RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK - Why They Are The Best

I've owned my buddy Diesel for 10 years now. He is the most amazing dog I have ever had the pleasure to be around! Here in this video ill tell you why you might want your own.
INSTAGRAM - / dialtommy
TWITTER - / dialtommy
#rhodesianridgeback #dogs #huntingdogs #outdoors #lumixs5
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[@jimhunt4874]

Years ago, we did have an intruder when my Mum was in the house alone. There was no barking, just a man's voice calling for help. My Mum went downstairs and found our Ridgeback staring intently at this stranger who had taken refuge on a cabinet. He asked my mother to put the dog away. She refused, but made sure she had our Ridgie between her and him as she let the man out of the house. I am pretty sure he saved my Mum from harm that day, and we were always grateful to him.

[@Duck420Ag]

My gal was exactly the same. Never a sound, not even a growl. Just that stare, and the sense of impending doom, lol.

[@snarkyboots]

I had one and she was a super guard dog, but not a mindless attack dog. One day, I went to a neighbor's house to ask her if she had lost power too, and had my dog with me. Suddenly, as we approached her house, the back door banged open and her German Shepherd flew out and went for me. My dog just kept coming between me and the other dog, not getting into a brawl with it but keeping me safe. My neighbor and some of her friends came out, looking pale and hauled the Shepherd back into the house. They were very impressed with Simba and apologetic about their dog's behavior. She had lost power, too.

[@matthewliscomb7180]

I have been blessed with 3 Ridgebacks in my years. I find that Ridgeback owners are just as hard loyal as these dogs are. Once you have owned a Ridgeback, you're done, you always will! :D. I lost my second one about a year ago, the pain is as fresh as if it was yesterday. I get teary-eyed just seeing the grey in his muzzle as you know that time is coming. It's beyond difficult, I miss my Bariki terribly!! I never take for granted absolute loyalty, stubborn free-thinking, amazing personality, FIERCELY protective!! Most amazing is their love and loyalty, one look and you know that dog has you back no matter what, without question, Ridgebacks are 100% fearless and will never betray! They are THE best dogs ever!!

[@dialtommy]

beautifully put! so true.

[@alibobo2009]

Never back down! But not stubborn.

[@rodneycaupp5962]

I lost my Rhodesian Ridgeback, 31 hours ago. The cancers, at 13 1/2 years of age, were a good part of her passing. Calling the Ridgeback a "blessing", is very accurate. SO Sweet and intelligent, that when they get stuck to YOU.., your heart will melt. They are all about Eye Contact and BLINKING. Try all K9 variety for the Blink conversations.... I love you "BLINK", then watch the tail... Teach them that you know what they are thinking, with your love and Blinks

[@Michelle-rb2mz]

Thanks for making me cry the grey mozzel did it 😢 thinking of a RB when my good old dog when she passes 😢

[@kylemanross]

Everything you've stated in this video is Quinn, my Rhodesian ridgeback, to a tee. We got her last April, and she has completely changed my life for the better. I couldn't imagine life without her.

[@Norton1531]

Had a Ridgeback about 25yrs ago. Had German Short-Haired Pointers as my last two dogs. They both died last year within 6 months of each other. After they went I decided I wasn't getting another dog. Then the girlfriend said she'd love a dog (we got together a few months before one of my Pointers died). She'd never had a dog before, only cats. I slowly came round to the idea, the only condition being that if we got a pup that it had to be a Ridgeback. Had Kobi since September 2020 and I have never seen a girl so smitten with a dog!!! He's fantastic! Really well behaved (considering he's still only 5 months old as I type this), ultra-loyal, and been reasonably easy to train. He's a work in progress at the minute. We get stopped loads every time we go out for a walk by people telling us what a gorgeous dog he is. As was said in the clip, he's a proper friends and family dog, but isn't interested in meeting/greeting strangers at all. He's just started showing a bit of his guarding potential, which is a very low growl at the door if something arouses him. He very rarely barks (I've probably only heard him bark on 3/4 occasions). If you've got the time and the space, I can't recommend Ridgebacks highly enough.

