are rhodesian ridgebacks high energy

(She jogged the dogs for 90 minutes on her due date). Your description of Meg sounds so much like little Blue. To be clear, the adjectives dignified and reserved are, by definition, words that describe being unreactive. I think that Ridgebacks can be very energetic. Glad youve had such a lovely introduction to such a magnificent breed. Is Google wrong? This subreddit is a great starting point for a lot of information, but you should always verify and expand upon what you've read before putting it to use in your daily life. I never trained my dogs at all other than sit and wait when walking with me on a leash. The cats were always the losers. But, my 3 never fit that mold. Thank you again. They will also rise toany occasion, on the spur of the moment, abound with endless energy for any task at hand. I have two RR's. They definitely can be very high energy - just depends on the circumstances. Good luck! Pure Dog Talk Host Shares Her Journey From Breeder To Podcaster, The Fallacy of Dog Rescue: Reputable Breeders Are NOT the Problem, The Labrador Retriever May Hold Answers To Feeding Woes In Big Dogs, https://bigdogmom.com/questions-breeder-buying-puppy/. They love to meet new friends when they are young. I agree with you 100% Dont get me wrong, Mastiffs can be intense and they are highly intelligent dogs. Daily runs and lots of games are ideal for keeping this breed fit. Thank you! He's reserved with strangers but gentle and affectionate with family members. This was my first experience living with the breed for a few days and so Im sure it was confounded by a couple of things; my own dogs and their desire to play and the fact that Blue was a puppy. The zoomies, wrestling and hunting are all very core to who he is as a Ridgeback. Im so sorry for your loss of Meg and Scout. Structured training is a MUST, but it must be with a gentle approach and firmness. This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, OCD and sinus problems. Fun times! I am an anthropologist and I know a few things about human and animal behavior. No better dog out there. I cant thank you enough for this! 370 pounds of wrinkle was no match for this 40 pound dyna-Rho! My wife is now cleared for 30-minute walks each day, so she has been taking the dogs for that every day (and complaining the doc [and I] won't let her do more). Our Ridgeback is perfectly happy sleeping for most of the day, but needs at least one good walk (but ideally two/day) with some time off leash to run around the park at full speed. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be difficult to train, but with time and lots of effort they will learn. Hi, I am about to become the owner of a Ridgeback cross Labrador, at the moment she is only 4 wks old and she is a stunner. They have a short smooth coat in a range of colours from light to red wheaten. My recommendation is to contact the RR Club of America to get a list of breeders (https://www.rrcus.org/). Blue was such a good boy, but one look into his eyes and you could feel the intensity. Most of the tests Ive seen are fairly inexpensive for the information they give you. I don't know anything about the breed, so I did some cursory research, and from everything I read, they have high energy requirements and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. We had a blast with Blue. Monday to Friday 8am - 7pm I did that maybe 2 - 3 times a week. So to answer your question: when shes at the park shes about as high energy as any dog I've ever seen, but when we're at home she can just chill most of the day. In fact, it's my belief that a lack of exercise because people think Danes are lazy contributes to their shorter lifespans. Our weekend with sweet baby Blue verified that even at the young age of five months, a well-bred Rhodesian ridgeback is not a Labrador retriever. So, energetic, he was NOT. From taking down 370 pounds of wrinkle to cuddling with my 11-year-old daughter, this breed can be a versatile companion in the right home. As mature dogs, if given daily exercise, a job or just the appropriate attention they are content to be a true hound and lay around the house as needed. That might work for a Mastiff, but, after this weekend, I have serious doubts that it would work with a Rhodesian ridgeback. When walking with me they made sure nobody got to close to me when a certain look was obvious to them and then when close obvious to me. Unless you happen to be an ultra-marathoner, if you live in an apartment and are considering a Rhodesian ridgeback, think again. Neither Ridgebacks nor Labradors are huge dogs. I guess it depends on what they breed for, but all the ridgebacks I know are definitely mid to high end on energy. At five months old, Blue is just getting started. Fearless, yet