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.