Male vs Female Rhodesian Ridgeback: Which One Should You Get? 

After 5 long years of doing a lot of research, we will finally welcome a female Ridgeback in mid December ! I'm so happy !!

My daughter and I just adopted a female rhodesian ridgeback and when I say she super fast and super strong she really is. She's also very loving and very protective. We love her dearly.

The quality of your videos is unbelievable

Recently noticed how much time has gone by since watching penny as a puppy. I can’t believe it’s been 6 years 🥺

Our little girl was so shy the first day home. The next day the fuse was lit and that fire has NOT stopped....WOW! We love it.

My 10 year old ridgeback Tobias passed last Wednesday, helps to see this and prepare for my next puppy adventure. I miss my Tobias he was the most special boy and our bond was so so deep. Thank you for your beautiful videos. Sandy

We couldn't make up our minds so we got a boy and a girl. Never regretted it! They are the best of friends and play every day. Ridgebacks need a friend they can play rough with and the best match for that is another ridgeback. Loved the video thank you.

I’ve had ridgebacks for 16 years. Your incisive, informed, and witty commentary is spot on, mate. Thanks. Great videos.

Love your choice of music. Takes me back to my childhood. We had 3 Ridgebacks when I was a baby is South Africa. They were our family's security dogs. When I was out in the garden with my nanny looking after me in my pram. The male was Hercules and the females were Aphrodite and Minerva. My dad was a classics buff. The females sat either side of my pram and Hercules sat in front as it was his choice. My dad's personal dog was a Dachshund called Hun who was the only one allowed indoors. When he was in the house everyone knew dad was home. He was a great house dog. The. Ridgebacks were security dogs who looked after the plantation at night and me by day. All four were awesome dogs. When I was 4yrs old, dad had a small saddle made for me and Hercules would give me rides in the garden. Halcyon days. To come back the point, I congratulate you on a perfect choice of the background music. It was wonderful to hear it the way it delivered in line with your work making this video. Congratulations again.

The way your dog's follow you around literally everywhere is so sweet! My Ridgeback would never jump into the water if I am swimming, she hates getting her rigde wet😂

These are the best breed on the planet. I had a female and she was goofy, serious and loving. She did not have to follow me all over the house bec6she was confident and happy and knew I would always come back. She was the most amazing dog I have ever hadvor met.

Their beauty has me in a face palm. There's nothing like it! I shouldn't, but I covet this breed! Maybe in another season of life. This dog has it all

This is the sweetest ode to someone’s dogs I’ve ever seen❤️

I’ve had my little girl since March 2018! I’m a dentist and she comes to my office everyday and the patients just LOVE her! She is so loving with everyone and especially the kids. Her name is Stara. ❤️🥰

(TL;DR: Best dog ever) We've had a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix for almost 10 years. She's one of the best dogs I've ever had, and she's kept us safe and comfortable in our home her whole life. We never had to fear intruders, never had to fear anyone, because we knew she'd never let us get hurt. She wasn't always ours, in fact, she was my sister's, and was left with people for a few months before WE got her. In that time, she was put in and leashed to an open bed truck. She'd never been in one before. She jumped out, and broke her front left paw. When she was delivered back to our house, we found out that those people didn't take her the vet, didn't help her at all. They simply covered it with a sock. Only a year old and left with a broken paw for months on end. As soon as we got her from my sister, after the people returned Daisy (our Rhodie) to her, we rushed her to the vet. We asked them if there was anything we can do. They told us the limb had already begun to atrophy and the break was set, and that even if they could fix the paw it would never function properly again, trying would only cause her more pain. The only other option was amputation, which we could not afford. There were no other options besides leave and hope for the best. This didn't stop her at all, nor us. Once she belonged to only me and my mom and dad, she's only known love. We took care of her all these years, through sickness and health, helping her. So much so that we even built a rig to keep her foot off the ground and comfortable. She's about 10 now, thereabouts, and she's still a powerhouse of energy and affection. Though she looks frightening, she's talkative and communicative, brave, loyal, smarter than any dog I have ever met. Gentle and kind, despite all the pain she's faced. She never gives up, she never will. She can kill you, but it will be with kisses.

