Rhodesian Ridgeback Price: Everything You Need to Know

What is the Rhodesian Ridgeback price? That’s a great question, and we have the answer.

If you’re looking into getting this dignified, athletic dog, like any good pup parent, you’re likely wondering the Rhodesian Ridgeback price before diving in headfirst.

To fully understand the total cost, let’s look at the initial Rhodesian Ridgeback expense as well as all the fees that go along with it, from food to training to veterinarian care. This information will give you a full picture of all that goes into owning this affectionate, even-tempered animal.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Price: The Initial Cost

The cost of the Rhodesian Ridgeback varies, but in general, you can expect to pay between $1,000-$2,500 for a purebred puppy from a breeder, depending on the lineage and location. Show quality dogs can cost even more.

To locate a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder, sites like Puppy Find and AKC are quite helpful and provide info on the latest litters.

Of course, there is always adoption. Many wonderful Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs (or mixes) are in need of homes right now and only require an adoption fee of $300-$550.

If you’re looking to adopt, Petfinder is a quick and easy way to locate a Rhodesian Ridgeback in your area.

And don’t forget, adoption fees almost always include the cost of spaying or neutering and initial shots, a huge cost saver down the road for you. The Rhodesian Ridgeback price is much cheaper this way.

The Cost of Feeding a Rhodesian Ridgeback

Before we jump into how much it costs to feed this breed, let’s talk about their remarkable past.

All dog breeds have interesting backstories about how they came to be, but the Rhodesian Ridgeback might just have one of the craziest – and coolest – histories of all.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback got its start in South Africa in the 1800s when European dog breeds like Danes, Mastiffs, Greyhounds and Bloodhounds were mixed with the semi-domesticated hunting dogs of the region.

In 1922, a group of breeders in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) developed the breed standard, which has been unchanged ever since.

The breed was used to hunt lions and could keep the ferocious beasts at bay while awaiting its master’s arrival to make the kill. Talk about some skills!

With this in mind, it’s no wonder that the Rhodesian Ridgeback is an active and hungry dog. On average, this breed needs about 1,600 calories per day. For working dogs who spent lots of time outdoors, however, this can increase up to 2,500 calories.

This equates to about 3.5-5 cups of dog food a day. With this figure, expect to pay about $40-$60 per month for food. Add in treats and the total can come up to $75 a month.

So when figuring out the Rhodesian Ridgeback price, be sure to factor in food, otherwise you’ll be in for some sticker shock.

How Much Are Vet Expenses?

Vet expenses are not cheap. Anyone who has ever had a dog can tell you that. But for pup parents, it’s a small price to pay for keeping your dog healthy and happy.

If you get a Rhodesian Ridgeback as a puppy, be warned that the first year is expensive. (This is true for any breed, however.)

Just how expensive?

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) has found that the first year costs $1,843 in vet bills for large dog breeds. This includes the cost to spay or neuter your pup plus all their initial vaccinations and check-ups.

As noted above, however, if you decided to rescue, the adoption fee includes many of these costs, so it’s a considerably cheaper route.

After that, the average cost per year for routine care drops down to $235, so there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Fortunately, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is known as one of the healthiest dog breeds. According to Pet MD, the breed does not have any serious health conditions.

It can, however,  be prone to minor issues such as elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and dermoid sinus issues. These flare-ups can cost several hundred dollars to treat, or in the very rare case, in the thousands for severe cases.

You should also factor in the cost of both heart-worm and flea and tick prevention. Heartgard is around $150-$200 a year for large dogs while pest prevention is between $50-$100.

Yes, this medication is expensive but it’s much cheaper than treating a serious condition down the road.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Price and Other Costs to Consider

In addition to the initial fee plus food and vet expenses, there are many other costs to consider when looking at the Rhodesian Ridgeback price.

For starters, you can’t skimp on training. Good training early on is paramount to raising a well-behaved, healthy pup. This can either be done on your own, with a dog trainer or in a group class.

Then there’s the cost of supplies. To start, dogs need a collar, leash, some toys, water and food bowls, a brush and a bed. To help new dog owners, we’ve compiled a shopping list that notes everything you’ll need for your new bundle of fur.

