Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am thinking of getting a rhodesian. Can anyone give me some feedback as to how they are as pets and if this is the right dog for my family. We are a couple with no children. Live in a suburban neighborhood. This will be our first dog together. We both had dogs as children but never on our own. Both work full time but with different schedules. Please give me som feedback on this breeds temperment, trainability.

>>I am thinking of getting a rhodesian. Can anyone give me some feedback as to how they are as pets and if this is the right dog for my family. We are a couple with no children. Live in a suburban neighborhood. This will be our first dog together. We both had dogs as children but never on our own. Both work full time but with different schedules. Please give me som feedback on this breeds temperment, trainability.

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Perhaps a breed historically bred to hunt lions is not the best choice for the first dog either of you has had on your own? Before making a final decision, I'd suggest you also research the retrievers, including the wonderful Flat-coat as well as the more common Labradors and Goldens. Also consider the Vizsla, which has a similar look to the Rhodesian Ridgeback (minus the ridge, of course), but is a milder dog.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

I understand that they were originally breed as hunters in africa. But I have read that these make great family pets. They have a mild temperment. I have read that they can have a tendancy to chase cats, small animals. But can be trained to be accepting of these small animals as well. Can you give more specifics as to why these are not a good breed for a first time owner. We are also considering the labrador as an option

>>I understand that they were originally breed as hunters in africa. But I have read that these make great family pets. They have a mild temperment. I have read that they can have a tendancy to chase cats, small animals. But can be trained to be accepting of these small animals as well. Can you give more specifics as to why these are not a good breed for a first time owner. We are also considering the labrador as an option

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I won't say they're not a good breed for the first-time owner, but honestly, even a Labrador is much more work than most people expect! Go to reputable Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders, their breeder referral contact person for the national breed club, and their rescue organization to see if they think their breed is a good match for your family. These folks are not trying to profit from the sales of dogs. They want good placements, lifetime homes. They're the experts to consult. You can find contact information on the breed experts through the AKC web page, www.akc.org.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

HI,

Have you talked to any other RR owners? They are sweet dogs, but love to be with their caretakers. They are very family oriented dogs. But they are large dogs and need exercise and play stimulation. In other words they were African Lion hunting dogs and need to run. I have RR and trainability, yes they are, but they can be stubborn and single minded. On more than one occasion I think they are smarter than I. So if you do get one but sure you are ready for a loving, smart, counter surfing big dog. And if you do get one start obedience training immediately you have to be Alpha from day one with this breed. Be sure you know what you are getting into check with local breeders, vet and clubs to learn more about the breed. I don't want to scare you off of getting an RR, just be sure it is right for you and the dog. People forget that cute pup can turns into a handful when full grown and they are turn over to rescue because they are not able to handle them when they are 80-90 pounds.

I also have cats and two other dogs and they get along great. I had two RR and my male was stubburn as they come, but loving. My female just the sweetest dog in the world. So there ya go 2 dogs same breed, but totally different personalities.

What breed dogs have you had in the past?

Good luck and come back and let us know what you decide.

Cheryl Cooper
Site Coordinator, Rescue & Adoption
PetHobbyist.com
phkeeper@pethobbyist.com

I am not sure if you have already adopted a dog or not but I just wanted to say that my husband and I are a young couple whose first dog on our own was a Ridgeback. I think as long as you do some reading on the breed and purchase a couple books on obedience ( I highly recommed classes too) a rhodesian could be the right dog for you. Personally I think a lab puppy would be more challenging to raise because the have such massive amounts of energy. Our dog, now 10 months old, is pretty good with 3 to 4 walks a week and is mellow at home.