Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament

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Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament


Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament

Rhodesian Ridgeback Overview

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament is known to be dignified, intelligent, mischievous, sensitive, loyal and strong-willed. They are naturally reserved dogs that are suspicious of strangers. That being said, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament is not usually aggressive or shy if these dogs are trained properly and socialized from an early safe. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament is for a pet owner who is experienced in training and care of dogs.

Visit our Rhodesian Ridgeback page to learn more about the breed and its characteristics!

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament is that of athletic dogs. They have very expressive eyes that make them look like they are very deep into their thoughts! Lion hunting parties bred the Rhodesian Ridgebacks in African so that they could use them to track, corner and hold lions. These dogs have still held on to that Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament which makes them a great hunting dog.

Rhodesian Ridgeback running

Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good Family Dogs?

Over the years Rhodesian Ridgebacks have become more of a family dog rather than hunting dogs. They have lots of energy to play with children and run around. As puppies, they are very active but with proper training and socialization they can grow up to be a very quite, dignified dog. They are not for new dog owners as it takes a lot of time, energy and effort to properly train the breed. If you are a new dog owner and have a Rhodesian Ridgeback, you should enroll them in basic obedience classes immediately so that you can learn how to handle them form an experienced trainer.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are perfect for someone with an active lifestyle. They are hunting dogs that need to have a lot of vigorous exercise in their lives in order for them to be able to maintain their health, happiness and an even Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament. Since they were formerly bred in Africa, they are able to take on a lot of activity even in very high temperatures. Weather does not slow them down! The Rhodesian Ridgebacks need to be taken on several walks each day and have plenty of time to run in the outdoors. They are also very athletic, so feel free to take them hiking, biking, jogging, running and swimming wit you. Given that they are hunting dogs, you can also play some retrieving sports with them. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament is such that without ample amounts of exercise, this breed can become quite destructive and anxious.

Two Rhodesian Ridgeback

If you are into hunting, you can use the Rhodesian Ridgebacks to track and point for small game in the field, or even to track and corner large game! If you and your family are not into hunting, you can still enjoy an active lifestyle with your Rhodesian Ridgebacks! Enroll them in organized activities such as agility or lure coursing that is suitable for the Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament. Anytime you are about to have some outdoor fun, these guys will willingly accompany you! They will also be more than willing to guard you faithfully while you are sleeping (during a camping trip or even at your own home!). These are the most loyal friends one can have!

Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Easy to Train?

Training an Rhodesian Ridgeback can be challenging for an inexperienced dog owner. These are dogs with an independent streak. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament is such that these dogs have the tendency to try to exhibit dominance. They need to be trained from a very young age with firmness that will establish their owner as the leader of the pack. They should not be trained with harshness at all. If you are applying strong discipline and punitive punishments, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament is such that the dogs will shut down and ignore your orders complement. Instead, give them tons of treats and a lot of positive reinforcement to get them to follow directions. It is also important to be VERY consistent with these dogs because the Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known to test boundaries, especially when they are still in their adolescence years. If you don’t know what you expect from them and bend the rules once or twice, you are giving your dog the invitation to run the house and become the leader of the pack.

Rhodesian Ridgeback looking back

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament makes them a good watchdog because they are calm and easygoing with their own families but extremely wary of strangers. It is important to socialize them with humans and pets alike from a very young age so that they do not develop aggression and so that they can learn to trust others. It is helpful to teach them that guests are welcome so that they feel calmer around strangers. Of course, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Temperament makes them excellent guard dogs, if and when the need arises.

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  1. My son got a Rhodesian ridgeback as a puppy and they love each other very much. He is a wonderful dog and we all love him although we do not live near by to share with his care. However my son works long hours and although his girlfriend helps with the dog sometimes, he stays alone in his cage for the most part of the day. Recently he has started to not tolerate his cage anymore and he barks. This is a problem and other tenants has complained. I feel very sorry for the dog and I am not sure what can be done now. Any help?

    • Hi Mika, you did not say how old the dog is now or if there is a yard for the dog. There are some things you could suggest or do, however. If this were my dog I would make sure it got lots and lots of exercise. Is your son athletic? It would be great if he took up marathon training or long distance bicycling. Evenings and weekends just work that dog hard. More unusual would be for your son to take up hunting. Long hours spent outside training and then hunting would be a great change of scenery and good exercise for all. This could be a great experience for the owner if he is willing to take up the challenge.

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