What is a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy like?

Like most puppies, the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy can be cute and altogether endearing. And like most puppies they bring their fair share of work. The day you collect your puppy from the breeder will be the day you become a nanny, trainer, and playmate. Your puppy will have times when he never stops and his main aim of the day is to run you ragged. However in between these times he sleeps, this is most important for development and growth. A Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy can be a bit of a thinker, often sizing up whether or not a particular activity will benefit him or not. They are usually very food orientated, which does help with training, however you do get some puppies that will manipulate a situation just to get that little treat! Like all puppies they can go through stages of chewing, this can be easily managed if you give your puppy something appropriate to chew on. They can be opportunistic and will when tall enough test there skills at counter surfing; the art of stealing their owners dinner from the kitchen is a trait that is best nipped in the bud from the early stages, unless of course you are happy for this type of behaviour. Like the adults, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is very devoted to their owner and will want to please. This can be used to the full advantage when training and moulding your puppy into the adult dog you desire. They can be often described as stand offish when they meet new people, this is completely normal and they soon learn to accept their new friends.

Let’s look a little closer at the finer details when owning a puppy:

How to find a reputable breeder

The internet can be full of adverts offering puppies. This can be confusing for prospective new puppy owners. Here are some main points to consider:

• Contact breed clubs and ask for reputable breeders that follow the clubs Code of Ethics.
• Contact Kennel Club registered breeders only.
• Only contact breeders that fulfil all the required health testing; hip & elbow scoring, JME (Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy), DM (Degenerative Myelophy). Some breeders also test for EOAD (Early Onset Adult Deafness).
• Ask the breeder about the health condition Dermoid Sinus and how they implement screening for this.
• Talk to a selection of breeders and ask to visit them and their dogs; you should always be able to meet the prospective dam of the litter. Always visit them in their home; where the litter will be raised.
• Ask the breeder about the temperament of the breeding pair.
• Ask the breeder about any health conditions they are aware of in their breeding lines.

Things to consider when thinking about owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy

1. The size of an adult dog – an adult Rhodesian Ridgeback can weigh up to 45kg for a male dog and 38kg for a female dog.
2. Can you afford to feed a large breed? As a large breed puppy, growth will need to be supported by a never ending supply of food. This can become costly so investigating diet and cost is important. Once your puppy has reached adult hood your dog will still require an appropriate diet and a considerable intake.
3. Breed health – Although generally a healthy breed, there will always be that occasion for a visit to the vets. Will you have your puppy insured? Is this affordable? And then there are accidents…the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a hound and will run and chase, this can lead to accidents, do you have the funds to support these situations should they arise? All puppies and dogs require the basic parasite control? Is this affordable?
4. Can you provide your dog with the exercise it requires? As young growing puppies exercise will be limited. However a fully grown adult dog will require a minimum of 45 minutes off lead exercise per day, the more the better!
5. Are you prepared to put in the time and effort training your puppy? An unruly ridgeback is not desirable. They respond well to boundaries and consistency. Do you have the time and patience to invest in this? Can you provide your puppy with a consistent and fair approach to training and discipline? The ridgeback does not respond well to harsh discipline, however he will be your friend for life if you are fair with him.
6. Socialisation – do you have time to properly socialise your puppy with other dogs and people? This is highly important and should not be overlooked.
7. Toilet training – are you prepared to house train a puppy? Standing for what seems hours in the garden waiting for your puppy to relieve itself can be time consuming and frustrating. However it is a simple process that needs to be done.
8. Is your home appropriate? Do you have a large enough home for a large breed dog? Do you have a safe and secure garden? It is recommended that you have a fence at least 6ft in height.

Other factors…

The average life expectancy of an adult dog is between 10 and 14 years of age.
Does a large breed dog suit your life style?
Do you have other pets of livestock that need to be considered?
Do you have children or are planning a family?

Finally, if you can be confident that you have researched this beautiful breed thoroughly and are satisfied that you can give a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy a happy and stable home for life, then this maybe the breed for you.

For further information contact our puppy advisor.