Hi, I have become enamored with the idea of a Ridgeback for the past few years. We are a dog and cat family, and the loss of one of our dear girls is positioning us to want a puppy sometime in the next year. So now I am trying to decide what kind to get. We have two labs, and our recent loss was a golden retriever. I've read a ton on Ridgebacks and am attracted to them for their athletic abilities. I want a dog that doesn't let anything stop them, heat, dry, or long distances. But, we've heard some less than desirable things about Ridgebacks and want some feedback from people that have similar likes and dislikes. We are very active, but work full time. We have a large yard and walk the dogs daily. We rarely have them on-leash and are concerned about being able to train a Ridgeback to immediately come or stay with wildlife or a running dog is attracting them. I know they would take a bit more work to achieve this than say a lab or golden, but am concerned that this may not even be possible. I've never owned a hound, and people I know with sight hounds say it is not possible. But, they don't know Ridgebacks, and neither do I. There aren't Ridgebacks where I live, so I really can't go to a breeder and meet them. However I have met them at a local dog show, but this isn't s good place to meet a dog. The handlers are too busy and not with similar lifestyles. The other bad story I've heard is about a Ridgeback attacking and eating a smaller dog. I pretty much chalk this one up to 3rd hand story, and a dog with a bad owner. Any dog can be poorly behaved if not trained well.
The other negative thing my husband is concerned about is how people describe them as aloof. He adored the golden retriever for how much she loved us and others. I think a Ridgeback will love us also, as any dog loves their pack leaders. Thoughts?
Thanks and happy new year.
