Finding The Perfect Match: Why I Chose a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Growing up a Dog Person
I grew up with dogs and, honestly, I’m a dog person to a fault. Our first family dog was a black German Shepherd (GS) named Rex – they’ll always have a special place in my heart. When Rex got too big for our apartment, he had to go live with my grandparents. I’d visit him often, and while he was intimidating to look at, he was the sweetest dog ever!
That experience taught me something important: our family didn’t have the adequate space and time to properly train or keep such a large dog in our apartment. It made me very hesitant to get a dog before I knew I could dedicate the proper time and space they deserved.
The Search Begins
When I moved to Florida, I didn’t know anyone. I’d been thinking about getting a dog for a few years, but it was never the right time. Then COVID hit, I started working from home, and suddenly I had the time to really invest in raising a puppy properly. Moving to a new state where I knew nobody actually made it the perfect time – what better way to explore your new home than with a four-legged adventure buddy?
I probably should have gotten a dog sooner, but I’m glad I waited. I did my homework – read training books, watched videos, and researched breeds extensively.
When it came to figuring out what breed I wanted, I had some pretty specific criteria:
- Fitness buddy – I live an active lifestyle and wanted a dog that could keep up
- Short coat – Having had a GS, I knew how much double-coated dogs shed (spoiler: A LOT)
- Working dog mentality – but not overly stimulated like a Malinois
- Balanced energy – Something that could “rev up or down” quickly
- Medium build – not too big, not too small
- Good temperament – nothing too aggressive
- Healthy breed – fewer known health issues
The Finalists
My shortlist came down to:
- Dogo Argentino
- Rhodesian Ridgeback (RR)
- GS (because they’ll always be on my list!)
- Vizsla
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Doberman Pinscher
- Weimaraner
The Cropping Consideration
I ultimately avoided several breeds that otherwise fit my criteria perfectly – Vizsla, Doberman, Weimaraner, and even Dogo Argentino – because their breed standards typically involve tail cropping, and ear cropping for Dogos.
I understand that cropping historically served a function, and I’m not opposed to it for working dogs that might face injury in the field. But for a pet dog, I didn’t want to put a puppy through those procedures at such a young age when most breeders expect it. It’s a personal choice, but these were all breeds that otherwise checked every box for me.
Why the Ridgeback Won
So what made the Rhodesian Ridgeback the ultimate winner? A few key factors sealed the deal:
The perfect energy balance – Ridgebacks have this amazing ability to match your energy level. Want to go for a 10-mile hike? They’re in. Want to binge Netflix all Sunday? They’re totally fine with that too.
Built-in temperature control – Moving to Florida’s heat and humidity, I needed a dog that could handle the climate. That short coat isn’t just low-maintenance for shedding – it’s practical for hot weather activities.
The “gentle giant” temperament – I wanted a dog with presence but not aggression. RRs look intimidating enough to deter trouble, but they’re naturally calm and measured in their responses. Perfect for someone who wants protection instincts without the liability concerns.
That poised, sophisticated look – RRs have this regal bearing, like they’re always in control or have something important on their mind. They look poised and sophisticated in a way that really appealed to me.
Enter Ruby
I’ve been converted! I’m sure everyone says this about their dog, but I got incredibly lucky with my Ridgeback puppy, Ruby. She hits everything on my list – incredible temperament, playful, athletic, loves to run, but then will sleep for 8 hours straight. She’s the perfect fitness buddy.
Ruby’s now 4 years old but still believes she’s a puppy – playful as ever. Her number one intrigue? Squirrels. I’m talking to the point where she’s trying to climb trees to go hang out with them. I never set my alarm clock anymore either – she’s been waking me up at the crack of dawn since she was a puppy.
Since getting Ruby, we’ve been everywhere together – tons of parks, play dates with other dogs, and countless hours exploring Florida’s trails. It’s been the perfect way to discover my new state while giving her the socialization and exercise she needs.
The gentle giant in action: Although Ridgebacks have good protection instincts and an intimidating size, they don’t bark that often. Perfect for apartment living or keeping peace with the neighbors.
Ruby’s also a big softie – or as I like to call her, a gentle giant. She gets pushed around a bit at the dog park, but she always bounces back and tries to find a new friend to play chase with. She always has this sense of adventure.
