Canine King
Real men don’t own Labradoodles. For the refined dog owner, we endorse the Rhodesian ridgeback
SANDRA NYGAARD; Photo by SIVAN LEWIN
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.
Comments
02 Jan 2008, 09:35
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
27 Jan 2008, 11:10
I always tell people this is a real dog!
extrmely loyal,social and fun loving dogs
very good with kids as well
29 Jan 2008, 16:34
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"