Rhodesian Ridgeback

A powerful and independent dog originally bred to hunt lions.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dignified, strong, and athletic breed. Originating in Africa, they are best known for the ridge of hair along their back. These dogs are loyal and protective but require firm and experienced handling due to their independent nature.

Quick Facts

SizeLarge
Breed GroupHound
Lifespan10–12 Years
Exercise NeedsMore than 2 hours per day
TrainabilityCan be stubborn and independent. Early, consistent training with positive reinforcement is essential. Not ideal for novice owners.
Grooming NeedsMedium
SheddingYes
Barking TendencyLow
TemperamentConfident, calm, and devoted to family. They are typically reserved with strangers and make excellent guardians.

Available Rhodesian Ridgebacks

4 dogs available
Conker, a 11 years old male Rhodesian Ridgeback available for adoption from Greenleaf Animal Rescue in West Yorkshire

Greenleaf Animal Rescue

Conker

West Yorkshire
SexMale
Age11 years
BreedRhodesian Ridgeback

Conker is an eleven year old, male, Ridgeback x Hound and he’s looking for his forever home. He’s microchipped & neutered. Conker is calm around the house and loves to sleep, however, he’s reactive to strangers and strange dogs. Conker has been fine with other animals (if introduced carefully) but isn’t happy around younger children. Conker would suit an experienced new home. Please enquire.

Kola, a 2 years old male Rhodesian Ridgeback available for adoption from Cheltenham Animal Shelter in Gloucestershire

Cheltenham Animal Shelter

Kola

Gloucestershire
SexMale
Age2 years
BreedRhodesian Ridgeback

Meet Cola, a big, beautiful lad with a real love for snacks and cuddles!Cola is a friendly, affectionate boy who adores human attention. A cuddle-lover through and through, he never tires of coming back for more fuss! With people he knows, he’s loving and waggy, and for the most part he’s happy meeting new people out and about. He can occasionally be a bit startled by strangers at first and might have a bark in this situation, but give him a calm, slow introduction and you’ll quickly see his tail start going and his confidence grow.He’s very food-motivated and enjoys training sessions and enrichment activities – licki mats are a particular favourite! Toys are fine, but snacks are definitely the way to Cola’s heart. He’d prefer to be the only dog in the home, though he’s been happy to see other dogs while out on walks and would benefit from ongoing positive socialisation. Cola has shown some interest in wanting to chase small animals, so a home without cats would be most suitable for him.Cola would thrive in a home with a secure garden, where he can potter about and have a good play. He’s not keen on being left on his own and can become anxious, often seeking reassurance and comfort from his people. He travels well in the car and would suit a home with older teens (16+) who can match his size and strength.If you’re looking for a loyal, affectionate companion who loves human company and will supply you with endless love and devotion, Cola could be the one for you.

Velma, a 4 years old female Rhodesian Ridgeback available for adoption from North Clwyd Animal Rescue in Wales

North Clwyd Animal Rescue

Velma

Wales
SexFemale
Age4 years
BreedRhodesian Ridgeback

IN A FOSTER HOMEWooof! I'm a lovely girl looking for a comfy foster home - could that be with you?Velma's Notes:Velma is a cheeky, friendly girl that was dumped here on site a few months ago. We found out some information on her past after her owner got in touch with us. Sadly Velma is going to need an operation and is looking for a calm, loving foster home for her recovery. We will be aiming to get her into a foster home before her upcoming surgeries and can give more information to any one interested in fostering her – she will need a long term foster home until she is sorted medically and can be rehomed.She was very timid and scared when she first arrived and it took us a while to gain her trust and to see the now cheeky and playful side we know Velma has. She can be a little timid with new people but she is quicky won round with treats. She is dog friendly and does like meeting dogs and will play and chase well off-lead. She is looking for a home as the only dog, as we can’t risk an accident while she is recovering in her foster home.She recently had a sleepover with one of our staff members and she was amazing. She was fully housetrained and well behaved in the home. She had some extra TLC with a shower and chilled in the kitchen, and was a great girl. She settled and slept well through the night!Velma is going to need surgery on her neck due to a condition called Dermoid Sinus. We have a specialist vet that can do her operation but she sadly keeps getting a re-accuring infection which is why we are having to wait for this – this is why we want Velma to find a foster home prior to having the surgery. Her new foster family can speak and get plenty of tips and advice from our vets and the specialist in preparation for the operation. Any check ups etc can be done at our vet practice (during our opening hours) so she would ideally need a foster home local to the rescue centre or with fosterers that are willing to travel.Velma is a Thai Ridgeback, weighing around 17kg. She is spoilt (and sometimes lazy) at the rescue and is fine with being handled and picked up and carried. She is generally a very calm and quite girl who definitely deserves some TLC.friendly with dogsfriendly with strangersgood on the leadis toilet trainedmedical issues