament often features an independent streak.
What does this mean?
Well since these dogs would have been used to working at a distance from their owner, they learned to make decisions and act on them without immediate reinforcement from their handler.
That means their behavior can’t always be easily swayed be treats and praise – they might not be so motivated by these things as, say, the people-pleasing Labrador.
However, they have a strong work ethic and need to be busy. And they have the brainpower to master quite complicated tasks.
So they can be trained with positive reinforcement techniques, but it might prove a daunting task for a novice dog trainer.
However, you must never resort to punishment or negative reinforcement with any dog. Also bear in mind that old ideas of dominance in dog obedience are outdated and disproven.
Rhodesian Ridgeback temperament – Choosing the Right Training
The perfect Rhodesian Ridgeback does not come pre-trained out of a box. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and love to get them to where you want them to be.
When you bring your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy home, give them a few days to settle, then leap straight in with teaching them good behavior.
Our Puppy Training Guides include lots of helpful information to get you started.
Make socialising them a priority, by arranging lots of introductions to the people and places they’ll encounter as an adult.
As long as they have positive and rewarding experiences with new people and surroundings now, they’ll carry that confidence through their whole lives.
If possible, get them into a puppy class by the time they are ten to twelve weeks old. This will help them socialize and get used to other dogs.
Be aware that some puppy class requires certain vaccines to be up to date.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Friendly?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s temperament means it is calm and easygoing with family members.
However, they can be wary of unfamiliar faces, and this can turn into fearful aggression if they are not socialised properly.
Teaching them early on that guests and other dogs are welcome will help them be more welcoming later on in life.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is particularly noted for aggression towards other dogs, and it’s never to early to help them overcome this.
Ask your breeder if your puppies will get an chances to meet other dogs before they come home with you.
Many Rhodesian Ridgebacks still have a high prey drive, which means they’re best not kept with cats and other small pets.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Aggressive?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred to hunt and guard property. But this doesn’t mean they should be aggressive.
The most common reason for aggression from dogs who aren’t in pain is fear.
A happy, confident, well socialised dog, who has been trained with patience and positive reinforcement techniques has no reason to become aggressive.
However they might be prone to destructive chewing.
This is almost always an indication that they are bored or not getting enough exercise.
If they do start to chew on things like shoes or furniture, you will want to step up their daily exercise routine, and make sure it stretches their mind as well as their muscle.
Also, when you leave the house make sure they have plenty of toys or bones to chew on.
Natural Instincts of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a dignified temperament. They are usually quiet and do not bark.
They are loyal and affectionate to their family, but can be wary around the unknown, which can lead to aggression.
They are smart and alert workers, who can focus on the task at hand with diligence and stamina.
Furthermore, the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s temperament means it possesses an innate prey drive due to their history of running and hunting.
This makes them active dogs that require daily exercise to keep them in shape and to keep them from being bored.
Boredom may lead them to chew, bark, and dig. All these things can be destructive inside the house, so it is important to meet their exercise needs.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good Family Pets?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is loyal, affectionate, and protective. They also get along well with children if raised properly.
The Ridgeback has an even temperament when they are mature while being a fun-loving, curious and rambunctious companion.
Like all animals, you can expect some health issues. This breed can suffer from hip dysplasia, dermoid sinus, degenerative myelopathy, and hypothyroidism.
In conclusion, this loving and protective dog would make a great companion for an active family if trained and properly raised to do so.
What’s Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Like?
If you already have a Rhodesian Ridgeback, what’s their personality like?
Have you got any words of advice for people considering this breed for the first time?
Please share them in the comments box!
References and Resources
American Kennel Club, ”Rhodesian Ridgeback”
Judith K. Blackshaw “An overview of types of aggressive behavior in dogs and methods of treatment” Applied Animal Behavior Science, 1991.
- R. S. BARR “Clinical hip dysplasia in growing dogs: the long‐term results of conservative management” Journal of Small Animal Practice, 1987.
- E. MANN “Dermoid Sinus in the Rhodesian Ridgeback” Journal of Small Animal Practice, 1966.
Peter A. Graham “Etiopathologic Findings of Canine Hypothyroidism” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 2007.
Randy Hen says
My Ridgeback was the best dog I ever had! She wasn’t fond of kids, but never bit one. I swear that dog could read my mind. I never needed a leash for her.
I’m a outdoors guy and no matter who I went with she protected us all.
Dakota, I miss you so much!
Bob says
I have had a RR since she was about 1 yr old. She was a rescue dog. Super affectionate and loving. Great traveler and companion. My only problem is that if you are not there to stop her she will eat her poop. Disgusting! She is satisfied to take walks and be mostly and inside house dog. Health problems included damaged liver, pancreas and spleen removal.
