Is it possible to have a Ridgeback with another small dog in the house? My wife and I might be moving to a rural area and I’d really like to get a Ridgeback. But my wife really wants a Pom or a Chihuahua and I’ve read that Ridgebacks have such a strong prey drive that they’ll chase and kill pretty much any small animal. Can Ridgebacks be friends with small dogs, or will it always treat the tiny floof like a chew toy?
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Most dogs can be friendly, given the right circumstances AND the right owner.
Unlike Pitbulls, which were bred for small animal prey drive, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred for aggression towards large predators e.g. lions.
Are you an experienced dog owner? What’s your experience with large and powerful working breeds? What’s your wife’s experience?
The safest bet would be to get two puppies, OR an older small dog and a ridgeback puppy.
But again, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very large and powerful, and need owners who are capable of raising and controlling them.
I have had dogs most of my life and am experienced in training, discipline, exercise, and mental stimulation. Most of all I have lots of experience giving them all the love in the world! We had a medium dog and a small dog for the last 14 years, but unfortunately they both just passed away a few months ago. We said we were going to do a lot of traveling before we get new dogs, but we’ve already done some and honestly I’d rather have dogs. Every day I want another companion more and more. The biggest dog I’ve had though was an American Pit Bull. I’ve never had a dog as large as a Ridgeback.