Rhodesian Ridgebacks aren’t as common as German Shepherds or Golden Retrievers, but their popularity in the U.S. is slowly rising. In fact, they might quickly become one of the most sought-after dogs in the states!
Also known as the Navy Seal of dogs or Lion Hounds, this dog breed originates from South Africa and belongs to the hound group of dogs (together with Greyhounds and Bloodhounds). It’s easily recognized by the unique strip of hair that grows backward down its back. They were originally bred as hunting dogs – they were used to hunt and fend off lions!
As you can guess from this, the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog is a muscular and strong canine that makes an excellent guard dog and watchdog. At the same time, its athletic body gives it the intimidating yet elegant look many dog owners adore.
All of this might make you want to look for Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies for sale.
However, you cannot just go to the first Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder you find. Choosing where to buy your new pet can be just as important as training and socializing it.
To help you out, we’ve picked a list of the best Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders in the U.S. Hopefully, you’ll manage to find one in your area that you can look into.
Let’s get started:
Best Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders
There are a few things you need to look for in reputable breeders. Otherwise, you might end up buying from a backyard breeder, or you’ll even be outright scammed!
The best Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders should always be eager to answer all of your questions. They’ll gladly inform you about the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed’s needs, as it’s in their interest to give their dogs to good dog owners. They know that without knowing the breed information, no one can be the best dog owner possible.
They will always let you meet the mother, and sometimes even the stud if he is on the premises. They are entirely transparent about their breeding practices and their breeding studs and female dogs.
The waiting lists for Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies at the best breeders are always long because they only breed their dogs once or twice a year, no more. They know that this is the only way to ensure both mom and the puppies are in good health.
Finally, all good breeders will be recognized by at least one kennel club. In the case of Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders, they should be accepted not just by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but they should also be members of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States Breeders (RRCUS).
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders California
If you’re looking for certified Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders from California, you’ll be happy to hear that this state is home to several great kennels that follow the RRCUS code of ethics.
While many of these kennels can be found on sites such as PuppyFinder, one of the best kennels to look at is Lamarde Perro. You can find them here:
Website: Lamarde Perro
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Florida
If you’re looking for Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders in Florida, you should check Diamondcrest Kennels out. They have more than 15 years of experience in breeding these amazing dogs.
Diamondcrest Kennels are famous for producing very social and large Rhodesian Ridgebacks that do great in conformation shows but also make outstanding family pets.
All of their dogs are AKC registered, so you’ll know you’re getting high-quality dogs. At the same time, their dogs will have undergone beginner’s dog training and socialization by the time they leave for the new home.
Not just that, but their puppies get regular check-ups at the vet, and all are OFA certified to make sure they aren’t prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia.
They raise their dogs in a friendly environment and give them lots of love and care, so you won’t have too many issues teaching them how to behave.
Website: Diamondcrest Kennels
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders In Texas
Texas is a popular state for large breed dogs, including Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This is why there are several certified Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders in Texas.
One of the most reputable ones is Roaring Fork Rhodesian Ridgebacks that have been raising Ridgebacks since 2014. You can contact them at:
Website: Roaring Fork Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders In Utah
If you’re looking for breeders in Utah, Aegis Rhodesian Ridgebacks might be a good place to start. This dog breeder is known for producing top-notch show dogs that leave everyone breathless.
Other than Utah, Aegis also has a kennel in Oregon City, OR.
They are a common participant at many conformation dog shows, so you can always take a peek at some of their glorious canines.
Other than following strict breed standards, this Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder focuses on the dog’s temperament and socialization. These dogs will most likely be friends with all of your family members.
Not just that, but all of their dogs don’t miss regular vet visits and are trained to endure high stress levels. This makes them the best dogs possible, no matter what it is you’re looking for.
Website: Aegis Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Midwest
One of the Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders that will ship their dogs to the Midwest states is Kimani Kennels. This breeder has 55 years of experience in show dog raising, and in the past several decades, they have also been producing Ridgeback puppies.
In fact, many experts would argue that some of the most elegant Ridgebacks in the world come from the Kimani Kennels. This has made them a breeder of merit several times.
All of their dogs are certified by the OFA and the AKC, which means you’ll get dogs that are not just up to the breed standard but are also healthy and well-behaved.
This breeder has won many awards, and they’ll proudly show them to anyone interested in only the best Ridgebacks out there. If you’re looking for the best of the best, this might be the breeder for you.