Well said, after watching you with Echo nearly 4 years ago we decided to embark on our journey with our first male ridgeback, a year later we welcomed home our female. Ours are so similar to Penny and Zero now... hes needy and meaty... she’s well... her nickname is Miss Independent 🤣 Thank you for years of instruction and for leading us to Rhodesians! We couldn’t imagine a life without them!

Great information. I had a male Irish terrier and he, despite his boundless energy and muscle, was such a snuggle 🤗 cuddle and very sensitive guy. I still miss him dearly.

That’s interesting about the boys. I have mostly had boy dogs, but my female black mouth cur dogs have by far been the sweetest.

This was by far the most informative, educated description on the subject being presented that I have heard in eons! I am now subscribed! Thank you!🐾

Incredible job! Very captivating, insightful, and entertaining !!

Have a male Irish Terrier, and a vet recommended another dog when he was 2 to help calm him with some canine interaction. When my wife refused another IT, the vet said that was fine. He actually would recommend a Rhodesian Ridgeback. We got a female and have loved her. Very affectionate, but very much a guard dog who has the largest back a 65 pound dog can have. Still working on calming when people come over, but she's just 9 months and still is learning. We absolutely love her, and yes, she is in charge of Capt Rogers.

Hi, just wanted to say thanks for your videos. They are spot on. After watching everything you had posted and extensive research we got our Ridgey 2 years ago. I just wanted to say thanks, she is everything you said and she is the best dog ever. Can't imagine ever getting a different breed.

Thank you for the wonderful intro to Rhodesian ridgeback breed. I didn't know anything about them, except for their fearlessness and stamina.

My Ridgeback/Dobie mix Raven lived to be 11.5 years old. In her prime she was 105 lbs of muscle, but the biggest sweetie. She recently passed away, so I'm watching these videos in fond remembrance of her. I'll probably end up getting another Ridge someday. Thanks for sharing!

My then GF and I rescued a Ridgeback in Jan 2009. It was a very cold day, -20F with windchill. I put up flyers in that neighborhood, but no one answered so we kept her. Chloe was an awesome dog. We didn't know what breed she was until we did a lot of research. She had no ridge but had every other trait. She developed hip dysplasia about 18 months ago. Just over two months ago we had to have her put down. The house feels sad. I'm depressed, my wife is depressed, and our Labrador has been depressed.

I have a 6 year old female RR. Penny is 6 months ahead and I started watching this channel because of her. Similar build and mindset, and you are absolutely correct, individual traits trump sexual differences. Exercise: has burst of energy, then collapses. Then goes again. Children: very gentle and protective, all must receive lick of acceptance at least once. Adults: assesses each person in the family and ranks accordingly, aloof with strangers. Very intolerant of unknown male humans coming to the home or if her creep radar is activated. Training: thrives on consistency and routine, prey drive will override all training so on lead is best if no fencing. Dogs: ignores small dogs, randomly prefers to rumble with labradors or larger. Gentle with puppies or older dogs. Dare I say she’s on occasion demanding/high maintenance? But she absolutely returns the energy and time invested with unconditional loyalty and affection. Sorry for long post, but you suggested it may help prospective owners ☺️.

My girl is 15 this year you wont find a more beautiful dog than a ridgeback

THANK YOU FOR THIS INFORMATIVE & WELL-PRODUCED VIDEO

I've watched almost all your videos after deciding on the breed! We just got our 8 week old female rdrb. "Chilli" Couldn't be happier so far she's such a fast learner and a really good girl 😃😅🤪

Great video, wonderfully put together thank you for sharing. Researching the Rhodesian Ridgeback for potential having a forever friend.

I love your videos so much, it brings back memories of my childhood with ridgebacks. One day when the time is right and I know that I can give a good home and a healthy environment. I'm definitely going to get one again.

