Best Gear for Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are powerful, athletic dogs weighing 70-85 lbs, originally bred to track lions. They're prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and dermoid sinus (a condition unique to ridged breeds).
Weight
70-85 lbs
Height
25-27 in
Lifespan
10-12 yrs
Energy
High
Shedding
Moderate
Trainability
Stubborn
Life with a Rhodesian Ridgeback
You called your Ridgeback's name from across the yard. They looked directly at you, made eye contact, and chose not to come. This was not disobedience — it was a considered decision.
Your 85-pound dog is currently convinced they are a lap dog and there is nothing you can do about it. You have tried. They have outlasted you.
Someone described your Ridgeback as 'intimidating' and your Ridgeback chose that exact moment to be scared of a plastic bag.
You thought the adolescent phase would pass by one year. At 18 months you thought by two. At two years you finally have a dog. It was worth it.
The silent sulk after you didn't share your dinner could qualify as performance art — the sighs, the repositioning, the long-suffering glances. Full Oscar-worthy commitment.
What Owners Say
“r/RhodesianRidgeback puts it plainly: there's a meme of a puppy, an adult, and a velociraptor labeled 'ages 0–6 months, 6–18 months, and 18 months to 2 years.' Survive the adolescent phase and you have one of the most loyal, sensible, magnificent dogs alive. But you have to survive it first.”
Games Rhodesian Ridgebacks Actually Love
Long-Distance Chase and Lure
Ridgebacks were built to run alongside horses and cover enormous distances at speed. A lure coursing setup or even a long-line flirt pole lets them open up their stride
Tracking on Leash
Lay a scent trail through varied terrain and let them follow it to a reward. Ridgebacks are hounds with real tracking ability — nose-down tracking exercises burn mental energy
Tug and Strength Games
Ridgebacks are powerful and love testing that power in structured play. Thick rope tug toys with clear 'drop it' training make for a game that burns energy, builds engagement,
Top Picks for Your Rhodesian Ridgeback
| Spec | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy | |||
PawBench Scoremethodology → | Nutrition 85 Ingredients 75 Palatability 82 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 88 | Durability 94 Engagement 76 Safety 85 Value 88 Owner Satisfaction 89 | Durability 79 Comfort 91 Adjustability 79 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 88 |
| Bag Size | 35 lb | — | — |
| Protein Source | Chicken | — | — |
| Life Stage | Adult | — | — |
| Grain-Free | No | — | — |
| Special Feature | Live probiotics, shredded blend texture | — | — |
| Material | — | Natural red rubber | 300D polyester with foam padding |
| Size | — | Large (dogs 30–65 lbs) | — |
| Chew Strength Rating | — | Power chewers | — |
| Best For | — | Stuffing, freezing, solo play | — |
| Dishwasher Safe | — | No (hand wash) | — |
| Weight | — | 8.8 oz | 5.6–9.5 oz depending on size |
| Size Range | — | — | XXS to XL (13–42 in chest) |
| Clip Type | — | — | Aluminum V-ring (front and back) |
| Closure | — | — | Two side-release buckles |
* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.
Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
About the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Origin & Build
- •Rhodesian Ridgebacks trace their roots to southern Africa, where European settlers crossed their dogs with the ridged hunting
- •They weigh 70 to 85 pounds and stand 25 to 27 inches, with a muscular, streamlined build designed
- •Their short, dense wheaten coat ranges from light gold to deep red and requires minimal grooming
- •The distinctive dorsal ridge, formed by hair growing in the opposite direction, should have two identical crowns (whorls)
Temperament
- •Ridgebacks are confident, even-tempered dogs who form deep bonds with their families but operate with a streak
- •They're naturally protective and reserved around strangers without being aggressive, making them excellent watchdogs
- •With other dogs, they can be dominant if not properly socialized, and their prey drive is high enough
- •Training requires patience, consistency, and mutual respect — they'll shut down with heavy-handed methods but thrive with fair,
Exercise Needs
- •Plan for at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, including running, hiking, or structured play sessions
- •Ridgebacks are outstanding running and cycling partners thanks to their endurance and efficient gait, and they excel
- •Without sufficient exercise, they become destructive, restless, and may develop escape-artist tendencies — a bored Ridgeback can clear
- •They handle heat better than most large breeds but should still avoid intense midday exercise in summer
Health Watch
- •The top health concerns are hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and dermoid sinus, a congenital neural tube defect
- •Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a serious risk given their deep, narrow chest
- •Degenerative myelopathy and certain cancers also appear in the breed, and responsible breeders screen for these conditions
- •Ridgebacks typically live 10 to 12 years
Gear Tips
- Use a no-pull front-clip harness rated for strong dogs — Ridgebacks have immense pulling power and a standard collar puts too much
- A heavy-duty rubber grooming mitt is ideal for their short coat; it removes loose hair, stimulates circulation, and most Ridgebacks actually enjoy
- Invest in a large, durable elevated dog bed with a weight rating of at least 100 pounds — Ridgebacks run hot
- Get a slow-feeder bowl or puzzle feeder to reduce bloat risk; Ridgebacks tend to inhale their food, and slowing them down helps
- A long-line leash (30 to 50 feet) is essential for recall training since their high prey drive and independent nature make reliable
- For cold weather, a lightweight fleece-lined jacket is a smart add since their short single coat offers minimal insulation below 40 degrees
Keep Them Happy
- Exercise must be genuinely vigorous — jogging, hiking, or lure coursing. A Ridgeback that only gets walks is a Ridgeback looking
- Train with high-value rewards and keep sessions interesting. They are intelligent enough to get bored fast — varying rewards (liver, cheese, tug,
- Establish clear boundaries and leadership early. Ridgebacks respect confident, consistent handling and will gently test anyone they sense is unsure about
- Don't mistake independence for stubbornness. When your Ridgeback hesitates on a command, ask whether the command is actually interesting to them —
Frequently Asked Questions
- What harness can handle a Rhodesian Ridgeback's pulling strength?
- Look for a front-clip no-pull harness with reinforced stitching and hardware rated for dogs over 80 pounds. Brands that use aluminum or stainless-steel buckles rather than plastic are essential for this breed. The front attachment point redirects pulling force to the side, making walks more
- Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks need a lot of exercise?
- Absolutely — expect to provide at least 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise, ideally including running, hiking, or an activity like lure coursing. They were bred for all-day endurance in the African bush, so low-key walks alone won't satisfy them. A tired Ridgeback is
- Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs?
- Ridgebacks can be wonderful family dogs for experienced owners who provide firm, consistent leadership and early socialization. They're gentle and patient with children they're raised with, though their size means toddler interactions need supervision. Their protective nature makes them naturally vigilant around the home without
- What is dermoid sinus in Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Dermoid sinus is a congenital condition where a tube-like tract forms under the skin along the spine, potentially connecting to the spinal cord. It's unique to ridged breeds and can lead to serious infections if untreated, requiring surgical removal. Reputable breeders check puppies at birth,