My Thoughts: What I’ve Learned About the Breed
The Athlete’s Needs: Exercise is Non-Negotiable
Ridgebacks are like triathletes – they can keep going forever, have a quick recharge, and with a short break they’re ready for more activities. It’s amazing how they can switch from couch potato to athlete and back again.
But here’s the thing about that exercise need: it’s not optional. If Ruby doesn’t get her off-leash running or serious cardio, she can’t relieve stress properly and it affects her mental health. When they don’t get enough exercise, you’ll see:
- Destructive chewing behavior
- Ignoring commands and training
- General difficult or bratty behavior
- Increased anxiety or restlessness
Like humans, all Ridgebacks are different in their exercise needs. I’ve seen some owners put them on treadmills, others take them lure coursing (think mechanical rabbit chasing), but they all need mental and physical stimulation. All that pent-up energy needs to go somewhere, and you don’t want it to be your furniture. Trust me – when Ruby was growing up and I slacked off on exercise, she developed a taste for all my Ray-Bans and Oakleys, as well as my flip-flops and slides. Expensive lesson learned!
Independent Minds: The Importance of Consistency
They’re also independent thinkers, which sounds nice in theory but means you need to be consistent with training and boundaries. The teenage T-rex years are behind us now, but if you don’t practice and reinforce training regularly, it will show.
Because of their independent streak, you have to set clear boundaries and stick to them. For example, Ruby is not allowed to sleep in my bed, ever, no exceptions. Consistency is everything with this breed.
Learning the Hard Way: Ruby’s Beach Adventure
Speaking of training challenges, I was getting fairly confident with Ruby’s recall. Took her to Fort DeSoto beach in St. Pete – it’s not a fenced dog beach. BIG mistake. As soon as she made friends with a few dogs, she BOLTED. Started playing chase with them and ran away down the beach. I was screaming, scared to death she was going to disappear forever. Lucky for me, she came back, but you can see the video of my complete meltdown here.
Lesson learned: Don’t overestimate your training progress! They’re food motivated, which helps, but expect lots of distractions from squirrels (Ruby’s personal obsession), lizards, anything that moves.
Training Resources That Actually Help
For anyone looking to train a Ridgeback (or any dog, really), here are the YouTube channels I’d recommend:
These trainers understand the importance of consistency and positive reinforcement, which is crucial for independent breeds like Ridgebacks.
The Size Issue
Here’s something I’ve noticed: Americans have this obsession with size, always thinking bigger is better. At Ridgeback meetups, I constantly hear people bragging about their dog’s weight like it’s a badge of honor. “Mine’s 105 pounds!” “Oh, mine’s 110!”
But here’s the thing – according to AKC standards, male Ridgebacks should be 85 pounds and females 70 pounds. No Ridgeback should be over 100 pounds! This happens across many breeds, and it’s sad to see overweight dogs struggling to move around at parks. Ridgebacks tend to overeat, so keeping them at a healthy weight takes discipline.
The “Lion Hunter” Myth
Most people, when they hear I have a Ridgeback, say “You know they’re lion hunters, right?” While technically true, it’s more accurate to say they’re lion chasers. Unlike a Dogo Argentino with its larger head and chest built to hold down prey, Ridgebacks were designed to work in packs and encircle game, not fight it.
Tips for Finding a Good Breeder
If you’re considering a Ridgeback, here’s my advice on breeders:
- Make sure they do ALL the health checks (hips, elbows, dermoid sinus screening, DNA testing, heart clearance, eye clearance)
- Be wary of supplement requirements – breeders who force you to buy their special vitamins or supplements as a condition of their health guarantee are throwing up red flags
- A good breeder’s health guarantee shouldn’t have strings attached
Final Thoughts
Would I recommend a RR? Absolutely – if you’re prepared for their quirks and needs. They’re amazing dogs, but they’re not for everyone. You need patience, a sense of humor, and preferably a fenced yard (or really solid recall training… which I’m still working on).
Do you have a RR, or are you considering one? I’d love to hear about your experience or what breed ended up being your perfect match!
You can find out more about Ruby, her social media, and our adventures at https://gentlegiants.online/
P.S. One more thing RR owners should watch out for: the zoomies! These dogs will suddenly take off running around in circles or back and forth at full speed, usually in your yard or house. It’s a fascinating thing to see them perform – like they’ve been possessed by a speed demon for a few minutes before returning to their normal, dignified selves.
