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The Best and Worst Cities for Men to Live

Canine King

Real men don’t own Labradoodles. For the refined dog owner, we endorse the Rhodesian ridgeback

The pup at the end of your leash speaks volumes about you. Walk a puggle around the block, and bystanders will assume you’d fold instantly in a fistfight. A Yorkie says, I really dig the royal family. And don’t get us started on the Chihuahua.

It takes a different kind of dog lover to raise a Rhodesian ridgeback, a South African species of hunting dog defined by its sharp intellect, fierce sense of loyalty, and a distinctive ridge of caramel-brown hair along its spine. Ridgebacks convey a classic, refined taste in canines, says Chris Demery, president of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States. They signal an owner who is patient and who appreciates the art of owning and training a dog.

“You have to have a firm hand in raising them,” says Demery, “or they’ll try to rise above you in the pecking order.” The breed responds well to punishment—but only fair punishment. And “if you lose to a ridgeback at a game of tug-of-war,” says Demery, “he’ll think he’s the alpha. So you can’t even play with them like that.”

The payoff for all this training: Ridgebacks are low maintenance, independent, and allegiant without being clingy. “When you come home, they’re excited to see you,” says Demery. “But they’re not at your feet, licking you.” In our book, that’s just how a best friend ought to act.

Rhodesian ridgeback pups sell for $750 and up. For more information, visit rrcus.org or ridgebackrescue.org.

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Comments

Comments

Tavo
02 Jan 2008, 09:35
You forgot some of the best aspects about this dog.
1. Bug resistant-as an African Dog might need to be but it helps with fleas and ticks
2. Able to go long periods without food and water - not that you want to do this to them but its nice to know you can go to work and your dog will not suffer if he knocks over his water dish.
3. Able to deal with both hot an cold temperatures.
4. Amazing with Children
5. They take sleeping just as seriously as they do running all out across a field.
6. As a puppy they are said to have the same bite strenth as a full grown German Shepherd.
7. Novice dog owner should should consider how intelligent these dogs are - they will take control if you let them.
8. And no matter what any of the standards are or what any of the books say - I have yet to encounter a Ridgeback under 100lbs.
9. Be prepared for the Star Quality of this dog - you will be stopped constantly with questions or admiration.
10. Also it is amazing what people think the strip is - a haircut done on purpose, surgery, he's angry, etc

Daniel Bloch
27 Jan 2008, 11:10
I am 26 own a ridgeback and it forsure is a very masculine dog to own..

I always tell people this is a real dog!

extrmely loyal,social and fun loving dogs
very good with kids as well


Joe
29 Jan 2008, 16:34
I have a member of this breed.

This is a great breed!!! Keep in mind tho they really aren't for the uncommitted dog owner.

Training, Obedience, Daycare, Patience, the whole gamut of the over exaggerated dog owner needs to be employed when raising one of these guys/gals.

Do the research, interview the breeders, be interviewed by breeders, stay away from puppy mills and stores.

The end of the process you get a dog that is absolutely amazing.

If I had 5 bucks everytime someone said "Wow that is a beautiful dog!!!" I would have made 3x the amount I paid for him. (I'm not telling but I will say 750 is suspect)

Regards,

Joe
"Ridgeback Dork"
John
26 Aug 2008, 17:35
I will bet that this may come as a surprise to you, but these are the same qualities of my dog. A blue pitbul!

I dont care what you say it's the owner and not the dog.
Rob
26 Aug 2008, 20:36
I have two uncles that had this breed of dog. They were actually mixed with Rotweiller, and thats why they ended up getting them free(because the bloodline was broken) but the productof such said was INCREDIBLE. The female was of standard Ridgeback height and weight with Rotti colors and the male was just the oposite..Rotti height/weight with ridgeback color and musculature (he was truly a site to behold. Both had the patented ridge.
Rob
26 Aug 2008, 20:40
PS. If you really like the Rhodesian Ridgeback you should take a look at the Thai Ridgeback which is just as awsome but comes in multiple colors.
israel
29 Aug 2008, 15:23
I love this breed, I need to get one, I hate my GF's doodle...

Thanks for the facts and advices, I am agree in If You want a dog You will have to be a GOOD owner.
Nathan
22 Sep 2008, 17:18
Awesome dog.. Mine will be 9 in November. This dog will be fine in a smaller home or apartment, as it does not need a lot of space indoors (as long as you have him properly trained and take him out regularly, but that is a given!). I found this out when we moved from a house with a yard to a top floor apartment in Germany. Get them round beds, as they like to curl up into a ball when they sleep. They should have some sort of cushy bed to sleep on as they do not have a thick coat and their deep chest and lean, muscular build makes it difficult for them to be comfortable on a rock hard floor for very long, especially in the winter. And yes, I hear from men and women all the time, "What a beautiful dog!"
Adam
23 Dec 2008, 13:47
I like them, but I have been a doberman owner since I was 7 and if you are looking for a dog which is loyal to a fault, amazing with kids, and lets others know of your presence I suggest a dobbie. Either way you really cant go wrong.
Al
29 Dec 2008, 21:34
That's my dog in the picture.
She was three years old at the time and it was her first professional photo shoot. The strange surroundings and lights and commotion didn't bother her at all. She has now completed therapy dog training.

Ridgebacks are the best!
Alan Peto
15 Feb 2009, 21:16
What's sad is you are promoting one dog...sure it's for an article...but millions of other breeds are being put to death in shelters across America. In addition, who knows if this breed which is 'bought' by a reader was bred in a puppy mill...fantastic...hell on earth for dogs so a guy can 'be cool'. This article on a dog for a 'man' is perfect for those who are anything but. Get a pound dog...that shows maturity.

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