My husband and I have decided to get a dog and are considering a Rhodesian Ridgeback. We have both grown up with Labradors and Collies (and a toy poodle) but would like to know what it is really like to own a Ridgeback. What shoud we be aware of before taking ownership? How do they fair being on their own for a time? (we both work so during the week it would spend some time on it's own each day). We live in the country and have a decent garden.

I haven't owned a Ridgeback, so will leave that side of things to experienced Ridgeback owners, but just wanted to say that we had 2 in our classes a few weeks back and they were great dogs. Very strong and enjoued clicker training, but could cart the owners about unless they were ready for them and using appropriate control harness. This was much improved once they had more training. I would think like most dogs they would be Ok for  part time workers, but would be worried about full time, I expect they would find their own way to relieve boredom. If you were going to leave access to the garden, i would be wary of the dog being stolen as this is a very real concern these days, unfortunately.

Lindsay
X

I'd strongly recommend reading a book or two on the breed first. I found these two books to be very useful (you can buy them on Amazon if not in your local bookshop) in terms of finding out what you're letting yourself in for.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Today (Book of the Breed S.) 
Stig G. Carlson
Ringpress Books
Hardcover - August 1999

Pet Owner's Guide to Rhodesian Ridgeback (Pet Owners Guides)
~Stig Carlson
Ringpress Books
Hardcover - July 10, 1998

There are also plenty more RR books on Amazon.

It is also worth contacting the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Great Britain ( http://www.rhodesianridgebacks.org/ ) and they should be able to give you the low-down on breed characteristics and recommend responsible breeders. Breeders themselves are an excellent mine of information, and most will not mind you ringing them to ask questions even if you're not sure whether you want a pup or not.

I only have 1 ridegeback, so my personal experiences will be of limited use to you, as all dogs are individuals, and I know for a fact that my girl exhibits different behaviour traits from my sister-in-law's ridgeback, although they also share a lot in common. But the books are great to get a breed overview.

All I know is that they're not for everyone - they're great but a considerable handful at the same time - so it's great that you're doing your research.

Good luck!

I have 2 Ridgebacks and do alot of research into the breed! Leo is 3 yr old and Lexy is 14 weeks!
I would say that whoever was considering taking on a Rhodesian Ridgeback should ideally have had previous experience of dogs especially larger ones! Ridgebacks have  the most unique personality of all dogs and as you learn to understand and RESPECT them they repay you 100 times over. They can be left for a few hours a day, but dont really like to be left alone. The Ridgeback is a truly amazing dog but definately worth doing your home work. Some are better than others, but they do need alot of commitment to training etc in the first few years! There are lots of clubs and groups online, i am a member of a few, msn groups RR galore is worth a look for sound advice on RR.
Good luck, Jodi

I have the luck that a Rhodesian Ridgeback shares my home and my parents share their their home with another two of them. They are good companions and can be very funny. But they are hard work  and time consuming too. Training will take up a good part of your time and is essential. Also the right way how to work with a Rhodesian ist highly important because they are very intelligent but also very sensitive. With pressure you won´t get far. The "advertiser´s" approach will be more useful :) My girl is now 11 months old and she can stay home alone for some time because I work fulltime too. But I arranged my work so she is alone for 4 hours, then I go for a LOOOOOOng walk with her and then another 4 hours alone. And obviously before work and after the same plus dog school and regular training sessions(15-30mins) on daily basis. They need physical action plus brain work. Otherwise they will find something to do...which is probably something you won´t like.
But they make loving pets and smart companions and are worth the work.