fearful not quite sure which of the X-breed was dominant? Your article was pretty spot on, but there are a few additional remarks on RR that should be stated. His beautiful red coat was seemingly waterproof as well; as if it were created to repel the viscous drool from Sulleys and Juniors jowls. Thank you for your comment, Vanessa, and congratulations on your new addition! If someone can email me, I would appreciate it. He needs an hour of off leash running/fetch in a park and at least 30 minutes of mental stimulation daily to be tired. As I said, a Rhodesian ridgeback puppy needs training early and often with plenty of rewards and enthusiasm. As I said, they are not Labradors. When they're younger they definitely need some strenuous exercise everyday (dog park, off leash hiking, long walks, etc) but as they age they're happy with a 30 minute walk twice a day or a 30mile run (I'm exaggerating, don't actually make your dog 30miles unless they are conditioned to that kind of exercise and even then it should be an occasional thing not an every day thing). I have a big boy named Max who is, interestingly enough, a bullmastiff and ridgeback mix. With the characteristic ridge along their back and stunning red coat, Rhodesian ridgebacks are a stand out in the hound group. He certainly strikes me as more of a Dane than, say, a GSD. These dogs are calm, obedient, gentle and content to take a nap on your lap after expending some energy. Thanks . Age 8 weeks to 6 months. Rhodesian Ridgebacks: Gentle Hound Or Fierce Hunter? Sulley and Junior LOVE other dogs and I am able to get my new dog fix while keeping my marriage intact. And that was just to minimally maintain his sanity. Fantastic points, Gracie! Ridgebacks are a very determined breed, thats for sure! As for the pure Rhodesian Ridgebacks I have met, they will always poke their nose in your crotch when you enter their territory, as mine did, and then youre quite fine to do what you want, but they have your number. As with any puppy, they are much more gregarious and energetic than a mature dog. Stephanie Seger is the owner and writer of the award-winning blog and purpose-driven brand Big Dog Mom and founder of the Dog Nailpro Method. Sounds like Blue had a wonderful time at your house! They love nosework, some trick training and just doing things. When I looked into this Rhodesian ridgebacks icy stare I could see the look of a predator. Also, throw into the mixture that he was on the streets for two weeks before being taken to the humane society and you get some doggie PTSD too (apparently had a broken tail and is scared to death of hissing noises and brake sounds). Rhodesian Ridgebacks Are Not Labrador Retrievers. Are they wrong? His sweet, happy demeanor only slightly masked the wide-eyed, maniacal look in his eyes from the lack of space. Blue is in his prime wild puppy stage right now. Both dogs have since crossed the bridge, and I still miss them but their little brother and sister are following in their pawprints quite well. Im sure this is old.but just in case. Dogtime has a description that I think is spot-on: Exuberant and active in puppyhood, he matures into a quiet dog with moderate exercise needs. Ridgeback! Walking and hiking with these pups is the best boundless energy, but always close enough to watch out for me. You know there really is no way to know for sure how big your girl will be, however, taking a look at her parents will give you a good idea. They have a moderate to high need for company and enjoy spending time with their family. My guess is he is a healthy mix of couch potato and guard dog with some added prey drive mixed in. Dog was just non stop on the go hiking, long distance running, walking, all the above. Embark DNA is one that I have heard great things about. They provided you many years of fun, humor and companionship though never for long enough. For them, the energy requirements were never a challenge - it was the protectiveness and aversion to other dogs. I do think his energy was on overdrive because of my Mastiffs. Often on the weekends we go for 2-6 hr hikes and even some overnight ones. It depends to a degree on the dog. The Rhodesian ridgeback is dignified and reserved by nature with strangers. And anything on the counter was not safe. Theyll basically take as much as you can give them but theyre also fine with an hour/an hour and a half good exercise with plenty of sniffing and brain-engaging stuff. You also have to be careful not to take them on massive walks or runs - just let them self regulate and sleep when tired. In addition to being used for hunting, the Rhodesian ridgeback is an avid competitor in a variety of dog sports, including agility, lure coursing, obedience, and tracking. There's no way I'd put them on par with a GD. He was smart and he