Just being completely honest here…
You need to be sure this breed is right for you, your lifestyle and your family before you make the decision to own one. This is a very challenging breed to own and train. Ridgebacks are not recommended for first time dog owners. They are not as forgiving as labs and goldens and they are not people pleasers.
Ridgebacks have strong personalities and therefore do best with experienced owners who are not timid or intimidated by large, very physically powerful and strong-willed dogs. The more dogs kept together, the more complicated the pack dynamics can get. Females often don’t get along with other females, and males often don’t get along with other males; there are obviously some exceptions.
This breed needs much more exercise and stimulation than the typical dog. They are independent thinkers (read STUBBORN!), and as big game baying hounds, they better be! They need higher than average conditioning, socialization, training, obedience, rules and boundaries from day one.
Without strict and consistent training, Rhodesian Ridgebacks will likely develop behavior issues.
However, because these dogs become so attached to their humans, they are one of the most loyal and affectionate breeds if they are treated fairly.
I absolutely DO NOT recommend or permit any of the puppies I place to be sent away for board and training sessions. Good trainers that know the breed will not accept this breed on that arrangement anyway. It’s vital for the owner(s) to train alongside the dog. Board and train sessions in this breed often produce fearful and reactive dogs, which is nearly impossible to correct once that behavior is established.
Socialization, socialization, socialization!
Socialization is about way more than getting your puppy around other people and dogs!
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States (RRCUS)
As a general rule, if a breeder is a member of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States (RRCUS), then the chances of them being a decent breeder is pretty high. But please note that a great, responsible breeder doesn’t necessarily have to be a member of the breed club, just as every club member may not be honest. I am aware of many breeders who have just as much integrity and responsibility toward the breed who are not RRCUS members, and their ethics, along with their dogs, are top-notch. I have also personally come across just as many RRCUS members who were not honest and ethical. One of the most kind early mentors I had was a club member, and I am grateful for the kindness that member showed me early on. The breed club is a very small and competitive circle that is a great resource and advocate for the breed; unfortunately, a cut-throat culture of competitiveness within the club (club members are “show” breeders) leads to drama, jealousy and bitterness, which is especially, and often is, directed at any breeder not “in the club.” Yes, there are multitudes of non club “breeders” out there who do not have the breed’s best interest in mind; it’s important to be aware of that. I refuse to be associated with those circles. I have no interest in drama, so I simply focus on my program and goals and the best interest of my dogs and the puppies I produce.
If you do not ultimately end up with a puppy from us, for whatever reason, but plan to go with someone else instead, then please be sure that the breeder screens their dogs for basic health issues. They should offer any help and advice to the owners of the puppy for the entirety of the dog’s life, and agree to take back the dog at any time, for any reason should the need arise.