How big does a Rhodesian Ridgeback get?

Adult Rhodesian Ridgebacks typically weigh 34–41 kg and stand 61–69 cm at the shoulder.

How long do Rhodesian Ridgebacks live?

A Rhodesian Ridgeback usually lives 10–12 years.

What is a Rhodesian Ridgeback's temperament?

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are typically Strong Willed, Mischievous, Loyal, Dignified, Sensitive, Intelligent.

Hound

Rhodesian Ridgeback

A Rhodesian Ridgeback needs about 11,000 steps a day. An active breed that requires 60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise.

Energy Level: High
Weight: 34–41 kg
Height Range: 61–69 cm
Life Span: 10–12 years

Strong Willed
Mischievous
Loyal
Dignified
Sensitive
Intelligent

Daily goal, in context

Generic target10,000 steps

Rhodesian Ridgebackhealthy adult11,000 steps

Hound average11,800 steps

Your Rhodesian Ridgebackexact number in 30 s

Dog steps are shorter than yours — 11,000 steps for this breed is about 75 minutes of walking a day, split over 2 outings. Your own dog's goal is personalised.

Free, no account needed

Exercise by Age

Puppy (under 1 year)
5 min per month of age, twice a day
Limit exercise to 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Avoid high-impact activities to protect growing joints.
Adult (1-9 years)
11,000 steps
Full daily goal applies. Mix walks with play, training and mental stimulation.
Senior (9+ years)
7,700–8,800 steps
Reduce intensity by 20-30%. Shorter, more frequent walks. Watch for signs of fatigue or joint stiffness.

Exercise Needs

Couch companionHighWorking athlete

An active breed that requires 60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise.

About the Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large and athletic breed of dog that was originally bred in Zimbabwe for hunting large game. They are intelligent, independent, and loyal, and make excellent companion dogs.

Facts about the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Exercise
Scent hounds need long, sniff-friendly walks. Let them stop and explore — it exhausts them more than distance.
AKC
Behavior
Scent drive overrides recall training — always use a leash or fully-fenced yard, no exceptions.
VCA
Health
Long floppy ears trap moisture — clean weekly with vet-approved solution to prevent ear infections.
ASPCA
Training
Hounds are strongly food-motivated — treat rewards outperform verbal praise for training consistency.
AKC
Did You Know
A Bloodhound’s nose can follow a scent trail over 300 hours (12+ days) old — admissible as evidence in many US courts.
AKC; PBS Nature; OJP NCJRS
Exercise
Ridgebacks need 60+ min vigorous daily. Hunters by breeding — running, hiking, or lure coursing all fit.
AKC
Health
Dermoid sinus is breed-unique — ~2–5% of puppies born with it (selective breeding has reduced incidence), requires surgery. Also hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States; Salmon Hillbertz et al. 2022
Behavior
Independent and sensitive — harsh correction shuts them down. Calm, respectful training builds trust.
The Kennel Club UK
Did You Know
Bred in southern Africa to track lions for hunters — the distinctive ridge of backward-growing hair is their namesake.
AKC history

Frequently asked questions

How much exercise does a Rhodesian Ridgeback need?: A Rhodesian Ridgeback needs about 11,000 steps a day. An active breed that requires 60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise.
How big does a Rhodesian Ridgeback get?: Adult Rhodesian Ridgebacks typically weigh 34–41 kg and stand 61–69 cm at the shoulder.
How long do Rhodesian Ridgebacks live?: A Rhodesian Ridgeback usually lives 10–12 years.
What is a Rhodesian Ridgeback's temperament?: Rhodesian Ridgebacks are typically Strong Willed, Mischievous, Loyal, Dignified, Sensitive, Intelligent.

Calculate your Rhodesian Ridgeback's exact daily goal

Pawmi uses peer-reviewed breed science to create a personalized plan based on your dog's breed, age, weight and health conditions.

Calculate Goal