Website: Kimani Kennels
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Arizona
Many dog owners from Arizona are looking to buy Rhodesian Ridgebacks for themselves or their families. In fact, these dogs are becoming increasingly popular in the region.
One of the best Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders in the area is Aziza Ridgebacks that can be found here:
Website: Aziza Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Colorado
Aspiring Ridgeback owners from Colorado should look into Koda Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This breeder has won not just the Award of Merit at the RRCUS National Specialty show, but they also have several other awards – most notably, for their high-quality bitches.
You can get in touch with them here:
Website: Koda Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Connecticut
If you’re looking for Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders in Connecticut, you shouldn’t miss out on Lamington House Kennels. They have been breeding Ridgebacks ever since 1982!
If you want to find out more about buying from them, you can find them here:
Website: Lamington House Kennels
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Georgia
If you’re looking for not just Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders but also Labrador breeders, Roki Shoals is a place that offers both. They raise healthy pups adjusted for family living.
This is their contact:
Website: Roki Shoals Kennels
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders New York
Najahari Rhodesian Ridgebacks are one of the most notable breeders in the state of New York. They have been producing high-quality Ridgebacks for more than a decade, and they have several champion bloodlines. Their dogs have won awards for both accurate showmanship and athleticism.
All of their dogs are raised in a family setting and are certified by the Orthopedic Family Foundation for Animals and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation. You can rest assured that these pups are unlikely to develop hip dysplasia and eye problems.
Their puppies are AKC registered and come with a pedigree and health certification. This is a guarantee that their dogs are healthy and purebred.
Najahari Kennel introduces their dogs to children at a young age to make sure they are properly socialized. Also, all of their pups go through dog training courses, including obedience training, lure coursing, and showing.
Website: Najahari Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Ohio
Maijani Rhodesian Ridgebacks is a famous breeder from Colorado that has recently moved to Ohio – which is great news for all dog owners from this state.
This kennel has been producing puppies for almost two decades, and they mostly focus on creating the best family pets possible.
You can contact them here:
Website: Maijani Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Pennsylvania
Benridge Rhodesian Ridgebacks is home to not just Ridgebacks but also the Basenji and the Greyhound – although breeding Ridgebacks is their specialty.
They have been operating since 2000, and they are members of the AKC Breeders of Merit program.
You can find them here:
Website: Benridge Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders New Mexico
Aspiring dog owners from New Mexico should check out Krystal Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This kennel has been breeding Ridgebacks since 1984, making it one of the oldest Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders in the U.S.
This kennel produces high-quality puppies that have been OFA certified and come with a clean bill of health. In fact, if any of their dogs is suspected to be a carrier for a certain genetic condition, he won’t be included in their strict breeding program.
They make sure all of their puppies are well-mannered and sociable by giving them just the right amount of training before their departure to the new home. At the same time, they offer dog training services to help dog owners who might not know how to train these dogs themselves.
Website: Krystal Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Virginia
People looking for Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders approved by the RRCUS have several kennels to look at, and all of them breed fantastic dogs.
One of the names that stand out is Intrigue Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and they can be contacted via these links:
Website: Intrigue Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Washington
Are you looking for purebred Rhodesian Ridgebacks in the Washington area? Look no further, as one of the best breeders near you might be the Songbird Ranch.
This breeder is a member of the RRCUS and the Northwest Rhodesian Ridgeback Club, making them a popular name among breed lovers.
Also, all of their dogs are health screened and CHIC certified by the OFA.
You can get in touch with them here:
Website: Songbird Ranch
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Massachusetts
Dog lovers from Massachusetts can always get in touch with Cape Ridge Rhodesian Ridgebacks if they are interested in this brave dog breed.
They breed healthy dogs from several award-winning bloodlines and are members of several clubs, including RRCUS, NERRC, and even Gazehounds of New England (GONE). You can contact them here:
Website: Cape Ridge Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders New England
Aspiring Rhodesian Ridgeback owners from New England should look into the Imari Rhodesian Ridgeback kennels. This breeder is not just a member of the RRCUS but also of the New England Rhodesian Ridgeback Club (NERRC), making them very qualified for dog breeding.
This Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder focuses on many factors so they can produce top-quality puppies. All of their dogs are tested for health problems while following all the breed standards. This helps them breed beautiful dogs that are well-respected in the local community.
At the same time, they take good care of their dogs to ensure all have the best temperaments possible. They breed not just family dogs but pets that can be used on the field as well.
