How much a dog sheds is invariably down to what breed they are, though there are, as always, exceptions to the rule. Seasons can also play a role but not so much since most dogs now live indoors year round. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is no exception to these statements.
What makes the coat?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a coat that is short and dense. It is sleek and glossy in appearance but should never be woolly or silky. It comes in one simple color which is wheaten, but various different shades. There may also be white markings and usually a black mask.
Their coat is made up of hair. This is because, in general, fur is associated with double coats, whilst hair is linked with single ones.
The ridge is a line of hair that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. It is the very characteristic of this breed and should be clearly defined, tapering and symmetrical. It starts behind the shoulders and continues to a point near the hips. There should be two identical crowns or whorls on the ridge directly opposite each other.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an extremely clean dog with very little odor and a minimal shedding. How much exactly, will depend on whether your dog lives indoors or outdoors. Those kept indoors will shed a little all year round whilst those living outdoors will be more prone to seasonal shedding.
Taking care of the shed
Rhodesian Ridgeback would be classed as extremely minimal for coat maintenance. A simple weekly brushing will go a long way. This will help to remove any loose hair and dander and to keep the coat nice and glossy.
You should start brushing your Rhodesian Ridgeback at an early age so they can become accustomed to it As a puppy, you can start by using a grooming mitt which allows you to stroke and groom at the same time. As they get older, you can then move to a brush or comb. Ensure that any grooming products you do buy are designed for short dense coats.
Your Rhodesian Ridgeback may also benefit from the occasional bath using a gentle shampoo. This will keep them looking their silky, shiny best, but should not be done too often. Bathing too often can remove essential oils from your Rhodesian Ridgebacks coat.
Why do they shed?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed for the same reasons as any other dog breed because it is natural! They lose old or damaged hair in pretty much the same way as we humans do. How much and how often, however, can depend on health, breed, and where they reside.
Excessive shedding can be normal in many dog breeds, but not the Rhodesian Ridgeback. If they are shedding more than usual, there is probably a reason other than normalcy behind it. These reasons could include stress, poor nutrition, and even medical problems. Your vet is best placed to determine hair loss that is not normal.
Stress
This could be something as simple as they are being left alone too long, or something in their environment frightens them. Pinpointing the causes of stress is not always easy but, if illness and poor nutrition have been ruled out, you should start looking to things that are possibly distressing your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Poor Nutrition
It is recommended to feed your dog with high-quality diet. However, this may not always be enough. Some Rhodesian Ridgebacks may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in dog foods which could cause hair loss.
Medical Conditions
There are various illnesses that could be causing excessive hair loss in your Rhodesian Ridgeback. These include:
- Parasites (flea, lice, mites)
- Fungal / bacterial infections
- Food allergies
- Kidney, liver, thyroid or adrenal disease
- Pregnancy / lactation
- Certain medications
- Self-induced trauma due to licking
- Immune disease
- Sunburn
- Contact with irritating or caustic substances
So, how do you minimize the shedding?
You cannot stop a healthy Rhodesian Ridgeback shedding but you can reduce the amount of hair in your home. You can do this by regularly grooming your dog with a suitable brush and bathing them on occasion. If you are unsure what brush is most suitable, then your vet or groomer will be able to recommend one.
Since you cannot stop a healthy Rhodesian Ridgeback shedding, you will need to find quick and easy ways of removing hair from you and your home. Lint rollers are ideal for getting dog hair off your clothes, and a good pet vacuum cleaner with tools will clean carpets and soft furnishings. Hard floors can simply be swept and mopped.
Lovat Pride Rhodesian Ridgeback 