Dixie, my twelve years old Doberman bitch passed away last year. I took a German Shepherd puppy shortly after, then I stupidly had a brilliant idea: seeing an ad for Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies available, I figured I'd get one as well. And so I did.

Well. Well, well, well. Oh my.

Since that fateful day, I did some research on the Net about this breed, and was appalled by the level of misinformation and dangerously misleading statements I found there.

I'd like to comment on some of the most widely disseminated.

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"The Ridgeback is an undemanding dog to feed, with no special dietary requirements; they generally have a good appetite."

"No special dietary requirements" means that he's not picky. If it can be chewed, then it's food. Beware. And I mean, Beware. You've been warned.

"They generally have a good appetite" is just a nicer way to say that if you can afford to butcher one large cow every week in order to satisfy a 3 months old puppy's voracity, then you're on the right path.

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"They have been said to be a difficult breed to train, however with plenty of time and effort put into the training then the rewards will be seen. They have to know from an early age who the leader of the pack is, because they can be quite determined and stubborn. Not the ideal breed for the novice owner."

Yes. And water wets, and rocks are hard to chew, and a circle is not square. I particularly like the bit about the leader of the pack and the novice owner, because I can picture the new-happy-puppy-owner first-time doggie-lover spending a sleepless night, wondering what he did wrong and why the carpet is so hard and whaddafuck the blessed dog is doing up there in the bed.

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"The Rhodesian Ridgeback is very affectionate and likes to lean on you, lie on your feet or sit on your lap if permitted."

Likes to lean on you and on your feet, yes. But they could tell the whole story and specify that he particularly likes to do it while you are walking, preferably during a dark moonless night. As for sitting on your lap, if he's not permitted he loves to do it all the more.

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"Most Ridgebacks are independent and stubborn, and if you give them an order when they would prefer to be doing something else you will probably not get instant results."

Let's break this statement in two parts. "Most Ridgebacks are independent and stubborn". We may as well state that most Cape Buffaloes have a bad temper.

"If you give them an order when they would prefer to be doing something else you will probably not get instant results." This is a bit like saying "If you hit a tree while driving at 100Mph you will probably experience some bruises and/or multiple compound bone fractures." The fact of the matter is that when you give a Ridgeback an order he does not like, he looks at you like if you had seriously insulted his junior sister, answers back with an offended moan, and very deliberately starts doing something completely different.

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"Servility plays no part in the temperament of this breed but if you want the rewarding companionship of a dog that has spirit and considers himself your equal rather than your slave you need look no further."

Actually, only a weak-willed and degenerate Ridgeback considers yourself his equal. A good Ridgeback knows better.

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"Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a dog apart, and it's hardly any wonder that one of the foremost Rhodesian Ridgeback judges is known to have said: Once you own a Ridgeback, you'll never be satisfied with anything less."

Well... I have to admit. I've had dogs for the better part of fifty years, mongrels, Pointers, Labradors, German Shepherds, Dobermans, and some. But I don't think I'll get anything else than another Rhodesian Ridgeback whether Spot is alive and well, or he's gone to the Great Beyond. They are dogs apart, and they do have an incredible personality... As said earlier, beware! If you get one, it's a whole new story!

I always believe that dogs should be used for what they were designed for.
Ridgebacks originated to hunt lions, so take yours outside, find a lion or two and discover his true calling!

My god that discribes my old RR Fred perfectly

Phillip,

I have to agree with you 100% in reguards to Ridgebacks being like no other dog I've owned. My male (Bwana) is 10 years old this May and loves the prove me wrong at the worst times. LOL That being said, I've had labs, Rottweilers, and a Doberman, but nothing like this fellow. I had planned to get another Ridgeback after Bwana goes to the by and by, but my gf said you'll expect him to be just like Bwana. I think there all (personality) about the same. Some are socialized better than others, but all Ridgeback to the core.

ive thought about getting a ridgeback pup .i have a catahoula hes my 2nd one .all i herd about them were negitive .an in some cases i can see why .i live in the country an i stay out side most all the time .perfect for a dog .other than that get a poodle .also catahoulas take up with family an mostly thats it .think ridge backs do the same .i have kids,wouldnt care to leave them PROTECTED by my cat .cause those are his kids an i mean his.cats n ridge backs have alot of the same traits i think

I was interested in a Ridgeback for a long while, I didn't have the space then but just recently moved (not too much of a yard) is the the only reason I didn't get one and chose a smaller breed. A friend/neighbor and nationaly respected breeder has had some unfortunate/considerable incidents with biting for a few years that has had the full media's attention now.

This important breeding trait that you need to consider in the Rhodesian Ridgeback is that the "ridgeback" is a birth-defect. The "ridge" is a symptom of genetic pre-disposition to spina-bifida. Google provides a decent discussion of this breed and the spinal issues.

Had a ridgeback for 16 years best dog I ever had was easy to train and saved me from two bad guys. I did not get another because of there health problems. the AKC can sure destroy good breeds.