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LargeHound Group

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was standardized in Southern Africa in the late 19th century, combining European sighthound-type imports with Khoikhoi ridged ancestor dogs for lion holding and big-game work.

Calculate Rhodesian Ridgeback age
Lifespan12 yrrange 11–13
SizeLargeHound Group
Weight70–85 lb31.8–38.6 kg
Senior at6 yrgeriatric at 10

Gallery (3)

About

About the Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was standardized in Southern Africa in the late 19th century, combining European sighthound-type imports with Khoikhoi ridged ancestor dogs for lion holding and big-game work. The dorsal ridge of reverse-growing hair is breed-defining.

Aging

How Rhodesian Ridgebacks age

RVC VetCompass gives a median 12.0 years (n=2,991). Dermoid sinus — a neural tube closure defect — is the defining breed-specific inherited concern, screened at birth; mast cell tumours and dilated cardiomyopathy are secondary late-life concerns.

Lifespan deep-diveAvg 12 yr · range 11–13Senior careSenior at 6 · geriatric at 10Common health issues11 tracked conditions
Physical

Physical characteristics

Weight
70–85 lb(31.8–38.6 kg)
Height
24–27 in(61–68.6 cm)
Coat type
Short
Colors
Light WheatenLt Whtn Blk NoseLt Whtn Brn NoseRed WheatenRd Whtn Blk NoseRd Whtn Brn NoseWheatenWheaten Blk NoseWheaten Brn Nose
Temperament

Temperament

How Rhodesian Ridgebacks tend to show up around their people, other dogs, and the world.

affectionatedignifiedstrong-willedeven-tempered
  • Energy
  • Trainability
  • Good with kids
  • Good with other dogs
  • Shedding
Health

Common health issues

Full health profile
  • Moderatetypical onset ~2 yr

    Elbow Dysplasia

    Description and veterinary guidance for Elbow Dysplasia land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Moderatetypical onset ~5 yr

    Hypothyroidism

    Description and veterinary guidance for Hypothyroidism land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~8 yr

    Degenerative Myelopathy

    Description and veterinary guidance for Degenerative Myelopathy land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

Exercise
45min
per day

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are satisfied by around 45 minutes of daily activity (energy level 3/5). Short, regular outings beat one long session.

Related

Related breeds

Breeds with a similar size and group profile, for readers comparing options.

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References

Sources

Lifespan and health figures on this page are drawn from the peer-reviewed and organizational sources below.

  1. AKC breed standardAmerican Kennel Club breed page

    Breed size, weight range, height, AKC group, origin, coat type, and temperament baseline.

  2. RVC VetCompassRoyal Veterinary College VetCompass life-table research (McMillan et al. 2024)

    UK primary-care records; source for the median-lifespan and mortality figures.