Does anyone have experience with Rhodisian Ridgebacks?

[aspenblue1]

I am looking for a new puppy to add to our family. I have heard that Rhodisian Ridgebacks are good dogs but stubborn. I have a 21 month old daughter a siberian husky named Aspen and cat named boots.

Here is a picture os Aspen.

[EssTer]

awww, Aspen is such a beautiful dog
I'm sorry I'm not good helper about rhidesians, but maybe here on PT are some people who could help?

[wolfie]

Why don't you look at your local dog pound? Pound pups make great pets!!! ^_^ If you go to the pound spend some time with the dogs you like to see if they'll make a good addition to your home. You can even bring your Husky to see that the dogs get along before you bring a new pup home.

[muddy dancer]

hi. i have met a few ridgebacks and i am very familiar with the hound family (ridgebacks are hounds). They make great pets and have a lot of energy. They need a great deal of exercise and a firm hand or they will just take over the place. They can be destructive when youngsters if not adequately exercised and occupied. Very independent-minded. Love to run.

[stacwase]

My mom had a Rhodesian Ridgeback. NOT a good idea for a 5'0", 95 lb, timid woman. She got it from the shelter when it was a puppy, and they didn't know what it was. They thought it was some sort of cute little mix.

He got HUGE and she absolutely couldn't keep him contained. He literally jumped right over her head! He ran through her screen door, breaking it right out. She said he was the most graceful, beautiful animal she had ever seen. She said he ran like a deer. She didn't have a problem finding a home for him when she realized she couldn't handle him.

Personally, I think they would make a GREAT pet - for me. I like high-energy, strong dogs and I can handle them.

I was looking at some of the ones in a Rhodesian Ridgeback rescue, and seriously considering adopting one, when I found Max instead.

The rescue lady strongly emphasized the need for a very high (9 foot), strong fence and a large crate for indoors.

My husband spent a lot of time in Africa, and a guy he knew there had several. He just fell in love with them.

If you're going to get one, you might want to look at the rescues, rather than buying a puppy.

[muddy dancer]

about that. . . sighthounds (ridgeback is one) as a rule tend to be somewhat shy and anxious. Do not take on a rescue dog unless you are prepared to give that dog a lot of TLC - like, a lot, lot, lot. These dogs can be very high strung, and so will have some pretty nasty personality damage if they have been abused. Just a though. . .

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

I had one growing up and He was the best dog in the WHOLE WORLD!! I would love to have another one.

He was the most loyal dog! GREAT family dog!

[stacwase]

Originally posted by muddy dancer
about that. . . sighthounds (ridgeback is one) as a rule tend to be somewhat shy and anxious. Do not take on a rescue dog unless you are prepared to give that dog a lot of TLC - like, a lot, lot, lot. These dogs can be very high strung, and so will have some pretty nasty personality damage if they have been abused. Just a though. . .

And that would be a big dog to deal with if it had a nasty personality.

But the rescues I was looking at were supposed to be really sweet. I don't think most of them were abused. The foster people can tell you all about their personalities, and they're honest with you because they truly do want to find the best fit for the dogs.