Pet Wiki

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Also called African Lion Hound, African Lion Dog

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From Southern Africa; the FCI lists South Africa as the country of origin, and the first standard was written in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male36.5 kg34
Weight, female32 kg34
Height, male63 to 69 cm32
Height, female61 to 66 cm32
Lifespan10 to 12 years45
Sizelarge

FCI gives a single desirable weight for each sex; PetMD gives about 32-39 kg (70-85 lb) overall.

dignified and intelligent
loyal to its family
athletic and brave
32

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense coat

A strong, athletic hound with a short, sleek, shiny coat. Its trademark is a band of hair along the spine that grows the opposite way to the rest of the coat, starting behind the shoulders with two matching whorls called crowns and tapering towards the hips.32

Colourslight wheatenred wheaten3

Personality what they are like

A calm, dignified and clever dog that is devoted to its family and tends to be reserved with strangers without being shy or aggressive. It responds best to gentle, consistent training.324

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An athletic breed; The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, plus mental enrichment.54

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Short coat that needs a weekly brush; it sheds moderately.54

Home where they are happiest

Best suited to a larger home with a large, secure garden, in town or country.5

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete food formulated for large breeds, fed as two meals a day for adults, adjusted to activity level.4

Company who they like around

Forms strong bonds with its family and can live happily with other dogs if socialised early.4

The story where it all began

Settlers in southern Africa crossed their European dogs with the ridged hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi people. From 1879 Cornelius van Rooyen bred dogs that tracked lions and held them at bay for hunters, and in 1922 F. R. Barnes drafted the first standard in Bulawayo.23

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is the only registered breed native to southern Africa, according to the FCI standard.3

  2. 2

    The ridge on its back holds two identical, opposite crowns (hair whorls).3

  3. 3

    The breed was used to track and bay lions, holding them in place rather than attacking.6

  4. 4

    The ridge averages about 5 cm (2 in) wide.3

Name ideas for your new friend

SimbaZuriKayaRidgeLionTafariNalaBaoShakaAshaMosiZawadi

A day in the life told by a Rhodesian Ridgeback

I woke up to the smell of morning and the sound of my human's feet on the floor. I stretched, my ridge standing tall, and followed them to the kitchen. After a quick pat, we headed out for a long walk. I sniffed every bush and tree, and even chased a butterfly, just for fun. Back home, I curled up on the cool tiles while my human worked. In the afternoon, we played fetch in the yard. Now I'm lying by the sofa, tail thumping, waiting for dinner. A perfect, peaceful day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 146, Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds); definitive acceptance 21 February 1955.1
AKC
Recognised 1955 (Hound Group).2
The Royal Kennel Club
Registered in the Hound group.5
South African Kennel Union (KUSA)
Approved the breed standard in 1926.3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Rhodesian Ridgeback. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Rhodesian Ridgeback, and at what times?

Feed your adult Rhodesian Ridgeback two meals a day, adjusting portions to their activity level. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps their digestion, and you can ask your vet for exact times.47 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Rhodesian Ridgeback eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Choose a complete food formulated for large breeds. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always check with your vet for specific dietary needs.48

How often should I bathe a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. At least once every three months is a good general rule, using a gentle dog shampoo.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Rhodesian Ridgeback need brushing?

Brush your Rhodesian Ridgeback's short coat weekly to manage moderate shedding. This keeps their sleek coat shiny and healthy.54 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Rhodesian Ridgeback's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. Your vet or a groomer can show you how.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Rhodesian Ridgeback need?

This athletic breed needs more than two hours of exercise daily, plus mental enrichment. Daily walks and playtime are essential to keep them happy and healthy.54 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Rhodesian Ridgeback's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Never push anything into the ear canal. Daily brushing is ideal for teeth.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Rhodesian Ridgeback live?

A Rhodesian Ridgeback typically lives between 10 and 12 years. With good care and regular vet check-ups, they can enjoy a healthy life.45

Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are devoted to their family and can live happily with other dogs if socialised early. They are calm and dignified with children, but always supervise interactions.324

Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback be left alone?

They form strong bonds with their family and may not do well if left alone for long periods. It varies by individual, so ask a good breeder or your vet for advice on your dog's needs.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI nomenclature - Rhodesian Ridgeback (146) fci.beused for recognition, origin
  2. Rhodesian Ridgeback - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, AKC, history
  3. FCI Standard No. 146 Rhodesian Ridgeback fci.beused for size, coat, colour, temperament, history, facts
  4. PetMD Rhodesian Ridgeback petmd.comused for lifespan, weight, care, diet
  5. The Royal Kennel Club - Rhodesian Ridgeback royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, home, lifespan
  6. AKC Rhodesian Ridgeback akc.orgused for fun fact
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.