She has developed lumps but vet said they are just fatty tumors. If you get a ridgeback I would advise a female (her spayed) I would also advise NOT to feed them people food like anything fatty. My dog is on Royal Canin gastro intstinal low fat food plus liver pills and pronin These are dogs that respond very well to love and kindness do not think you can train them by trying to intimidate them. They will become your best friend if you treat them well.
Amanda says
I’m looking to adopt a puppy to train as a service dog, and the puppy I am looking at has a bit of Rhodesian mixed into her. Perhaps about 25%. I’m curious if this type of dog is a good idea, as we have two older dogs as well (both female and 14).
lee williams says
I have a RR and Redbone hound puppy, who’s about to come home to two chihuahua older dogs, I wonder how this pan out. I wonder if the coonhound RR mix will try to harm my chihuahua when iI frowns into adulthood??
Margaret taylor says
We are raising our 2nd Rhodesian and your assessment couldn’t be further from the truth. So sad that people will read this and be turned away from the opportunity to have a great experience with a beautiful, friendly, smart, easy to train, companion.
Marco Abreu says
Can I hear your version, please?
Tom Benenson says
looking for Rhodesian breeder in South or north Carolina or other state.
Marlene Jackson says
Our RR mix passed away yesterday at the ripe old age of 14. She had an amazing life and was such a perfect family dog. She protected the kids next door from some charging, aggressive dogs. She got between the dogs and the kids and took the attack without fighting back. Almost killed her but our amazing vet put drains in the bites (which were clear through) and we carefully nursed her back to health. She will be so very much missed. She truly was the perfect dog.
Ali says
I got my RR from a no kill shelter, they labeled him as a pit Bull but I think he’s mixed with lab. He is very protective & alert. One time he was playing at a dog park and somehow broke his toe so we took him to the vet. While I was at school one day, my mom called me because he ended up opening the front yard gate with his cone the vet put over his head. He also learned how to open up doors with the regular long handles. I found out he was a homeless persons dog so I got him when he was about 3 years of age. Super cuddly and everytime I come home I kneel down beside him and he puts his paws on my shoulder like he’s hugging me. About 2 years later he got into a dog fight with my friends dog and ever since then he’d been super aggressive toward other dogs. He’d whine like he wants to go see other dogs but then try to immediately attack. I’m looking up classes I can take him to or a good trainer that can help yet he’s about 8-9 years old now. Im hoping for the best with a good trainer but will always have my worries about him around other dogs if he gets used to them from training.
Bryan Brasseaux says
My 4 year old male is almost the polar opposite of this description.
He is 100% codependent of his slightly older pit bull sister. He is the laziest dog I’ve ever owned, although he will run as long as you care to run with him when taken out.. He has never chewed anything in his life. He is receptive and friendly to anyone or anything that isn’t jumping on top of him. He only acts territorial or aggressive at night when his parents are sleeping.
Mike says
My draco is also 4 years and old and is the friendliest dog I’ve ever owned. He doesn’t have an aggressive bone in his body when it comes to guests or other animals. He plays with any type of animal
Jo says
Our RR is about to turn 4. She is the most affectionate dog, we refer to her affection as ‘violent loving’ as she gives us the same over the top greeting if we are returning from work after 8 hours or returning from the kitchen for a glass of water., actually that’s not quiet correct as she will follow us to the kitchen, and the loo and the bin etc. In the four years we have had her, she has only put me in hospital twice, which is only really once every two years so that’s not to bad at all. The first time was because she was in a hurry to get to the dog park and dragged me down an embankment and the second time was as a result of her violent loving when I got home from work. Not for the novice owner but a great family dog for a more experienced owner. Oh and she sleeps with her cat every night.
April Caldwell says
We had a male RR and he was wonderful family pet! We got him from a breeder at 6 weeks of age. I wasn’t working at the time so had a LOT of time to devote to training/socializing him as a puppy and it paid off in spades. He was never high energy, but I walked him about a mile and a half 3 times a week and he got to play with our Lab in our yard and that seemed to be enough exercise to keep him happy. His prey drive wasn’t that strong as I could walk him off leash in our neighborhood and he would stay near me always. He was easy to potty train, was never destructive in the house after being reprimanded once, and was calm in the house if exercised. The only thing we had to watch for in him was when new kids would come over to play. If they came right up to him without a ‘warm up’ period, he would growl. If the kid didn’t heed the growl and try to pet him he would back away. Only once did he nip a kid, but my dog was cornered and the kid tried hugging him at first sight! He was protective and super affectionate with our family and other known people to him. He was never dog aggressive and very intelligent. My husband and I would swear he knew English. They are sensitive to harsh words/yelling. They want to please you but have a mind of their own. This is not a dog that will do everything you ask. This is a dog that will obey MOST of the time. LOL I could go on and on as I fell in love with the breed and I want another one day.
