Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies – A Dog Breed Suitable for Children Aged 12 and Above

Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies – A Dog Breed Suitable for Children Aged 12 and Above 

 The saying ‘Train them while they’re young’ not only applies to kids but to puppies as well. But, first you have to take an important step, that is to pick out the right puppy for you and your family. It's important to understand the breed you're interested in.

We have some resources here that will help you decide if the Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog is the right breed for you and, regardless of the breed you choose, give you some tips to help you get your puppy from a reputable breeder.

Having decided to purchase a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, you should try to find the best representative available to you. Many sources recommend purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies, but finding the best source takes time and study.

Acquiring a puppy is a commitment that cannot be taken lightly. Hopefully by choosing the right puppy, you will be taking on a responsibility that will result in a healthy, well-adjusted dog that will give you joy and happiness for many years to come.

Puppies in pet stores are mostly from puppy mills or the occasional backyard breeder who's main objective is producing puppies for profit. Please be careful here as health problems may be common as the "for-profit" breeder does not select the best possible bloodlines that will be compatible for good health, longevity and good temperament.

Want To Own A Well-Trained, Obedient, Healthy, Fully Housebroken, Disciplined & Happy Pet Rhodesian-Ridgeback? Introducing Hands-off Rhodesian-Ridgeback Training Secrets and Information With Fast, Effective Results That Save Hours Of Your Time Every Week!! Sign up for a FREE mini course on training your Rhodesian-Ridgeback

What Should You Look for in a Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy?

What should you look for in a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy? This is a bit of a tricky question. First, you should agree if you want a male or female puppy.

Rhodesian Ridgeback males and females are alike in many respects but there are distinct differences between the sexes that you should be aware of. You have to ensure that you are aware of what you expect from your new addition so you can advise the breeder. Let him/her know if you want a companion, show dog, or a competitive performance dog.

No matter what the function you desire in your puppy, all puppies in the litter will have the same bloodlines. Most well-bred litters from ethical breeders are bred to emphasize the health, character, and trainability of every puppy in the litter. In the pursuit for your puppy, you want to examine the puppies together at first.

A Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy should have, first and foremost, a good temperament. They should be inquisitive, outgoing, and unafraid in his advances towards everything and everybody. They will also demand and display affection without inhibition. Many times puppies will choose one of the litter to pick on. This does not mean this puppy is defective in any way. Take this puppy aside and he will usually contend himself when he is away from his littermates.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback 

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog breed developed in Southern Africa. Its European forebears can be traced to the early pioneers of the Cape Colony of southern Africa, who crossed their dogs with the semi-domesticated, ridged hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi.

Appearance 

The Rhodesian Ridgeback's distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction from the rest of its coat. It consists of a fan-like area formed by two whorls of hair (called "crowns") and tapers from immediately behind the shoulders down to the level of the hips. The ridge is usually about 2 inches (5 cm) in width at its widest point.

It is believed to originate from the dog used by the original African dog population which had a similar ridge. Male Ridgebacks should stand 63 cms (25 ins) to 69cms (27 ins) at the withers and weigh about 85 lb (39 kg) FCI Standard); females should be 24–26 inches (61–66 cm) tall and about 70 lb (32 kg) in weight.

Ridgebacks are typically muscular and have a light wheaten to red wheaten coat, which should be short, dense, sleek and glossy in appearance, and neither woolly nor silky. White is acceptable on the chest and toes. The presence of black guard hairs or ticking is not addressed in the AKC standard, although the elaboration of the AKC standard notes the amount of black or dark brown in the coat should not be excessive.

Temperament 

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal, intelligent, and somewhat aloof to strangers. This is not to be confused with aggression; a Ridgeback of proper temperament will be more inclined to ignore, rather than challenge, a stranger. This breed requires positive, reward-based training, good socialization and consistency; it is often not the best choice for inexperienced dog owners.

Ridgebacks are strong-willed, intelligent, and many seem to have a penchant for mischief, though loving. They are protective of their owners and families. If trained well, they can be excellent guard dogs. Like any dog, they can become aggressive when they are not socialized properly.

Want To Learn the A To Z of Rhodesian Ridgeback Training and Care? Discover An Amazing Training System Designed for Rhodesian Ridgebacks that will turn your dog into a Completely Obedient, Disciplined, Trained & Well-Behaved Pet in 15 Days or Less! Sign up for a FREE mini course on training your Rhodesian-Ridgeback

Introducing a New Puppy or Dog to your Household

Introducing a new Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy or dog to your household is like bringing a new kid to your home. Both parties will have to go through some important and big change.

Anyway, whether you choose to get a puppy from a responsible breeder or adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog from a rescue group, the first two weeks for you and your new dog are a significant period of adjustment. If your dog had a previous owner, this time could be particularly stressful for him or her.

Here are some tips for a smoother transition for new dog owners. 

• Bring together kids and other pets separately. It may be too overwhelming if you present your new dog to your home, children and other pets all at once.

• Look at the diet. To avoid stomach upset, keep him on the same food his previous caretaker was using and slowly transition him to the food you want to use. If you can’t get the same food, mix rice into his new food for the first few days.

• Keep a close eye on him or her. Do not be surprised if there are accidents. Housebroken dogs can still have mishaps in a new home due to stress and confusion. Help them learn where to go by taking them outside often and watching them when they are inside to avoid accidents or other unwanted behaviors.

• Permanently identify your dog with a microchip. If your dog came with a microchip, you must apprise the owner information with the microchip registry. It will take time for the new dog to distinguish his new surroundings as his home and you as his new best friend. If he gets loose during this vital time, capture may be very difficult.

• Enroll in Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy training classes and have fun! After about two weeks, your new dog’s personality will really start to sparkle and it’s a good time to start experiencing new activities that you and your dog can take pleasure together. Training classes are helpful and useful not only for teaching dogs basic manners and problem solving, but they will teach you how to communicate with your dog and help you bond.

A New Free Course on Dog Grooming Reveals the Secret Step-by-Step Techniques used by the best Dog Groomers in the country! Finally, You Can Now Groom your Rhodesian Ridgeback on your own at home without having to hire an expensive groomer! Grab Your Copy of this Free Course on Dog Grooming, NOW!