[@dialtommy]

Wow! Great story. Glad y’all are loving your new Ridgie!

[@hdjmiller]

I have 2 females. They are the BEST breed of dog. And you are so right about them being an excellent guard dog. The postman or the delivery guys don't even get up the steps before they are barking out a warning. My newborn grandson came up from FL with my daughter and her bf. They bonded with him in a few minutes. My rescue girl actually sat on the couch next to my daughter's bf and the baby, and would literally growl at anyone who came near the baby (except for me), even my daughter who had to say "Hey, I'm the Mom"...lol. The rescue is close to 90lbs (we got her at 5.5 months old and she's 2 now) and she is literally attached to my hip. She even gets mad at me if I try to leave the house without her. My other one, who we've had since she's 8 weeks old and will be 3 at the end of this month, is more independent. She's about 83lbs. It's funny to watch the different personalities. They also play rough. I sometimes think that my neighbors think I'm running a dog fighting ring in the back yard, especially with how vocal the rescue is. I love them to bits!!!

[@colinhamilton4173]

I also have 2 girls: 5 year old Betty and 3 year old Bonnie! They are wonderful companions and also have very noisy rough games. However my do this inside as they like an audience.

[@alainmatalas3408]

I’ve been blessed to have a ridgeback join our family about a year ago. Having that said and having two other dogs (pitbull mix and a basset griffon) with are very stubborn, smart and independent.. I can honestly say our RR is the most demanding pup I’ve ever had the pleasure to have as a companion.. if you are thinking of making one part of your family be ready to endure as well as enjoy a lot mischief , love , craziness, laziness and so much more! I would not recommend this breed to a first time owner, although with enough research and more importantly proper training it’s manageable. Taking into account this breed’s characteristics I can’t stress how important it is for them to exercise, run off leash and do so on a daily basis.. I’ve read a lot of comments about RR owners taking their dogs out for runs (Off-leash) once a week.. in my experience thus far (11 months old) I can say that even an hour a day running off leash does not meet the dog’s needs in terms of exercise.. dogs are very adaptable and essentially will do anything to please their owner but if you are not able or willing to put in the work and energy to meet this dog’s needs I would highly advise to think about another breed or better yet adopting! If you are willing to and able to put in the energy (and sacrifice acouple of couches 8 pairs of shoes a remote control and then some) it will be the best decision you ever made!

[@jameshyatt4857]

I have a 9-month-old Rhodesian, the best animal I ever had. tons of energy and nobody ever sneaks up on you. Lots of work I exercised mine for about 2 hours a day with a tennis ball. No training required an instant retriever. Sometimes a bit stubborn to give the ball up, but he always comes back for the tennis ball tug of war. It's winter here in SC so we have been Netflix and chilling a lot. :)

[@johnd.613]

We have had a male and female RR at different times. Both were more than we could ever wish for. They are loyal, affectionate, calm in the house, love to play in the sun outside, easy to train and alert. They do like to eat, so monitor and watch their weight. I can't say enough good things about this breed. Our house hasn't been the same since we lost our girl to cancer. We will soon be picking up our new family member RR next weekend after waiting more than 2 years. I agree will all the points in the video. Make sure you interview any breeders that you have an interest in for a puppy, not all have the best practices. Exceptional dogs!!

[@dialtommy]

Sorry for the loss man! Glad y’all are getting a new family member soon!!

[@carymarylynch2039]

I had a dog named Diesel too. Got it from my stepson. Lost him on April 15 2022. The sweetest dog I ever had. Miss him sooo much! My husband’s going to get me another Rhodesian. Best Dog ever!!!

[@luckydubefan808]

I have a 4 mo old RR mix pup. I have noticed 2 traits that you mentioned. She freaks out in rain even light rain and she loves being around people. She gets so excited when someone gets near her that she tries to jump at them. Thanks for pointing these traits out.

