Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for being a large size of dog breed, so you can be sure that they are certainly going to grow to a reasonable size! But just how big can Rhodesian Ridgebacks get?
We are going to be taking a look at the size of this dog breed and seeing how big they can get, as well as looking at the difference between the males and the females and how big they can be as puppies.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog breed that has been around for a long time, first bred in the 1800s by British settlers in South Africa.
They were used to hunt lions and other dangerous animals. There are different sizes of these dogs, even though they are a prominently large dog breed.
Let’s take a closer look at the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Feeding The Rhodesian Ridgeback
A Rhodesian Ridgeback is an extremely large dog breed that can weigh around 100 pounds on average.
It can be more difficult to maintain the weights of large dog breeds like Rhodesian Ridgebacks, so you will need to keep them fed properly and make sure that they don’t have too much weight on them to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Overfeeding can also lead to various health issues further down the line. If you do decide to go with a larger-sized dog like a Rhodesian Ridgeback, you should always keep that in mind!
Height And Length Of The Rhodesian Ridge Back Dog Breed
An average Rhodesian Ridgeback stands approximately 20 to 25 inches tall, putting them right in the middle of the range of heights for large dog breeds.
When it comes to length, a Rhodesian Ridgeback may measure anywhere between 21 and 27 inches. Because of this, they are quite a bit longer than most other breeds.
Male Rhodesian Ridgeback Sizes
Male Rhodesian Ridgebacks are usually one of two sizes. The smallest males typically measure between 18 and 22 inches tall, while the largest ones usually stand between 24 and 28 inches tall.
Males typically range from 65 to 85 pounds, while the heaviest males weigh between 90 and 100 pounds.
Female Rhodesian Ridgeback Sizes
The female Rhodesian Ridgebacks are similar to the males in that they also come in two sizes.
A smaller female Rhodesian Ridgeback measures between 19 and 23 inches, while a larger female stands between 25 and 29 inches.
Smaller females also tend to weigh between 60 and 80 lbs., while larger females tend to weigh between 85 and 95 lbs.
What Size Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks As Pups?
As puppies, Rhodesian Ridgebacks may grow up to be between 15 and 25 inches tall at the shoulders and between 30 and 40 pounds, including both male and female puppies.
If you’re interested in owning and caring for a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, you’ll need to make sure you find an experienced breeder who cares about your dog’s health and well-being.
When Do The Pups Start To Grow?
Once puppies reach six months old, they start growing very quickly. At eight months old, they should already be close to fully grown (or at least as big as they’re going to get).
Even though they are still young, the pups should already be starting to show signs of maturity.
Can I Manage A Rhodesian Ridgebacks Size?
You may think that anyone can manage a Rhodesian Ridgeback of any size.
However, you will certainly notice that bigger dogs need more attention in terms of elements of their care and when feeding them.
For example, if your Rhodesian Ridgeback weighs 120 pounds, you’ll need to feed it twice as much food as if it weighed 70 pounds.
Before you even think about adopting a Rhodesian Ridgeback, make sure that you are ready to put in the work required to take care of one.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Issues
Obesity is one of the biggest issues that people face when they own Rhodesian Ridgebacks as their size makes them prone to weight gain, as we mentioned above.
There are other diseases that they’re prone to because of their size, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritic conditions, and joint pain.
The Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for being one of the heaviest dog breeds, seeing as they can weigh as much as 200 pounds or more!
Their massive size makes them susceptible to overheating, which can then lead to heatstroke.
It’s important to provide your Rhodesian Ridgeback with plenty of water and shelter from the sun, particularly during heatwaves.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an excellent breed for people with children too because they have a friendly tendency towards kids.
Be aware that they do not like loud noises, sudden movements, or bright lights.
Caring For A Large Dog Breed
Before deciding whether to get a large dog, you should be aware of some elements regarding their care.
You’ll first need to make sure that there’s enough room in your house to accommodate your new pet. You’ll also need to consider if you have the room for the kind of exercise that a large dog will need.
When it comes to the sleeping arrangements for a Rhodesian Ridgeback, you’ll need to prepare a place that can accommodate their size whilst keeping them happy and comfy!
Make sure that they have their own bed and that it’s big enough for your dog to comfortably stretch out in. Keeping the bedding clean and dry is essential too (as it would be for any breed!).
When caring for your large dog, another thing you’ll need to think about is how to feed them properly.
Large dog breeds tend to eat a lot of food every day, so you’ll need to make certain that you always have plenty of food available.
There are many different kinds of diets available for your big dog breed.
If you are ever unsure of what kind of diet your Rhodesian Ridgeback should be on, make sure to consult your vet for more information.
They should be able to recommend a good diet for your dog based on their age, weight, and activity level.
Final Thoughts
A large dog breed makes for a great and loving pet for most families.
The only downside to having a large dog breed is their size, which makes them difficult to handle at times; however, they’re worth it!
If you’re willing to put the time and effort into training your dog, you’ll be glad you did when you get a large dog breed such as the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