We embarked on the RR journey 5 years ago with a female named Nila. During these fun time we journeyed to her Dads breeder to pick up our new male named Congo. Now, at 8 months he is a beefy 105# boy compared to our sleek female at 86#. Congo and Nila exemplify everything you shared is the video. Spot on for sure. Stay healthy and stay active.

I have had a few Rhodesian ridgebacks , we were matched too with Zambia a female .. she was the most stubborn puppy . I think the breeder decided we were the most experienced to train her. She was the most challenging puppy I have ever had but consistent training I now have a perfect dog

My female Rhodesian Ridgeback was best dog I've ever had

YESSS I LOVE THE CONSTANT UPLOADSS

This video is amazing, very informative and you have a great way of explaining the breed to viewers. Really well done, thank you!

I love them both. I also loved Eco very much but my heart goes with "Pempem" . Miss Maeham Penny since she was a puppy. Watched her quite a lot. Altogether you are a very nice family. Love Lincoln and his sister. Stay healthy and take care! All the best from Germany

Great video's and your dialogue is on point! Thank you!

I’m new to the channel. What an excellent video. I currently have 2 beautiful girls : 5 year old Betty and 3 year old Bonnie. They are the fourth and fifth Ridgebacks in this family. Bonnie like Penny has boundless energy. They are both very loving, are lapdogs and do not let me ignore them. Betty loves watching animals on TV and barks at the big ones on the screen.😊🐕

Thanks for this video and information Will

Great videos! We are bracing for the arrival of our first Ridgeback in a few months. It's nice to see the perspective of what life will probably be like and things to consider.

So well worded, I cannot wait to find the one who's waiting for me somewhere... I love this dog and the breed

My boy is a rescue and is at least half ridgeback, can confirm pretty much everything you said about the breed's temperament and traits. They are such an amazing breed.

Have 2 females and they sure have different personalities. Thanks again for your videos!

The very highest praise I can give anyone is that they are "dog understanders". When you really understand you can love and appreciate even the dogs and their behaviors. You are one of those people and thank goodness you and wife are raising a new generation fascinated with dogs!

I'm here to remember our beautiful girl Gladys. Thanks for posting

My girl was the cuddliest neediest girl ever!

Ridgebacks are beautiful dogs. a buddy had one years ago and he was great . I used to love giving him a big hug. and his whole body would wiggle . great companions and intelligent and great guard dogs . everything you could want .

We are picking up our first RR little girl next week and I’ve really enjoyed your videos! Thank you!

I adopted my pup two months ago, and she has a lot of Malinois traits, but I wasn’t sure the other genetic influences. I’ve come to realize I think she’s a mix of Malinois & Ridgeback, which is a pretty wild combo but I find it to be such an amazing & epic blend of genetics & accompanying traits. She’s the best. Your videos have helped me realize many things I’ve already clocked in her behavior & response to training so thank you!

As i said before your videos are great. We have 2 brothers that are 17 months old. Different as night and day! Lo oks. color. build, face and snout, and personality,. But as you have shown they do play hard. They have adapted well to our cold winters here in Alaska. They do love the snow almost as much as they love the couch! Keep up the good work . We love your family.

Appreciate your video. I was always kind of curious. My girl Abby was an amazing companion and an endurance champion. She'd run with me, my Marines, parents, and still have energy to spare. I hope to one day share my space with a pair of ridgebacks.

Great Great Video - Made me so happy to see Just brought home my second, getting ready So true about the males, soon to see female Thank You So So So Much

Thank you for this informative story. We have an 8 year old RR(Max) and will be welcoming Zuri (9month old puppy) into our home! Your personal experiences and real time anecdotes are great!

My ridgeback was sitting next to me while I was watching this video ❤ ...because I had food 🙈😂

I have my beloved RR,the male, he is almost 3 y.o. He is my first dog and I did not know I want a female or male, but when I saw Louis I understood that he is my , my dog. So I had no choices. I love him so much. He is the part of me. He is the greatest. Thank you for your beautiful videos. It’s really cool ❤️

We had a female, stunning, loving dog, gentle but was second fiddle to our Samoyed. Definitely a hound .

