The 'ridge' that defines this breed's whole identity is genetically linked to dermoid sinus, a birth-defect tube of skin tissue that can run from the surface down toward the spinal cord and usually has to be surgically removed — the breed's own US club says it's unlikely the defect will ever be fully bred out.
12years, median
0.5 years below the all-dog median of 12.5.
Measured, not estimated: the middle age at death across 584,734 UK dogs, 284,734 of them deceased. Based on 2,991 dogs of this breed. 95% confidence interval 11.9 to 12.2 years. Half lived longer than this, half did not. UK dogs, so treat it as the best available figure rather than a promise about yours.
In the same study, large breeds as a group had a median of 11.9 years and medium-muzzled breeds 12.8. This breed is large and medium-muzzled.
McMillan et al. 2024, Scientific Reports 14:531 — open access · CC BY 4.0Health tests to ask the breeder for
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States sets the tests a Rhodesian Ridgeback needs for a CHIC number in the OFA's open database. A CHIC number means the tests were done and the results are public. It does not mean the dog passed them: ask for the results for both parents, or look them up yourself on ofa.org.
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA Evaluation, 2 years or older, or PennHIP)
- Elbow Dysplasia (OFA Evaluation, 2 years or older)
When to spay or neuter: the guidelines split at 45 pounds grown, five to six months under it and after growth is complete over it, and the UC Davis study gives a guideline by breed for 35 breeds. The spay and neuter page has both, and the two weeks after.
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis (complete thyroid panel from an OFA-approved laboratory)
- Cardiac Evaluation (OFA or cardiologist)
- Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist (OFA CAER, annually)
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) DNA test
- Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) DNA test
- Early Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD) DNA test
- BAER hearing test
Test names as the club lists them; checked September 2026. OFA CHIC breed page. How to use this at the breeder: check a breeder.
Adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback near you
Shelters and rescues list Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes on Petfinder. Enter a ZIP code to see who is waiting within 100 miles.
Listings come from Petfinder and open there. Petipedia does not take part in adoptions and earns nothing from them.
Living with a Rhodesian Ridgeback
Ridgebacks are independent, strong-minded hounds bred to track large game largely on their own judgment, so training takes real patience and consistency rather than repetition — they get bored with drilling and will simply stop cooperating. They need a genuine daily outlet for their athleticism, have a real prey drive that makes them risky around cats and small dogs, and tend to be reserved or standoffish with strangers rather than instantly friendly.
Health you should know about
- Dermoid sinus — a congenital tube-like skin defect along the spine, tied to the same genetics as the breed's signature ridge; often requires surgical removal, and the breed club describes it as effectively unavoidable in the gene pool.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia — hereditary joint malformation common in large, athletic breeds.
- Autoimmune thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) — an inherited immune condition attacking the thyroid gland.
- Eye conditions including cataracts and entropion — inherited eye defects that can require surgical correction.
Read the full Dog Care Guide first — costs, daily time, and everything a dog needs before you choose a breed.
Naming a Rhodesian Ridgeback? Swahili and Southern African names, 89 of them, with what they mean.
Sources — 4 references
Last reviewed October 2026. 4 sources listed below. Written and maintained by Petdeals.io. General care information, not veterinary advice — for a sick animal, call a vet.