Ridgeback Life
“Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong.”
– W.R. Purche
Energy bomb!
Ridgebacks are often mis-labeled as a lazy sun worshiping lounge-about kind of dogs. Ridgebacks are not lazy dogs. They are masters of energy conservation. This trait is sometimes misinterpreted as laziness. When ridgebacks are active they are usually quite intense and vigorous. They play hard and fast and love to demonstrate their physical prowess. They are extreme athletes and they need space to run and play and use up all their conserved energy. Fortunately for their families this level of intensity is never maintained for long. After a good run and play they go back to being beautiful family dogs and lounging is back on the agenda. Going for a “walk” is something they will do for your pleasure. They would prefer to run, sprint, wrestle, chase, hunt, explore, and cover 50 x the distance you do on the same walk. Once the ridgeback energy bomb has gone off they can relax and morph into a relatively easy dog to live with.
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This photo was taken 30 minutes after a fast paced bike ride along the bike path and then a 30 minute trek through the forest. What you see in this photo is not '‘quiet contemplation'‘ from the dogs. They were forced to sit there long enough for me to take this photograph! Bokya even decided to turn her back on me in disgust for having to sit there while I fumbled with the camera.
Pack rules.
Ridgebacks have a very strong sense of pack mentality. They need to live in a balanced environment that adheres to ‘pack rules’ for structure and security. They need to know who the boss is and where they fit in within the family. Discipline is required to enforce and maintain this structure. This is especially important with ridgebacks because they are very intelligent and stubborn dogs. If they think they can get away with something they will try to do it. Understanding these guidelines and following them within the home are paramount to successfully cohabiting with this breed. A pack always has a top and a bottom. A leader and a follower. This beautiful breed commands respect.
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The photo captures the Atiya (mother) giving her puppy an attitude adjustment.
Loyalty for life
Making the decision to add a ridgeback to your life is a big decision. This is especially true if you have decided to acquire a puppy. These dogs take a very long time to mature into adults. They need disciplined training and a dedicated exercise routine. Puppies are not suitable for households that have children under three years of age. Ridgeback puppies play wildly and can think that a young child is fair game for rough play. However, once the ridgeback matures into balanced adult they provide a true loyalty for life to their families. They are funny, silly, serious, naughty, stubborn, loving, crazy dogs. I can’t imagine life without them.
Atiya van de Bistwetering at Galdesemeer Nederland
van de Eyssel Hoeve Kennel
van de Eyssel Hoeve is our official FCI kennel name. We occasionally have puppies. Please look on the puppy page for information.