[@TravellingHeart]

My best friend ever is my 9 year old Ridgeback Akani. I can't imagine my life without him on my side. He is my first dog and I'm so thankfull that he is a part of my life. He brings so much love and joy in my heart. Ridgebacks are the best. Greetings to all Ridgeback owners in the world from Germany. 👩🏻🐶

[@timjohnun4297]

My 7 yo RR is my best friend, so I totally get what you're saying! I've now got a 12 week old RR pup, for him to teach some of his amazing good manners. I'm hoping they will be friends for a lot of years. Greetings from Australia :)

[@TravellingHeart]

@@timjohnun4297 So you have a house full of fun, joy and endless love! I wish you and your family all the best! Send you hugs and many kisses to your Ridgebacks! 👩🏻💚🐶

[@Karina-Loves-Andreas]

I wonder what you think of Ridgebacks compared to working line German Shepherds? Even if you haven't owned a working line Shepherd, I imagine you've been exposed to many? Every good description I hear sounds A LOT like my German Shepherd, I adore him!!! I think the Ridgebacks have even higher exercise & activity needs though, a potential drawback (my German Shepherd is pretty intense in this regard). One of these days, I'd love to bring a Ridgeback into my life, too.

[@Alainfr9]

Very helpful and true ! My ridgeback has developed a high separation anxiety when I am not with him. Now I am considering taking him with me when I have business travel…

[@CaptainCopwatch]

My dog saved 3 people in his lifetime R.I.P.

[@itachimistress]

Been binging RR videos since I'll be getting my first RR this summer! Thanks for the video man.

[@puppypants12345]

Tommy , You are absolutely correct We took in an rescue dog, not knowing what kind of dog she was. Everything you say is absolutely correct. She has become the most loving dog we could want. We also have a Corgi male whose she has accepted as heir own. Everything is great except she has established our pack and is very protective. We have to be very careful around other people and dogs. Even though she may present a problem, we love her so much we are willing to 4ake the the risk. They truly are amazing dogs.

[@alibobo2009]

Same here - mystery puppy. She's just about a year old and I wouldn't leave her alone with small children, I don't think. She's really a thinker, and every day she's calming down more. Idk. It makes me want to get a full-blooded ridgeback. Such personality!

[@velocity313]

I have a 125 pound two year old purebred. He is my first ridgeback and I plan to always have one in my life for now on. His temperament is exactly as you describe.

[@freddynielsen8706]

Hey there. I'm from Denmark, and we got our 1st RR 2 years back, due to the fact, that i run a lot, and don't like running together with others, but just enjoy the nature and mental relaxing, when being out there. She is the best running buddy, that i ever had. From when she was little, i took her out in almost any kind of weather, and today even it's snow misty rain, light rain,windy, she always goes to her running harness, when she can see that i change into running gear. She just get her running coat, that i got special for her in Finland, and of she goes. I had other dogs before, but she is the best. The natural guarding behavior is amazing. She goes form harumphing, don't know if it spelled correct, to barking, if she thinks it could be a threat. You are totally correct about the couch potato, if somebody is sitting there too, and you are so bang on with the herd mentality. She is like a ninja shadow wherever we go. Just want to be in the group, so we all are protected. Thx for putting up the video, and sharing this amazing dog. Have a great RR day

[@Duck420Ag]

Sweetest gal I ever had. Also the best, smartest guard dog ever. Instant alert, no sound, not even a growl. Simply a stance and stare that stopped any person or dog in their tracks. After placing herself directly between me and any perceived threat. Had never even heard of them until she showed up on my porch at about a year(?) old, skinny as can be. Had 13 great fantastic years with her.

[@allesasmart]

Absolutely my favorite girl dog...now my male German Shepard is too❤

[@user-vd9oz6bx8n]

Our first Rodesian Ridgeback sold me on this dog. She was kind to family, very around of her environment and most of all is she was always aware of her environment.

[@lynetteh9435]

You hit the nail on the head! Our ridgie is just like that!