katherine Sloan says
Have male Ridgeback/ possible red coon mix. Personality fits most descriptions shared on site. We adopted at 1 year of age. The foster home that had him had cats,20 year old chihuahua and other dogs and he got along with all. When he came into our home 3 years ago we already had 9 years old female border collie mix. They get along fine and Rhodesian respects her. A month after adoption he went to 3 week boot camp to correct some out of control behaviors. He wasn’t able to graduate on time with his class due to being too playful and rambunctious. He is now able to obey all commands one on one but the hound hunt instinct is very apparent and if he sees another cat/dog he goes crazy and any command to stop falls on deaf ears the focus is so intent. He loves any and all persons that come to visit but again he completely ignores the off command and jumps up on people. I want the friendliness to remain but really need to curb his enthusiasm!!
Most affectionate dog we have ever had he has to be glued to
Our sides at all times in the house. If he weren’t so appealing he might be in big trouble intelligence and manipulation on his part is something else!!
Jimmy k says
Our RR is 9 months, his temperament is nailed in this article to a T. We have a 16 year old Weiner and he loves her,,,,her,,not so much! But they actually get along ok. I have found out aggressive with him doesn’t work and I don’t think he is a bit scared of ANYTHIG! My biggest question is odor, hands down the smelliest dog I ever had. I raised Rots for years and he just seems to stink awful.even bathe him he will smell after. I thought about neuter him. I have never had a neutered male, suggestions?
carole says
have you had his anal glands checked? This a problem with Ridgies. They need ahigh fibre diet, Have his glands checked and I bet after they are cleaned he will smell great. get them checked every six months.
Lydia says
My family has owned a rescued Ridge-back/lab for 5 years now. She has all ways been friendly to our human guests but not much the social type when it comes to other dogs. We recently adopted a small, 5 pound, lab, puppy. But our ridge-back isn’t a fan, she growls when the small puppy is around, we are hoping she will get use to her when the puppy grows a bit. And they’ll become friends.😁
Melissa says
We have(by accident, a rescued ridgeback+vizsla mix mom) who had 8 puppies, who have some catahoula in them. Definitely understand energy and activity! Lol. We are setting up agility course in our yard because we have mom still and 3 of her puppies. We also do scent games in the yard with them, they love it! That’s how they earn their lunch, they have to use their noses to find lunch in the yard. It really does the trick!
Michaela Damm says
Hi Melissa. Too funny, we are in a very similar situation. We have a rescued mom (bullterrier mix). She came to us malnourished, heatstroke and heartworm ridden. That night she had 13 puppies, 2 of which were stillborn and we lost 5 the next 2 nights. 3 boys and 3 girls survived and are thriving. As they grew older (they are 6 months now) we noticed they look nothing like their mom. Daddy must have been a purebreed ridgeback because they have all the physical and definitely the temperament of a ridgy. We are keeping mom and 3 of the puppies, 2 boys and one sweet little girl (she was the runt). They are loving but definitely a handful. They will gnaw on anything – even metal and dig large holes in the yard and our coach! Do you notice any issues with jealousy among the siblings. One of our boys is very protective and territorial to begin with and overreacts when his siblings play with other dogs?
Diane says
Oh how fun!! I can’t wait to get my RR.
Patty H says
We have an 11 month old, 90 lbs of muscle male ridgeback, a 9 year old westie and a cat. The ridgeback is ALOT of work. He is very needy, very active, we walk him twice daily for a few miles. We have a acre lot that he runs and runs and runs. Still needs more activity. Eats anything that moves or doesn’t. Lol. He is the most beautiful dog I’ve ever seen. BUT, he does like to chase the cat who runs and hides she is declawed so cant do anything to protect herself, she is a rescue so she is skittish. The westie is to old to play the way the ridgy wants to play so there is a lot of trying to refocus his attention away from the other animals. He is A fast learner, very protective or jealous if the westie comes by me the ridgy will nose the westie away from me. These dogs are extremely big, and strong. If you are aggressive with them they get more aggressive, if you stay calm and reinforce training they seem to do well. My husband keeps saying he will calm some once he is an adult dog but not sure I can last that long. Lol I would Love to find someone around us that has a ridgeback or ridgeback mix so cooper could have play dates with them. Another dog with his mind set and size would be great. A little old dog and a cat are not a calming mix. We’ve had the ridgy since he w as 8 weeks.