See the new dog shopping list

Your first temptation might be to run to the pet store and buy everything in sight for your new furbaby, but for the sake of your pocketbook, resist the temptation.

In reality, your dog doesn’t need a million new toys, collars for every day of the week or the fanciest dog bed you can find. Buy the basics at first, and then you’ll slowly find out what your dog likes and needs.

On average, you can expect to spend $300-$500 on initial supplies for your Rhodesian Ridgeback during the first year.

And you can’t forget about the toys! Small, delicate toys just won’t do with a dog like the Rhodesian Ridgeback. They’ll need strong and sturdy toys that can stand up to their large, tough jaws.

Our guide to the best big dog toys has the top 10 picks.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Grooming Needs

The grooming requirements of a breed are another factor to consider. Fortunately, these needs are pretty minimal with the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback sheds its coat, which means you don’t need to take your pup in for haircuts. This will save a significant amount of money.

As for bathing, they do require a bath every 1-2 months. You can easily do this at home, however.

They also need their nails trimmed regularly, about every 4-8 weeks. This is about $15 if done professionally

Or you can buy a nail clipper or grinder and trim your dog’s nails at home. Here’s how.

All in all, you won’t have to stress about the cost of grooming when figuring out the Rhodesian Ridgeback price.

Final Thoughts: Rhodesian Ridgeback Price

When people think about getting a new dog, the excitement can often overshadow the reality of how much their new pet will cost.

As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to know the initial cost plus all the extra fees that go along with ownership.

The initial Rhodesian Ridgeback price is a little on the high side, especially if you’re getting a dog with a top pedigree. But it makes sense considering that this breed is a little more rare than say a Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd.

And you’ll also expect to pay more for food and training considering that this is quite the active animal.

But fortunately, you won’t break the bank when it comes to grooming. Plus, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is considered one of the healthiest dog breeds, which could cut back on vet expenses.

Hopefully this information provides the full picture of how much a Rhodesian Ridgeback will cost both on day one and throughout their lifetime.

Why Should You Get a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

Considering the breed’s fascinating history, loyal personality and remarkable athleticism, the cost may seem like a small price to pay.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has been called the Navy SEAL of dog breeds and is consistently one of the top 50 most popular pups according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Watch the video below to find out why!

Great Names for Your Rhodesian Ridgeback

Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback within your budget? If so and you decide to welcome this breed into your home, then you’re going to need a name.

Fortunately, we have plenty of ideas!

Test out our online name generator. You can sort by your favorite styles and themes.

Easy Tips For Raising a Puppy

Is this your first dog? Or do you need a refresher on how to raise a puppy? Check out our free puppy guide!

You’ll learn all you need to know about getting a new puppy and feel confident about connecting with your new canine.

The puppy guide covers:

1. Deciding to get a new dog

We’ll explore the important questions you need to ask yourself before committing to a new dog. In the end, you’ll walk away with a clear idea of whether you’re ready or not for a pup.

2. Choosing a dog breed

One of the most important first steps is getting a dog breed that’s right for you and your current living situation. Even though you’re leaning toward a Rhodesian Ridgeback, it’s a good idea to cover all the bases.

3. New puppy checklist

Once you decide on a dog, do you have everything you need before bringing them home? You’ll find out with this new puppy checklist.

4. Bringing puppy home

Speaking of bringing a puppy home, one of the first experiences your dog will share with you is the car ride home. It can be scary, so we’ll share tips and tricks on how to make it the best experience possible.

5. What to feed a puppy

Once your puppy is at home with you, it’ll be hungry. Especially a big, strong breed like the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Find out everything you need to know about feeding your new puppy.

6. Puppy care tips

Find out how to take the absolute best care of your dog. We’ll cover everything from vet appointments to grooming to medications and so much more.

7. Puppy training and socialization

And last but not least is the important topic of training socialization. After all, you want your dog to be well trained and to get along well with humans and other pets.

Jessi Larson

Jessi is a marketing strategist for Fortune 50 companies who loves to research and write about all things dog. She is the proud mom to Toby, a giant Labrador Retriever who thinks he’s a lapdog. He inspires her to be a better pet parent and to share advice with other dog owners.