[@MissPinkStiletto]

amazing dogs!! i have two, they’ve changed my life. a Rhodesian Ridgeback will always be apart of my life, can’t live without them✌🏻 nice vid’

[@pauleenwardale6425]

Perfect dogs, easy to train, devoted and as mentioned very protective naturally. Love my Female

[@richfiftyfour]

love my Ridgeback Marrrley

[@8474Starscream]

2nd Ridgeback raising ....female Rio 11 months 90lbs all muscle...we waited to Spayed which she is recovering now....so sad to see her face with cone on 😥....ahahhaha just put up gutters because Rio does not like being dripped on. We live in the High Sierra Nevada 🏜 surprisingly Rio loves the snow ❄ and lakes to swim...loves hiking. Her nose is off the charts can spot Coyotes...deer with pin point accuracy......in the evenings the zooming kick in doing figure eights @ 30 miles an hour. The loyalty is insane right by our side while working in the yard and also will sit on the couch and watch Animal Planet or an NFL game 😆....Ridgebacks for life. They are God's gift to humanity. God Bless

[@louisedaly8806]

He is so sweet! Ridgebacks are with out a doubt the best dogs on the planet! You couldn't have a better companion and guard than a Ridgeback. They definitely should NOT be left on their own for more than a day. Besides everything else that would be neglect and cruelty. If that is the case then you shouldn't be having a Ridgeback or any dog.

[@timjohnun4297]

We had to leave ours at home for 2 weeks, when we went to see family interstate over Christmas, we had our daughter stay here and look after him, but he cried and cried, for 2 days. We had our daughter take him around to a friend's house, who has a dog he's friends with, and thankfully he settled in there quite nicely, but he was thrilled when we turned up to take him home again

[@alibobo2009]

I have a mixed ridgeback and she is like a miniature ridgeback. She's 50 pounds. A great dog! Just about a year old and changing every day. So serious! So responsible. Very obedient, active and sweet. She's my bud!

[@lolaridgeback5875]

love the video i also have a RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK she is called Lola and is 9 years old this year. every thing you have said in this video makes me think about my dog.

[@colinhamilton4173]

Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa. Thanks for the great video. On our 5th Ridgeback now. They are definitely the best dog.

[@dialtommy]

Amazing!! I agree! Blessings.

[@dbrasco22]

I’m on my third. Love them

[@robwelsh5070]

Looking good for 10 in this video!

[@orzhovian1045]

Have a RR too and can relate-best dogs ever!

[@rolandtiu9934]

I like the way you talk about it ❤

[@dawnv9050]

Have 2 of them, they are the best!

[@bigpikes9982]

Beautiful dog.

[@dialtommy]

Thank you!!

[@billyflanagan9657]

I am on my 2nd I love them so much so sweet

[@nancyhays1169]

The BEST dogs...I'm raising my 2nd and I don't think I'll ever own another breed. You summed them up perfectly. Loving, loyal and protective:) Thank you for this channel.

[@dialtommy]

Thank you for watching!!

[@andersholmstrom3571]

I had a ridgeback for almost 14 years. As a puppy he absolutely panicked about going out in the rain. As an adult he was rugged and did not seem to mind any kind of weather. He had not read the books about ridgebacks so he was an absolute coward and had 0 preaydrive. But he was the sweetest dog you could ever imagine and he's lack of preydrive meant that I could always have him off the leash without having to worry about him running after animals he would se. The biggest drawback was that he never learned to walk properly on leash in he's live dispite us trying to teach him all he's life, resulting in aching shoulder and arm. But he was worth it

[@JohnSmith-rp2zi]

Best dogs around, had a Rhodesian, potty, boxer

[@wolfmaxem2583]

Have you beeen in South Africa about 18:00? Rain bigtime!!! Almost everyday....

