Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello.

Having finally moved out of an apartment and into a real home, my husband and I are now looking forward to being able to have a dog. We're considering several breeds or just getting a shelter animal. Rhodesians are a personal favorite of mine, but I have to admit that I have not personally known too many.

My husband and I have two adorable ferrets, who now have their own room, but are often allowed to roam free throughout the house. I was somewhat concerned that a Rhodesian might react aggressively towards them. I spoke to someone at a dog show who stated his dogs were fine with his cat, but didn't know how they'd react to something smaller. Having read some of the posts below, I've become even more concerned. At this point I don't think we'll be looking into getting a Rhodesian, but I wondered what the rest of you thought.

These dogs do have a high prey drive and would need to be watched with small animals, but it's not impossible to get pets used to each other. Personally, I'd keep a rhodesian separated from the ferrets, but I'd keep most any dog away from small animals. It will be interesting to hear how others respond--especially those who also have small animals.

I had two RR's, 1 female 79 pounds still with us and one 100 pound male, gone now, but was one of the best with any dog or cat I brought into my home.

Like always all dogs and breeds have to be judged on an individual basis. All puppies will chase and run down anything that moves. Admittedly RR's do have a strong prey drive but they are not vicious when trained probably and introduced and watched carefully until they learn that other critters are family. If you are a stay at home person that is the best. RR's need their people around and like any dog will get destructive if locked up all day. RR's need obedience training from day one and refreshers. You definitely have to be alpha with them. They are very strong willed. If this is your first dog may not be the breed for you.

If you decide to go for an RR, get a good reputable breeder that guarantees the pups health, temperament and are willing to take them back for any reason. Get the vets name of the breeder and any other references you can, such as a local dog club, or other breeders or owners. Do not I repeat Do not purchase at a pet store. Go to the library and check out books on RR's. I don't want to sound preachy, but this is a 10 plus year commitment and you want your RR to be a member of your family. They are fiercely loyal and loving family dogs when trained properly.

I hope this didn't turn you totally off on getting an RR, just want you to be educated and know what breed is best for you and the family

Cheryl/owned by 1 RR, 1 Border Terrier, 1 mixed shih tzu/ terrier and three cats

I just got a 15 week old RR and also have a small kitten. So far they have done extremely well together. The dog is actually a little bit intimidated by the kitten. I have more problems with my two cocker spaniels chasing the cat than the ridgeback. I know ferrets are different than cats and I have no information to offer there but I thought I would share my story. I would definitly suggest getting a very young puppy, closer to 8 or 10 weeks. If you start that young introducing them to each other you will have a much greater chance of success! My RR is VERY calm and I have not seen the prey drive in him at ALL yet. So far I would highly suggest the breed! Good luck! (And remember, there are LOTS of great animals in shelters that need homes so that is always a great idea!)

I'm not a firm believer in blanket statements, either way. That it will work, or that it will not work. I persoanlly think it depends on the personalities of the different animals and your ability to work with them in training.

Ove 9.5 years ago I brought home this drop dead georgous red dog from the pound. I had no clue what she was or exactly what it would take to have it work with her, just that I could not leave this dog to be put down at the pound (they had already kept her one extra day hoping she'd be adopted). Kayo turned out to be a ridgeless Rhodesian Ridgeback, possibly mixed with Dalmation. She was estimated to be 1 year old.

My other dog at that time was my Long Hair Chihuahua, a very independent and alpha girl. At first Kayo wanted to lunge after LaVie (my Chi), she thought she'd be great to chase - you could just see the gleam in her eye. But She was on leash and couldn't. LaVie also was not one to put up with this from Kayo, she did not run and would tell Kayo to respect her space.

Kayo lived on leash for the first month. After about a month I could have her loose in the house with LaVie, under constant supervision. And I do mean constant, if I used the restroom Kayo went with me and LaVie stayed loose. This continued for a year.

After about a year I was convinced that Kayo no longer felt Chihuahua's were something to be chased. No matter how fuzzy, or annoying - even the ankle-biter variety of spastic Chihuahuas are safe from Kayo. (Yes we have some of that variety in the family.)

However, if a cat decides to stare and Kayo and then bolt she will be gone. It is in her nature, squirls, mice, rabbits... And the one time I let her run after a lure at a lure coursing practice she ran like she was a seasoned veteran at it, it was beautiful - low to the ground and eye on the prize. She does get along with my parents cat just fine, but that's because he knows how to behave around dogs.

So, my opinion is that with the right personalities it can be done. This takes into consideration the dog's personality, the small animal's personality, and the human's personality. And of course, time. I have heard of the occasional RR that has no desire to chase anything. Saw a great picture of a beautiful large RR boy sunning himself on a deck with the chipmunk taking peanuts off the deck right next to him - stretched out and ready to run from the dog. The dog, he just wanted to laze about.

Good luck on your decision and keep researching. I love hearing about people researching before hand - it really makes for a much happier result.

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tabitha
Kayo, Kahla, and Dante'