knew it. For best results, please complete the breed questionnaire with thoughtful responses. This is not a breed that I believe will thrive in a basic obedience class in which the most advanced skill taught is a down-stay.. Ive had two Ridgebacks thus far and Im hoping to have at least one more before I die. Purrs from the Chirpies xx. You cannot let a RR railroad you and boy will they try. This is so interesting, John! For Blue, we knew Sulley and Junior had his attention, so as long as we had their attention, we had his. After spending the weekend with Blue, I felt compelled to share how very unique and wonderful this breed is. Required fields are marked *. They are low-maintenance. You are spot on! The RRs main objective is to please his owner and if he in any way feels he has been disappointing he recoils in humiliation. A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized breed weighing between 30-39kgs, with a height between 61-67cms. Your email address will not be published. If youre a first-time dog owner, maybe keep looking as they can be a lot to handle. I remember my one male. It seems like you may be asking about breeds that fit your lifestyle. Simply brush their smooth, short-haired coat regularly to remove loose or dead hair and bath occasionally. The Ridgebacks I've met have been very similar to what I've described above in terms of physical and mental stimulation requirements. My daughter asked a few times if Blue knew his name. These are some of the most amazing dogs I have ever dealt with and to this day, after 30 plus years, I am still amazed at what I learn from them. I suppose danger for them properly but more importantly danger for his family, me in this case. Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. My dogs at nearly 2 and 4 1/2. Training a Rhodesian ridgeback dog forces you to have your thinking cap on because he never takes his off. However, there is one breed that I had never given much thought to the Rhodesian ridgeback. My impressions from the ones I know is that theyre similar to my boxer. When exhausted from playing with Sulley and Junior, Blue was a calm, sweet puppy who was content to laze around or cuddle with my daughter. I'd like to work to dispel the myth that Danes are couch potatoes. Sulley can be very bossy and vocal himself, so perhaps he finally met his match. My wife, who is the runner, got pregnant, and near the end of the pregnancy she had dropped back to 60-90 minutes, 2 or 3 times a week. We're not even looking to get another dog. I am thrilled you found my blog! My dogs could open drawers & doors to get to food. I have already got two dogs, one lab cross weinmaraner and the other lab cross whippet. Definitely. His energy didnt stop there. Counter surfers? He doesnt have a ridge though. Holy cow is a Ridgeback mix not for an innocent first-time dog owner! Growing up, his neighbours were (and still are) one of the most reputable Ridgeback breeders, and they apparently insisted that their dogs are lazy sweethearts, a la Great Danes. 18-24 months - they tend to turn into this dog that is keen to go do stuff with you, but if it is horrible outside they will just snuggle up and sleep. Given his expertise in the breed, Im just thrilled he like this post! Not in the least aggressive, but well aware of everything going on around him with the ability to hop into action at a moments notice. Thank you so much for the comment, Darrell! I have been breeding RR for over 30 years and they do need very structured training, as they are smart/thinking dogs and get bored with training quite easily. From the moment he bounded into our house, Blue was like the Energizer Bunny; he kept going and going and going. She has decades of experience as a big dog owner, over 30 years of which has been devoted to health, nutrition, and behavior of large and giant breed dogs. Oh, I can see my 20 month old pure RR Freya right there with Blue. With superior power and intellect, Rhodesian ridgebacks are deliberate about everything they do. Keeps saying hes a Rhodesian Ridgeback, along with other breeds, but rr was the highest percentage. However, this large, muscular breed may not be best suited for little children they might end up playing bump without realising it. If you are reasonably active and willing to spend the time training your dog, then a RR could be a good fit. And like any dog, each one is unique. I downloaded an app that says it can ID what you have with a picture. Any experiences or good resources you would recommend? As long as they get enough exercise, your pet will be happy in an apartment. Talk about a weird mixture of breeds! If you want a wonderful, loving companion, be firm, confident and assertive in your training methods and consistent with the rules. Haha! I used to take him for