[@christyholt6029]

Great video! I tell everyone that my will protect me with his life....unless you have snacks....then he’ll protect you with his life. 😂 -Also, they’re not dogs that are meant to be in the backyard all day. - they’re so food motivated. Counter surfers -more aloof than a golden retriever or lab. They love their family fearsly but not in your face. - tend to choose one person that’s “their person” - did I mention food motivated! Can’t wait for more RR videos!

[@Coopercaroline2000]

Lol!! You’re so right about them not liking rain...my 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks thought that I was wanting to kill them when I tried to push them out through their doggy door to go potty when it was raining out!! Lol!! I had to bring them outside though the garage and covered carport and they were ‘’out and in’’ in record time!!! 😂

[@ruansiebert]

Also have one. Amazing dog*

[@The42jimsmith]

I used to run with mine. They love to run. I have recommended that any woman who likes to jog get one.

[@keinstein100]

I agree! My first Rhodesian Ridgeback was also my first male dog. I've had female dogs by my side all my life since I was a 10-year-old boy. They were all great companions. When I got Bruno 15 years ago, everything changed for me. Bruno was (and remains in my mind forever) my most loyal best friend! When he was 10 years old, we decided to get a Rhodesian Ridgeback female for him: Maja. What a bitchy young lady! Maja has given him no rest in his last two years. And I know he enjoyed it as much as the rest of us! I will never forget how the two "played" with each other. For the uninitiated, this can sometimes seem very strange. Rhodesian Ridgebacks playing together often come across as pretty aggressive. Here is a small sample from Bruno and Maja: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZuznYGJhbhketk Even if it sometimes looks like they are hurting each other, that never happened! No way - never ever! Your first Rhodesian Ridgeback is like the first great love of your life: You will never forget it. And even if it was gone a long time ago, you will carry it in your heart forever - until the end. Dass mir der Hund das Liebste sei, sagst Du, oh Mensch sei Sünde? Der Hund ist mir im Sturme treu, der Mensch nichtmal im Winde! God bless you and all who love you!

[@prefersoxygen9373]

Have 5 of these magnificent beasts. Live near coyotes and they have no fear of them and have run them off. On the other side, they play with my goats and chickens 😂😂 When the granddaughter is around I feel invisible 😊 oh, they are couch misers, i have lost control of mine to them. 😂😂😂

[@dialtommy]

😂😂

[@Wolf-mx7xx]

Suggestions for a good Ridgeback breeder? Appreciate your insights!

[@jayithgaming4991]

I have a ridgeback

[@southernscythe2494]

My ridgeback has snapped at just about everyone who comes over to my house. Once he figures out they're there to stay for a while and aren't planning on stealing anything he chills out and will go sit by them like a sentry. When they leave he turns into a giant baby.

[@peaceandlove5214]

Hi I want to get two Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies but I'm worried that they won't do well in very hot weather. What do you think about it?can they handle hot very weather well?

[@dialtommy]

They love the heat. Diesel goes outside at the hottest parts of the days and lays in the sun.

[@dirkjordaan9044]

Very warm where they were bred and where I stay with my two , heat is no problem , they can even go without water if they need to for up to a day.

[@johnrapp9794]

i own a ridgeback and he will go out in the rain and stay there for a short time and then come in all wet, it seems the rain doesn't bother him. And yes they are very protective of the family, god forbid anyone enters our house i feel sorry for them.

[@dialtommy]

Sounds about right!!

[@kevinkilkenny1776]

My boy is a year old and ready to stretch his legs finally on a bird course.

[@mh-ey4wf]

I saw few videos about rr being a guard dog. Im not so sure dough, they are hunting dog. Also there is almost no videos on yt of rr doing protection work.

[@Karina-Loves-Andreas]

Properly training a "Protection Dog", or doing "Protection Sports" like IGP (Shutzhund) or Mondio or French Ring, is actually based on teaching the bite & guard behaviors as a "game". I've run across articles that say it's a mistake to try to train a RR in that direction, because they "take it too seriously", will look for any weaknesses in a bite suit to attack, or will bite around a sleeve. BUT I've also heard that purely for protection purposes, a RR will step up and attack if need be, with zero training. An untrained German Shepherd or Malinois is just as likely to sit and watch if you are threatened as to intervene. They're like, "YOU got this one, right"?!