Website: Imari Rhodesian Ridgeback
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Oregon
Oregon is home to one of the best Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders, MSASA Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
MSASA is a kennel that breeds high-quality, purebred Rhodesian puppies. They follow the breed standard that early South African breeders did. Most notably, they specialize in Glenaholm Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
They are registered members of the RRCUS, and they follow the organization’s strict code of ethics in breeding. They maintain the original features of this breed while trying to make sure each dog is as authentic as possible.
They are committed to their dogs and do their best to combine the breed’s African and European origins. This helps them create the best atmosphere possible for the Rhodesian Ridgeback pups they sell.
Website: MSASA Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Wisconsin
Wisconsin residents have several Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders to choose from. Many are approved by the RRCUS and the AKC, and it seems like people from Wisconsin love their hounds.
If you’re looking for an award-winning kennel, you should check out Taylor Made Ridgebacks. Contact them here:
Website: Taylor Made Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Maryland
There aren’t many RRCUS-approved Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders in Maryland. Fortunately, one of the oldest Rhodesian breeders, Rolling Rhodesian Ridgebacks, comes from this state.
If you want to get in touch with this old-school kennel that has been operating since the mid-1950s, you can contact them here:
Website: Rolling Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders Missouri
Missouri has only one Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder that has been certified by the RRCUS: Kabusha Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
While they consider themselves hobby-breeders, they have still been certified by several organizations and produce high-quality, purebred litters.
This is their contact info:
Website: Kabusha Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Email: [email protected]
Additional information: if you are located in the United Kingdom, check also our picked reliable Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders in the UK!
Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies Rescue
Some dog lovers prefer to adopt their dogs rather than to buy. They consider this a more ethical choice, as they’ll be giving an abandoned or previously unwanted dog a home.
While this is always an amazingly compassionate thing to do, it’s important to note that when you adopt from a rescue, you’ll have no idea about the dog’s health status. There are many genetic conditions that cannot be predicted unless you’ve had the chance to examine the parent dogs.
Also, many adopted dogs come with behavioral problems, especially if they’ve been abused by previous owners.
If you have experience and are ready to tackle this – go for it!
Some of the locations where you can find Rhodesian Ridgebacks for adoption are:
• PetFinder: This website has a large database of dogs that have been put up for adoption, and many of them are purebred Ridgebacks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Yet another great website for dog adoption, Adopt-a-Pet has a list of various dog breeds for adoption.
You can also check local rescues and shelters, as it isn’t uncommon to find an abandoned purebred dog there. This also includes Ridgebacks.
You might also find some Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes in various shelters.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are hounds that are slightly longer than tall. They are the perfect combination of speed and endurance packed in an elegant body.
They are easily distinguished by their short, glossy coats that are red in color with a black muzzle, wise, dark eyes, and floppy ears. Find out more about Rhodesian Ridgeback colors here!
However, what truly makes them stand out is their clearly defined ridge that starts from two whorls behind their shoulders and goes all the way down their body, tapering off at the hips.
They are loyal and alert dogs that make great family companions but require socialization to control their protective nature.
How Much Does A Rhodesian Ridgeback Cost?
Photo from: @rhodesianridgeback.lovers
Other than where to find reputable Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders, another thing that most aspiring dog owners want to know is how much they’ll have to pay for their new dog.
A purebred Ridgeback can cost anywhere between $700 and $2,000, although you can expect to pay more for champion bloodlines. Don’t let this push you to buy from backyard breeders or puppy mills – this can end up costing you your dog’s health.
While we’re at the dog’s health, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a healthy breed with very few health problems. Still, the first year of owning a dog can end up being very costly, as you’ll have to take him to the vet every few months for vaccinations and deworming—not to mention the costs of spaying and neutering!
Another cost you need to be prepared for is dog food. As these are large dogs, you can expect to pay thousands for dog food per year. They’ll need a high-quality dog food that can sustain their high energy levels.
Before you start looking for the best Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders, think about whether you are ready to pay for all the expenses. Even if you are, you’ll need to dedicate a lot of time to these dogs, as they require proper training and socialization.
If you think you can afford all of this and have the time – congratulations! You’ll probably make a great Rhodesian Ridgeback owner.
Read Next:
• Rhodesian Ridgeback Feeding Chart: Tips And Tricks
• The Rhodesian Ridgeback Growth Chart: Everything To Know
• Is The Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix The Dog For You?