What makes the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog a good addition to a family household? Can a breed, famous for its hunting skills, become a loyal and caring member of a family? Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks a good choice for a family?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a great choice for a family, no matter how big or small. Renowned for being protective, loyal and kind-hearted, these are a few of the traits that make a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog such a great companion.
Are they a good choice?
If you are thinking of welcoming a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog into your family the number one question that should come to mind is: “are they the best choice?”. The short answer is yes, but the next question should be why?
No family is the same and despite its adaptability this breed is not perfect for all families. The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is very special, and its history plays a major role in determining how well you will get along.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback was a famous African hound and it was used for hunting, (not killing) lions. Their sleek and athletic body and supreme intelligence made them perfect for this kind of a job. Why is this so important? Well, in order to hunt, the Rhodesian Ridgeback had to be strong, resilient and very energetic. That makes these dogs the perfect companion for a family that is equally energetic. If you are an outgoing family which loves doing outdoor activities like hiking, jogging and other high energy sports, you have the perfect dog.
Learn more about their history here.
Are they suitable for children?
Every dog is different but for the most part, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very friendly dog and can get along great with children of all ages. Of course, their size should be taken into consideration when interacting with toddlers, even an innocent push from an excited puppy or a pulling of its tail by a curious child might lead to an unhappy accident.
As with any dog, children must be taught how to approach your Rhodesian Ridgeback and the early interactions should always be in the presence of an adult family member. Because of their protective nature they will try to defend your children and make sure they are safe. It is very important to teach a Rhodesian Ridgeback that other children are not a threat to your own.
They turn into fierce protective guardians and reveal their gentle and loving side only to the family they belong to and especially to children.
What about my other pets?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a great choice for a family with children, but they might be somewhat difficult with other pets. It is much easier for a Rhodesian Ridgeback to get along with a pet when it is introduced to it at an early age. A Rhodesian will need more time and training to accept a dog or a cat after it has grown up. Patience, good observation and training will help the Rhodesian Ridgeback to make room for another fluffy member of the household as its hunting instincts may be triggered by the new arrival.
It is important to note that as well as they might get along with your house cat, they will show signs of aggression when seeing a stray cat. Male Rhodesians tend to get more aggressive with other males especially if not neutered. But exposing them to creatures outside of their home from puppyhood can help to reduce this behavior.
The Rhodesian Ridgebacks are faithful companions, protective of their loved ones and very affectionate with those whom they trust.
It can take a big commitment to own a Rhodesian Ridgeback, so only serious owners should undertake looking after one of this breed. Once it is properly trained, the Rhodesian Ridgeback will become a true member of your pack. As well as a hunter, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a fiercely protective guardian of its family and it will make sure to keep everyone in it safe.
Lovat Pride Rhodesian Ridgeback 