[@peaceandlove5214]

In Middle East its really get hot I mean very very hot so do they love that way too?

[@snookiez2605]

:o thats wat my dog looking skinny?!

[@SF-wu2mp]

I’m in Washington state and I can speak to the fact my ridgeback puppy does not like the rain at all! He will fake pee just to get back inside the house, little monster just love him to death!

[@barrybebenek8691]

Did he say “…leave them for the weekend”? 😳 Jesus! Don’t get a dog if you think it’s ok to leave a dog that long.

[@marcelcovaci9922]

Not bashing here the breed, far from it. I love their coat, I’m a runner and I know they are great for running! I just wonder how does it compare with a Cane corso? I feel that cane corso is more of a bodyguard.

[@dirkjordaan9044]

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are actually great guard dogs , massive bark to them ,only bark when they have to , I have had great experiences with my two(especially the male).

[@marcelcovaci9922]

@@dirkjordaan9044 I love those dogs that bark only when they have to. I had a Weimaraner and he was like that, would bark only at night if there was noise around the house. Happy Holidays!

[@robertsimpson2177]

Should not use a dog as a weapon... by a gun... I own 3 Ridgebacks

[@onlychangeiscertain]

You sound like a real bad-ass. /s

[@Karina-Loves-Andreas]

@@onlychangeiscertain haha...but another interpretation of the gun comment is that we should not put our beloved dogs into dangerous situations, and if we're really concerned with protection & safety (live in a "bad area" or whatever), perhaps relying on our dogs for protection instead of just arming ourselves might not be the best choice for us or the dog...even though I have no doubt a Ridgeback will step in if it senses that someone is trying to hurt you!😍

[@carolineedmistoncooki3fair631]

Who the hell would leave a dog alone for a weekend? That is abuse.

[@captainbuggernut9565]

Interesting. Where I live a women has appeared in court charged with having a dangerous dog. Her Rhodesian ridgeback mauled her and a helper and put them both in hospital with serious injuries. The police had to shoot it dead. Animals are not toys and can turn on you just like that. That much dog can do serious damage.

[@dialtommy]

Well that's unfortunate... However, that is the only time ive ever heard anything like that happening with a ridgeback.. which leads me to believe that individual wasn't a great owner to the dog. Yes a dog like these can do that much damage.. that is why I love having one.. personal body guards. Just be a good owner and these are the best dogs on earth.

[@KookaburraLove]

@@dialtommy I am on my third Ridgie and never had aggression problems, although they are great at guarding the house. The one I have now is a problem because she wants to greet every person and dog she sees. Only 19 months old so I know this will ease. She HATES the rain like yours, but then all of them did. Greetings from Australia.

[@youdo333]

No dangerous dogs, only stupid owners!

[@Karina-Loves-Andreas]

I have THE BEST working line German Shepherd on Earth, but yeah, you hear stories like that from time to time with them, too. That's a terrible story, but I suspect BAD BREEDING and very, very poor socialization was likely a big factor, it usually is when something like that happens with a German Shepherd. If you get a Ridgeback from an excellent breeder, who screens prospective owners carefully, who begins "teaching" puppies before they leave breeder, and who welcomes you to MEET the mother and see the home where initially raised, you are HIGHLY unlikely to get a "dangerous" dog.

[@freeinhabitant2422]

Your boy is a bit over weight.

[@Karina-Loves-Andreas]

Maybe a touch, but he's ALSO 10 years old. Give the happy older guy a break, lol. Most 10 year old plus dogs are a little heavier than they were when younger.

[@Morriego1]

Congratulations you just described almost all dogs on the planet earth

[@memeguyTM]

Awesome dogs. I have a Ridgie as well and had another one a few years back. Yes they absolutely hate the rain or even wet ground :)