Michaela Damm says
Hi Patty. Do you live in Southeast Texas by any chance? Our ridgeback mixed puppies need all the exercise they can get lol. A dog park recently opened nearby and that has been a life saver.
Christa says
I have a 5 month old RR named Tucker and I live in SETX. What dog park? I’m in Hardin county.
Cris says
Ours just passed, almost 14. We rescued him when he was 2. They need a lot of exercise, which we found 2 – 3 mile walks/day was ample with frequent visits to dog parks or open space to run and chase. This settled a bit about 9 yrs. old. He was fear agressive due to lack of socialization his first two years. Took us 2 years before we felt he was confident in us and himself enough not to snap or growl at things he didnt understand (a new person reaching out to pet him for instance). Best dog we ever had, very, very smart, independent, loyal, loving, protective and treat driven. I wouldnt recommend this breed to someone that cannot dedicate the time to their needs. Never train them to guard, they are so naturally protective they can become leathal weapons if trained to guard. Very needy. Always had to be touching us, or demanding our attention. Can be left alone for long periods of time (6-8 hours) if well exercised, then fed before being left as long as they know you’ll be back soon. However, when ours saw our suitcase and not his he got very sad. Again, best dog ever!
Avril Derbyshire says
My Ridgeback cross is now 7. I’ve had her 4 years, a rescue. She is beautiful but has no tolerance of other dogs. She ignores my cat completely and is aloof when strangers come to the house. She’s a great guard dog and will sit on my feet if I have friends around. She is incredibly funny and playful, has a big basket of toys which she loves. She watches the planes fly overhead, and the birds. She’s independent in her thoughts and if she runs off she always has me in her sights and always comes back. She seems to know exactly what I’m thinking even before I have expressed myself. She is very smart, I like that. I do let her sleep with me and she is a wonderful snuggler although trying to get her to move over is a challenge sometimes. She does need a lot of exercise, which she gets. She loves to slosh around in the ditch or the mud, preferably both and has many moments of what I call “joyfulness”. I would love to have known her as a puppy.
Jan says
HELLO!
We are looking at adopting two 5yr old ridgebacks. We do have a cat thought and know through the company we are adopting through that they have not been around cats. Is this a red flag?
Appreciate your thoughts on this as I don’t want to stress the dogs, or the cat out.
Thank you
Meg Austwick says
Hi Jan, we have an article on introducing a puppy to a cat that might be helpful to look at before you make your decision. Meg
Kris says
I just took in a RR mix that wandered in our garage. He obviously escaped from somewhere bc he was dragging a chain and it was also around his neck with a coat hanger?? Vet did X-ray and noticed he had been shot with fragments still in shoulder. He’s around 1. Understandably he is so skittish and freaks when a new person is around. Freaks at anything really. Won’t do toys or bones yet so he just walks in house and stays in his open kennel. He is good wth our schnoodle and cat. Just seems bored but it scared to go out or do anything. Must get him neutered bc he is marking in house. Heartworm positive. I’m trying but whew…
Tracey says
I have a Ridgeback cross. She is ultra affectionate. Has to be the centre of attention unless she has a new toy or bone to chew. The only sign of aggression to date (She is 3) is when the cat wakes her from a deep sleep unexpectedly, and its more a warning bark than anything else. She is very protective of me. Great guard dog. She loves to run on the open beach, and get back scratches. My only issue with her is she thinks she is the size of a lapdog and constantly wants to be on my lap. Wouldn’t trade her for the world.
Kathy says
We have a ridgeback mix and also a Great Pyrenees both females and our ridgeback needs all the attention and affection 24/7 or she is not happy and gets extremely jealous and protective over food, my boyfriend, anything. She doesn’t even let me sleep next to him because of jealousy. Our ridgeback attacked our Great Pyrenees for the first time the other day over attention and she went straight for the kill latching on to her neck. After about 8 minutes of struggling I was able to get her off but it left our Pyrenees in pretty bad shape. Now unsure what to do about them.
Shari says
We have a ridgeback mix rescue also, he also is not one for affection, (unlike all the dogs I’ve owned in the past.)
He also has some food aggression and on occasion if he has settled in on the couch for the night and we go to pet him he growls, like he just doesn’t want to be bothered, we are not sure how to handle this type of aggression. he is 1 year old and we have had him since he was 4 months old, he is a very smart dog and has been easy to train, he can be a little stinker but we love him.
Steve says
We have a ridgeback that also had some border collie mixed in. He’s not affectionate at all which is strange as this is the only dog I’ve had like this. We have kids and he’s fine with them but he’s just not one to want to be petted. He was a rescue also and had been a good addition to our family despite his lack of affection.