run down the back streets, chasing him in my half-ton pickup. Thank you, Kathy! But, if you've met their exercise needs (generally an hour or more run 4+ times per week; some can handle as little as 90 minute walks with plenty of time to sniff and work their noses & brains), they are lazy most of the rest of the day. I just discovered your blog. As an owner of 3 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, I had to giggle as I read your article. Overall, we've been quite pleased with her ability to adapt to a lower activity level with the baby here. They are reserved when meeting new people, but do fine when given a chance to measure folks up on their own however, they have an uncanny 6th sense, and if they dont like someone, they will let you know and there is no going back. Ridgebacks are hounds. But suspicious-looking strangers? Back off or youll have hell to pay. Learn about what is a traditional Kraal and then you would understand what that means. The Rhodesian ridgeback is a dream dog for the compulsively hygienic. My husband is an avid dog-loving cat guy who used to own and train Ridgebacks. Impressive! , I found a puppy on the side of the road. Both breeds calm as they age, but puppies can be quite active and easily get into trouble. Have you considered doing a DNA test on him? However, they are not high energy dogs all the time. The rest was triggered by the behavior of others. One of our dogs is way more chilled than the other - the older one is super cruisy, the younger one has a lot more of a work ethic and needs to do stuff to occupy his brain or he becomes annoying. Its nice to have a real life example and explanations and not just a text book. For the record, we are not in a position to get a dog that has high energy requirements at this time. Thanks in advance! I was going to comment that the Ridgebacks I know are more at a level of what Danes should get, not what people think they should get, which might be what the breeder is describing. Oh and as first time rr owners I would suggest getting one of the more laid back pups in the litter. And a little bit jealous. After this weekend crash course, it is clear to me that the Rhodesian ridgeback temperament is NOT for the sedentary, or the inexperienced dog owner. There is NO ADDED COST to you should you use these links. I want to join the anti-couch potato club, too. From daintily eating tiny kibble and drinking water IN the bowl to pooping tiny poops and not slobbering, the Rhodesian ridgeback is a dream dog for the compulsively hygienic. They're a dog with a lot of endurance so they can handle large amounts of exercise but they can also be fairly chilled out (once they're out of puppyhood). I was unfamiliar with them until my family adopted Meg, a Rhodesian/Whippet mix, and learned what awesome dogs they are. Good off-switch in the house, not likely to be constantly pacing or looking for something to do. Mine was a rescue, and quite damaged when I got him, but he turned out to be the most loyal, and fierce, dog I ever had. But that was it. Great Rhodesian Ridgeback Resources For More Information, DNA Testing: Unlocking The Key To Your Dogs Health, Buying a Puppy: The Gap Between Desire and Reason. Thank you so much for your comment! Im not sure theyre quite as couch potato-y as a Dane, but I wouldnt consider them high energy at all. I need a running buddy. Saturday & Sunday 9am - 5pm Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, Plott Hound l:l Beagle/GSD mutt l:l Lab/Hound mutt. They have a high hunting instinct, but if you socialise your Ridgeback early and well with other pets they could live together happily ever after. We were just discussing the next breeds we want to consider when the time comes, in a few years or so. AEST/AEDT. And when I say pleasure, I mean it. LOTS of youthful exuberance, and definitely still have "puppy energy" until they are 4 or 5, when they start to settle down a bit more. Thank you so much for contributing such wisdom. She and Scout, our Lab/Golden, were inseparable BFFs for many years. 6-18 months - depending on the dog you get to see some bits of the dog they will become and the famous off switch may start to show up. Crates and dog proofed areas are you best friend at this stage. All three are wonderful with children and love other dogs. I carried that 40 pound puppy home! I am definitely looking forward to getting to know you, and looking to you for my big dog resource! Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. The ones I see on a regular basis are very docile. Thank you! and this is what I have found. Its been a journey, but he is our buddy now. They are definitely a pack. . I could keep on writing about Ridgebacks forever but this is enough for now. Your girls sound very similar. Training a Ridgeback forces you to have your thinking cap on because he never takes his off. She shares her life with her husband, two children, and the inspiration for Big Dog Mom, her two Mastiffs, Junior and Sulley. Blue needed to get out of there! It was the running joke of the visitors. That's all the exercise she's been getting the last week or so, and she seems to be doing alright. My friend had one and they used him as a running buddy and he had his own treadmill. My obedience instructor breeds and trains Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Without ample exercise, a Rhodesian ridgeback will behave like a claustrophobic in a closet. Showing all the classicsymptoms of zoochosis; pacing, carpet digging, door scratching, and counter surfing. I suppose it is because I have adapted to life with profuse hair and slobber, that when I meet a dog like Blue, I am immediately in awe. Harnessing this athleticism and determination would be part of the challenge and fun of being a Rhodesian ridgeback owner. Awww, I cant thank you enough for your sweet note! Your email address will not be published. The greatest quality Id observed on these dogs was their uncanny ability to recognize danger around them. They also go through a phase of being a rebellious teen. Rhodesian Ridgebacks dont smell and they are average shedders. Thank you, Fran! They need quite a lot of attention and training in impulse control and socialisation and just basic training. My guess is she will come close to your weimaraner mix. Most hounds are vocal, so this should come as no surprise. Blue was not so easily entertained. I agree with you about the Ridgebacks ability to spring into action at a moments notice, but to be relatively calm otherwise. This weekend, we had the pleasure of puppy-sitting for my friends five-month-old Rhodesian ridgeback puppy named Blue. And I wouldn't expect our Plott to be okay with this lower activity level for months on end. And while Blue had played all day with Junior and Sulley, being cooped up in that one-bedroom apartment for more than 10 min was more than he could take. Then use my post here to interview and select the right breeder for you if this is the breed you decide on. If you want an outgoing dog that excitedly greets strangers, a Ridgeback is not the breed for you. No idea what he is. I am not an expert on the breed, but our neighbours are Ridgeback owners. Watching some of the videos really made it clear that he is made from two distinct breeds. What a huge compliment from your husband! They are aloof, and at best dignified, toward strangers. The only thing my Mastiffs are good for is snoring next to the treadmill. I would love to chat with a breeder to get a better sense of the ridgeback. From the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, the Rhodesian ridgeback temperament should be, Dignified and even tempered. Brush their coat weekly. A Rhodesian ridgeback that is either fearful or aggressive would not be consistent with the breed standard temperament. My friends know there is an open invitation for their dogs to come over to our house. Large Breed Dogs are NOT Right for Everyone Are you a Good Fit? I'm not sure what to think about this. I looked up the breeder website for the old neighbors, and they aren't some backyard breeder; they show their dogs well, are selective about puppy homes, and generally seem responsible. The imagery of your last statement about the nose in the crotch and having your number is classic. He was exhausted. Early training and socialization will be key! From what I've seen (there's a breeder that lives locally and takes her dogs to the same swimming/trail system that I take my dogs) is that they can be pretty high energy when they're younger and then become much more adaptable as they get older. When a person came into the house, our dogs might lift their head up. I said this about Mastiffs in The 7 Most Common Mastiff Myths Debunked, and it is even truer for the Rhodesian ridgeback; your aim in training should be to be more exciting than whatever is catching his attention. We are watching Blue again next weekend for 5 days and we all cant wait! I think they come with a far better built in off switch. Any feed back would be really helpful. She is all black , just wondering how big she will actually grow? I can definitely see that being true for many Ridgebacks. Generally friendly with other dogs. I might have been a bit unfair to Blue and the breed in featuring so much of the energetic side. We paid a ton of money with a trainer to get some more control, but at the end of the day it is the day-to-day interaction, love, discipline, and interaction that got us to where we are now. Thank you, MaryKay! Do not leave ANY food anywhere that can potentially be accessed by a dog or child. In my