Famous for their ability to track lions in Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a fierce athlete with an independent streak. The breed Rhodesian Ridgebacks have an iconic stripe, or “ridge,” of hair on their back that gives them their name. They are also referred to as “Renaissance hounds” due to their ability to perform a large variety of tasks. Ridgebacks come in a uniform “wheaten” coat but can have several nose colors.
If you’re the fortunate pet parent to one of these faithful protectors, you might be curious about the average Rhodesian Ridgeback size and weight — especially if your puppy seems to grow at an incredibly fast rate! To help you monitor your pup’s development, we created the Rhodesian Ridgeback growth chart chart below. Use it to keep track of your pet so that you can track your pup’s estimated weight by age.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Rhodesian Ridgeback size, weight, and growth rate:
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Size Chart
- How big do Rhodesian Ridgebacks get?
- What’s the average weight of a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- What do Rhodesian Ridgebacks look like?
- When do Rhodesian Ridgebacks stop growing?
- How much should a 12-week-old Rhodesian Ridgeback weigh?
- How much bigger will my Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy get?
- How to care for a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Veterinary Costs
- Key Takeaways
Rhodesian Ridgeback Size Chart
These Rhodesian Ridgeback size estimates can help you predict how much your puppy should weigh at maturity, but keep in mind that all dogs a , so please remember that your puppy may grow at a different rate. This is entirely normal, so don’t worry!
If you notice the weight of a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is significantly above or below these averages, consult with your veterinarian to confirm they’re developing at an appropriate pace.
Pro Tip: As you can tell from these pictures of Rhodesian Ridgebacks, owners of this breed will have one, big dog on their hands! Be sure to check out our essential dog care tips to make sure you’re prepared to become the best pet parent possible.
How big do Rhodesian Ridgebacks get?
According to the American Kennel Club Official Breed Standards1, a male Rhodesian Ridgeback should stand between 25 to 27 inches tall from the ground to the top of their shoulder blade. In contrast, the size of a Rhodesian Ridgeback female is a bit smaller, standing at 24 to 26 inches.
What’s the average weight of a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Most Rhodesian Ridgeback males have a healthy weight range between 80 to 90 pounds, whereas females will weigh around 70 pounds on average.
What do Rhodesian Ridgebacks look like?
At maturity, a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog should be symmetrical in outline, well-balanced, and a little longer than tall. Most dogs of this breed appear muscular and strong, with an athletic, dignified look. Another defining trait is the ridge of hair lined along the spine of their back (known as hackles). It was bred by design to make the dogs appear larger and more intimidating when facing a lion out on the hunt.
When do Rhodesian Ridgebacks stop growing?
Most Rhodesian Ridgebacks grow until about 14 months old. However, some dogs (especially larger males) will continue to fill out and put on muscle until two years of age. As a large-sized breed, these pups have a slower growth rate and will take longer to reach full maturity than most small- to medium-sized dog breeds.
How much should a 12-week-old Rhodesian Ridgeback weigh?
At 12 weeks (four months) old, a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy will experience some significant growth spurts. Around this time, they should weigh between 25 to 30 pounds, and they'll continue to put on about 10 pounds every month for nearly another year!
How much bigger will my Rhodesian Ridgeback get?
There are three ways to predict the size of a Rhodesian Ridgeback at maturity:
- Age. Your puppy’s age will significantly affect how much bigger they may get. If your pup is less than a year old, they are likely still growing significantly. Most Rhodesian Ridgebacks will grow until at least 14 months of age and possibly past this as they put on muscle.
- Genetics. Your puppy’s parents have a prominent role in how much your dog will weigh as an adult. If you purchased your Ridgeback pup through a breeder, reach out to them to learn more about your dog’s parents’ height and weight . A puppy will rarely grow to be larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you an idea of their maximum size.
- Paw Size. A classic puppy feature is oversized paws. If your pup still has large looking paws compared to their legs and body, this is an excellent indicator they are still filling out.
How to care for a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are naturally athletic, muscular dogs who are incredibly loyal to their family. As cherished members of our family, we naturally want our Ridgeback pups to have the happiest and healthiest lives possible. Preventative veterinary care is one of the best ways to help your Rhodesian Ridgeback avoid or minimize future health issues.
As purebred dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are more prone to certain genetic health conditions, including Dermoid sinus, congenital deafness, cataracts, and degeneration of the brain’s cerebellum. Like many dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can also get into mischief, especially as puppies, and may ingest foreign items or injure themselves, resulting in the need for emergency veterinary care.
Routine veterinary care is your greatest asset in protecting your Rhodesian Ridgeback from future health problems and minimizing other health problems that may occur. Your veterinarian can regularly screen your pup, monitor their weight, and give you personalized recommendations to provide your Rhodesian Ridgeback the best chance at a happy and healthy life.
Pro Tip: Compare Rhodesian Ridgeback health insurance options while your puppy is still in good health, so you can save money on covered veterinary care throughout their life whenever an injury or illness occurs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Veterinary Costs
It’s essential to be aware as pet parents that veterinary care, especially emergency care, can be expensive. However, cost should never limit your Rhodesian Ridgeback from receiving the gold-standard veterinary care they deserve.
Pet insurance gives you a financial safety net should the worst happen to your pup. Rather than worrying about finances, you and your veterinarian can focus on what’s really important: your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s health and happiness. Pet insurance coverage can make a huge impact when you’re looking at veterinary bills.
For example, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are more susceptible to cataracts. Cataract surgery can easily cost over $2,600 for one eye to be operated on2. To help with this expense, pet insurance can reimburse you for up to 90% of out-of-pocket veterinary costs, including costs for diagnostic services, surgery, lab work, and more.
When we surveyed over 20,000 pet parents, only 19.44% said they would be able to pay for a $5,000 veterinary expense out-of-pocket, which leaves too many pet parents struggling to finance necessary veterinary treatments. Pet insurance provides you with peace of mind, knowing that your pup is covered for future illnesses and emergencies. Compare pet insurance plans today to find the best, personalized fit for you and your Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Key Takeaways
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks are athletic, muscular dogs that can weigh up to 90 pounds.
- Male Rhodesian Ridgebacks typically weigh between 80 and 90 pounds, while females usually weigh between 65 and 75 pounds.
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks are more susceptible to certain hereditary and acquired conditions, such as cataracts.
- Pet insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that your pup is covered should they develop an illness or need emergency treatment.
References
- American Kennel Club, “Official Standard of the Rhodesian Ridgeback” Accessed Aug. 17, 2021
- Eye Specialists for Animals, “Cost of Surgery/Treatment” Accessed Aug. 17, 2021