Sure have missed your videos. Hope Zero and Penny and your whole family are doing well! Hugs and kisses to Zero and Penny.😘😘♥️♥️

Thank you so much, my Nala is so much like Penny, & my other dogs run just like her, & i have 2 jack Russells. She is only 6 months old, so protective, and loyal🙏😍 You've given me alot more information than what i got, thanks ❤️

Always drop everything to watch your videos.

Really good video. They give a lot of love... True love !

I have an almost 4 yo full-intact male RR and his character traits were described in your video in such accuracy that I had to laugh out loud. I have the most loyal, needy, relaxed and courageous big little whiner and he is everything I ever wanted in a canine companion. There were only 3 males in the litter and I wanted the most chill one, luckily we've got first pick. Great video, as per usual!

awesome stuff, my male ridgeback copper is 5 months and it’s incredible how calm he is. He was fully potty trained in a couple weeks, he’s never chewed a single thing up, and he’s pretty good with basic commands. Still get a refusal every now and then but a few short training sessions each day really works wonders, people are shocked by how calm he is and I think it’s partially do to the mental stimulation he gets every day

Love this video just as much as I love my 3-year (male) Rhodesian Ridgeback!

They're beautiful!

We’ve had 2 beautiful ridgebacks and I would never want a different breed. It’s been two years since we lost our girl and we still miss her every day. We’re not in a position at this point to have a pet due to some serious illnesses but I dream of the day when we can return to being a ridgeback owner. Thank you so much for your videos.

I rescued a dog that is part Rhodesian Ridgeback. This was SO helpful in terms of explaining the behavior of males. Thanks for your incredible videos.

Gorgeous dogs! We have a ridgeback (Kami - she's turning 2 in a couple weeks) and we're nothing short of obsessed with her 🥰

Thanks for the efforts in sharing......

Our ridgebacks were calm-friendly and very attentive to their humans. They were also good with each other, both female and male. But that was a long time ago.

I wish you still had the old videos from the old channel up. I miss watching them so much :(

Excellent video as usual. I’ve had both male and female (separately), and your presentation is spot on. However, with the female heat, I found it not as difficult as I was expecting and you implied. It’s not that messy as it would only pool when she was sleeping/laying down for a while, and then, not even that much; other than that, there was hardly anything. We went three full cycles before spaying, and with that, it took until year six before her “Mayham“ calmed down a bit. And, the male dominance in our boy was way more challenging than the video portrayed. So we found walking him while intact way more demanding than walking/quarantining her while in heat. He was a love bug before, but after neutering just a sweet puddle mush ball. And she was as you described: and aloof queen delightfully demanding respect. We loved them both very much.

Thank you for your wisdom on the subject good sir!! 🙂🐕‍🦺🦮

Great video. Thank you

I have a male Presa-Canario-mix and a female Presa. Your discription of the immovable object and the unstoppable force is totally the correct formulation.Laughed myself to tears. She´s a mayham too and my male a fiend. I love them both. Congrats for your great Ridges and your channel

Love this breed. I’m seeing more of them and unfortunately worried about them becoming too popular and opportunistic breeding by people looking for $$$. It’s ruined so so many breeds. I rescued a RR pup and gave him to my son who was looking for a a hiking partner. He is an exceptionally handsome and gentle male dog and it has only increased my desire to get one when my now pack of rescues has (sadly)dwindled. Great videos Thanks

Great video. I was not fortunate enough to get to choose my RR puppy from a full litter as there were only 2 left when I contacted the breeder. But I reckon I got the very best of that litter because I have the most amazing male Ridgeback who has just turned 2 years old and is the absolute love of my life. Such wonderful, amazing dogs.

best dog i ever had, i miss my lily bell, she was almost 16!

I've got 3 rhodies... 1 large male and 2 females... your description of the breed is perfect... my male is a silver grand champion who loved the ring... my girls hated the ring... but they excel at lure coursing... love the breed...

very nice made video! congrats!

