DogsLifeBreed profile
Rhodesian Ridgeback: size, sleep, exercise and care
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a powerful, athletic hound of 61–69 cm, named for the ridge of hair that grows the wrong way along its back. It is loyal to its family, independent and built for a lot of physical activity.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Adult weight
- 32–39 kg
- Height at the shoulder
- 61–69 cm
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Exercise needs
- High · 120+ min per day
Sleep needs
Typical total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
| Puppy | Adult | Senior |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 h | 12–14 h | 12–15 h |
These are general life-stage ranges for dogs from the AKC and Hill's Pet Nutrition; no kennel club publishes sleep figures for the Rhodesian Ridgeback specifically. SKK describes Ridgeback puppies and youngsters as very intense; enforced rest in a crate or quiet room is often what stops an overtired adolescent from getting into trouble.
Exercise needs
The Royal Kennel Club puts the Ridgeback in its "more than 2 hours a day" band, so treat 2 hours as a starting point for a healthy adult rather than a ceiling. Build up slowly in puppies: SKK notes hip and elbow dysplasia in the breed. Ridgebacks have hunting and guarding instincts, so off-lead running needs a secure area or very solid recall.
Potty training
Ridgeback puppies are clean by nature but strong-willed. Keep the routine simple: out on waking, after meals, after play and before bed, with a reward the moment the puppy finishes.
SKK recommends planning for training classes during the first one to two years. Potty training is usually done long before then, but the same calm consistency is what makes the rest of the training work.
Puppy potty schedule calculator →
Feeding
As a large, deep-chested breed, the Ridgeback is among the dogs where bloat is a concern. Following the AKC's advice, feed two or more meals a day rather than one, slow down a fast eater and keep feeding times calm. Learn the signs of bloat and act fast.
Growing puppies need a large-breed puppy food and steady, not rapid, growth. Match food to activity: a hard-working adult needs more than one on a rest day.
Frequently asked questions
How much exercise does a Rhodesian Ridgeback need?
More than two hours a day according to the Royal Kennel Club, with slower build-up for puppies.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks prone to bloat?
They are a large, deep-chested breed, which is the body type most linked to bloat. Feed at least two meals a day and avoid gulping.
Sources
- Rhodesian ridgeback – rasbeskrivning — Svenska Kennelklubben (SKK)
- Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed information — American Kennel Club
- Rhodesian Ridgeback breed information — The Royal Kennel Club
- Bloat in Dogs — American Kennel Club
- How Much Do Puppies Sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How Much Should My Dog Sleep Per Day? — Hill's Pet Nutrition
- Can Senior Dogs Sleep Too Much? How Much Should Older Dogs Sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How to Potty Train a Puppy — American Kennel Club