opinion, Rhodesian ridgebacks are a little bit of both. After a weekend with Blue, Im considering one of my own. So would I call them a high energy breed? That is a huge compliment from someone who knows the breed as well as you do. Thanks for the time you took to read about my experience. They still need to go out for a decent amount of exercise most days, and the days you skip you really should play some games with them. They are prepared and capable hunters when they want to be. Brush their teeth and trim their nails regularly. Ha! They get a 20-30 minute leash walk each morning and a run in the evening (southern hemisphere so heading into winter at present)- the evening run can be going for a leashed run with me or my other half, dry land/urban mushing, or off leash on a walking trail. I have no doubt that if I had the opportunity to spend 5 days with Blues siblings or another Ridgeback, my experience would be a little different. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Rhodesian Ridgebacks Are Energetic and Athletic, 2. They are easy to groom with the distinctive ridge of hair on their back. We will be spending Labor Day with Blue again and I cant wait! I said, well, of course, he does, he just doesnt care that we are calling him.. If you are looking for an outgoing dog that excitedly greets strangers, a Rhodesian ridgeback is not the breed for you. Did you fill out the breed questionnaire? They were content to sleep on the couch most of the day. Enjoy your RRs, but please make sure you learn to understand them and their behaviors~~. In Africa these dogs were used to corral, harass and chase the big cats, but, this was their more important tasks for their owners, protecting the Kraals from the big cats. https://bigdogmom.com/questions-breeder-buying-puppy/. I know I said 5 facts, but Im going to give you a bonus because I was just that impressed with Blue. Great post and as a breeder/handler/owner of Ridgebacks, your view of them was spot on. They tend to be going at 100 or 0. I sent him this article because I knew he would love it. Intense rr's are intense! About half way through the walk he laid down and would NOT stand up. Our 5 year old was much like Blue at the same age. I am thrilled this post was helpful and informative in your better understanding the Ridgeback in your boy Max. Great running buddies. Yes. She (they were both females) will be aware of danger well before I did and they communicated in a particular fashion to me that danger. My friend still struggles with Blue getting on counters. He is absolutely an active and athletic dog, as well-bred Danes should be. BTW: For being a new blogger, your site looks great. Training is key though. Reserved with strangers.. As I stated earlier, one of Blues tactics to get Junior and Sulleys attention was to bark at them. Thank you so much for your comment, Kim! I told him, well its no wonder because you won the Nose-to-nose for Best Dog Blog! They are very well socialized (cant just open the back door and let them out to potty), they are quiet (they normally dont bark unless there is a true reason for it puppies trying to get someone to play can be an exception) and are not bothered by crowds and unusual things like skateboards, bicycles, baby strollers, construction equipment. Never got a complaint She was also just as happy to snuggle with her dog and human family. Rhodesian ridgebacks were hunters developed in Africa to corner and hold big game prey, such as lions, bears, and boar. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Like any dog breed, there are differences between each dog. A couple of short walks or runs, or playtime in a yard or park and your buddy will be happy. Subscribe to receive your BIG DOG WEEKLY newsletter! They need training; consistent, positive, and stimulating training. When he was a 4 month old, I took him for a 1/2 mile walk. This is the beauty of the RR. I have heard that the best way to catch a dog is to run away rather than toward him. It sounds like, as a puppy, he was a lot of work, but he mellowed out considerably. She is going to be for my daughter? I did look up what a Kraal was and your visual makes complete sense. They can also become dog selective - not wanting to play with every dog, just their buddies - and they play rough and can be intimidating for other dogs, so not the best dogs at a crowded dog park. /r/dogs is a place for dog owners of all levels of knowledge, skill, and experience to discuss all topics related to dogs. He's still a bit wary of strangers, but overall he's fantastically trained and fairly tolerant of our ridiculous, bouncy adolescent Standard Poodle. Rhodesian ridgeback puppies need their exercise. They like to be around people and live indoors.

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