The Ridgeback is such a beutiful bread. Our Ridgeback Cecil got to be just 1 month short of 14 years old. He was still a happy dog up until the end but with he's rear end getting too week so he kept falling down we sadly had to let him end he's days. He was verry stubborn and strong willed as a puppy and adolescent dog but also kind hearted. He was really easy to house break. I think that he had no more than 3 accidents before understanding what to do. I took him out every third hour day or night to achieve this. He would also come to our bed an put he's little nose up to the side of the bed and huffed and puffed until we woke up and took him outside. After growing up the stubborn side was no longer so evident. He was a relly pleasent dog to have around. We used to say that he followed us around just like a dog😊 Probably he was a bit different from most Ridgebacks. He showed no interest what so ever for wild life so there was no problem at all to have him off leash even with lots of dear and hares around. I found that verry practical. He was also a pacifist. He did not really defend himself if he was attacked by other dogs. He just barked and growled at them to tell them to stop it.

Good video. I'm not a Ridgeback man but there is a lot of information in this clip.

I just got my male and female ridgies a week ago from the same litter and the female definitely rules the roost 🤣 thanks for the awesome video !

Cool video Dude. I got a female shortly after I got out of the Marines. I named her Rhea. She is without a doubt, the most docile, sweetest dog I've ever had. However, she was so protective of me, and loyal. She was infact my baby. After giving her a bath one day, about 7 years later, I noticed lumps. She had gotten lymphoma. I had to put her down. There was nothing I could do. I miss her so much. Now.. I have gotten a male, and it's completely different. I have gone through 4 phone cords in 2 weeks, (kinda my fault to be honest)... but still...he's so much more stubborn. And he is harder to train. Nonetheless, he is loving and wants to lay right up on me. He's not happy if he's not making contact. I'm a Marine, so I know I can handle the challenge. It's just some days I wonder, what have I got myself into now? Lol You have a nice channel, I like it a lot. Thank you for your content.

Very insightful

You are 100% spot on!!! I have a two year old 90lb male and a two year old 57lb pregnant female. You described their personalities perfectly except my female is infatuated with her ball and will leap 7 feet off the ground to catch it in thin air;)

My ridgeback is male and that's a preference. I like his calm temperament around other dogs, appears to be rough around them but very gentle and considerate with size of whom ever he plays with.

I owned a female ridge Shenzi! Super hyperintelligent very obedient extremely well behaved with guests shes barked out of uncertainty with new new peeps other than that extremely awesome. Personal experience female ridgebacks

Mine made me laugh so hard... the whole family loved him

Stunning dogs.

Fantastic video, and your dogs are absolutely beautiful. I have had nothing but Ridgebacks in my life, from the day I was born. Still have one (number 14), he's almost 10 years old. Very gray in his snout and legs. He still walks 3-4 miles daily. He is a bit on the large size being almost 30 inches in shoulder length (FCI stats a max of 27inches) and around 110lbs. He comes from a lineage were the males are bigger. And as you said, consistency and strictness is key. You do not want a dog like this if you cannot provide it with a stable yet active lifestyle, it might come to bite you later on, quite literally. Keep up the good work!

Absolutely Brilliant Thank You!!! 🐕‍🦺🌹🌹🌹💜

On my second Ridgeback. My male, Mr.Jack, was the BEST for 11 years until he passed- now I have Ms. Mya and your correct on female energy!! This little lady is one tough workout- 3x a day or else! LOL Thank you for the videos!

Nawwhhh what a wholesome video, thank you for the wise words❤

Another great video

Great video 😊

I had a couple of RR/Doberman mix pups. They were perfect. I wish I could get my hands on another dog of the same mix makeup Best of all worlds

My Rhodesian ridgeback pup en follows me everywhere and if I leave her she will let me know mom you left me here! 😊🐶❤️

My ridgeback passed away last year and I miss him a lot :/

We have a 3 year old male Rhodesian Ridgeback. Man, once we got him neutered at a little over 1 year old, it made all the difference!