Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Like Water? An In-Depth Guide

As a proud Rhodesian Ridgeback owner and lifelong dog lover, I‘ve noticed that my noble lion-hunting hounds aren‘t exactly eager to jump into the nearest body of water for a swim. In fact, most seem to actively avoid getting more than their paws wet at all costs. But is this just a quirk of my dogs, or a breed-wide trend? Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks like water, or are they more suited to land than sea? Let‘s dive into the data and experiences of experts to find out.

Bred for the Bush, Not the Beach

To understand the Rhodesian Ridgeback‘s relationship with water, we first need to examine the breed‘s unique origin and history. Ridgebacks were developed in the late 1800s in what is now Zimbabwe by big game hunter Reverend Charles Helm and other European settlers. These colonists wanted a dog that could track and corner lions and other dangerous prey in the hot, arid climate of southern Africa until the hunter could arrive to dispatch the quarry.

To create the ultimate lion dog, Helm crossed native Khoikhoi dogs known for their tough constitutions and distinctive ridge of hair along their spines with European breeds like Greyhounds, Bulldogs, and Great Danes. The result was an athletic, courageous, and heat-tolerant breed that excelled at chasing lions across the dry African bush and holding them at bay.

Importantly, what these big game hunters did not need was a water retriever. The parched plains and savannas of southern Africa provided little opportunity or need for a swimming dog, so those skills and traits weren‘t selected for in the Ridgeback‘s development. Dr. Caroline Coile, Ph.D., an expert on dog breeds, explains:

"Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred to hunt lions in the arid bushveldt of southern Africa, not to retrieve game from icy lakes or ponds. While they are athletic and powerful dogs, their talents lie in their speed, endurance, and courage on land, not their affinity for water. Most Ridgebacks are content to keep their paws dry."

So while breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Irish Water Spaniels were specifically developed to work in and around water, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were shaped by the demands of a largely aqua-free environment. Those ancestry traits still show up today in the breed‘s general disinterest in and hesitancy around water.

By the Numbers: Ridgebacks vs. Other Breeds

Just how much do Rhodesian Ridgebacks like (or dislike) water compared to other popular breeds? While every dog is an individual, certain breeds do tend to have a greater affinity for swimming and playing in water than others.

According to a survey of over 1,500 dog owners by pet website Vetstreet.com, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels, and Portuguese Water Dogs topped the list of breeds that most enjoy swimming, with over 80% of owners reporting their dogs love the water. On the other end of the spectrum, Bulldogs, Pugs, and Maltese were among the breeds that typically avoid water, with less than 10% of owners saying their dogs willingly swim.

As for Rhodesian Ridgebacks, they fell into the lower-middle of the pack, with only about 30% of owners reporting their Ridgebacks enjoy swimming. This puts them significantly below the water-loving retriever and spaniel breeds, but still slightly above the average of 28% for all breeds.

Source: Vetstreet.com survey of 1,537 dog owners

These statistics align with the experiences of many Ridgeback breeders and rescue organizations. Megan Hughes, the adoption coordinator for Ridgeback Rescue of the United States, shared in an interview:

"In my decade of working with Rhodesian Ridgebacks in rescue, I‘ve found that the majority of them do not naturally love the water. Most would rather sunbathe on the shore than go for a swim. However, with patient and positive introductions from a young age, many of them can learn to at least tolerate and sometimes enjoy a dip with their owners."

Getting Your Ridgeback to Make a Splash

So what if you have a Ridgeback that you‘d like to be able to enjoy the lake or beach with your family? While not all Ridgebacks will grow to love swimming, most of them can become more comfortable and confident in the water with the right training approach.

The best time to introduce a Ridgeback to water is as a young puppy, but even adults can learn to swim with enough patience and positivity from their owners. The keys are to go slowly, make it fun, and let the dog set the pace.

Puppy‘s First Paddle

If you have a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy you‘d like to acclimate to water, start by letting them explore puddles or a baby pool with just an inch or two of water. Toss in some floating toys and encourage them to splash. Keep sessions short at first and always end on a positive note.

As they gain confidence, you can gradually add more water to the pool or have them explore the shallow edge of a lake or calm section of beach. Let them go in as deep as they are comfortable with, using lots of verbal encouragement and treats. Never force a puppy to go into water if they don‘t want to.

If possible, have them observe an older dog that enjoys swimming. Puppies can learn a lot from a confident canine role model. Just keep a close eye that your pup doesn‘t get in over their head trying to follow their more aquatically advanced friend.

Late Bloomers

Teaching an adult Rhodesian Ridgeback to swim uses a similar approach to puppies, just with extra patience. An older dog that‘s had limited or negative experiences with water will likely be more hesitant and need more time to acclimate.

With an adult Ridgeback, break the process down into even smaller steps. Start by walking near water to get them used to it, then encourage them to get just their toes wet. Bring their favorite toys or treats and lots of praise. Let them set the pace for going deeper.

Using a well-fitted canine life jacket can help a nervous adult Ridgeback feel more secure in the water. The added buoyancy gives them a safety net as they‘re getting the hang of floating and paddling.

No matter your Ridgeback‘s age, never throw them into water and expect them to start swimming. This isn‘t an effective way to teach any dog and will likely just increase their fear and aversion to water. Take things slow, make it a fun game, and celebrate every bit of progress they make.

Staying Safe in the Surf

Even after your Rhodesian Ridgeback has learned to enjoy the water, it‘s important to keep safety top of mind during any aquatic adventures. Drowning is unfortunately one of the leading causes of accidental death for dogs. While Ridgebacks are strong, athletic animals, that doesn‘t make them naturally expert swimmers.

Here are some key safety tips for swimming with your Ridgeback:

• Always supervise your dog in and around water, even if they are a confident swimmer. Never let them swim alone or in water with strong currents or riptides.
• Use a dog life jacket, especially when boating, visiting a new body of water, or if your Ridgeback is still learning to swim. Make sure it fits snugly and has a handle on top for lifting them out of the water if needed.
• Bring fresh drinking water and a collapsible bowl. Don‘t let your dog drink from the ocean, lake, or pool, which can lead to intestinal upset or water toxicity.
• Rinse your Ridgeback off with clean water after a swim to remove any sand, salt, or chlorine from their coat and skin. These can be drying and irritating if left to sit.
• Protect your dog‘s ears from moisture that can lead to infections. Use a cloth or cotton ball to gently dry inside the ear flap after swimming.
• Apply dog-safe sunscreen if your Ridgeback will be spending an extended time outdoors. Their short coat leaves a lot of skin exposed to direct sun.

It‘s also a good idea to teach your Ridgeback basic obedience commands you can use in and around water. Reliably responding to cues like "come," "wait," and "leave it" can keep your dog out of unsafe water conditions or dicey wildlife encounters.

The Right Depth for Your Rhodesian

At the end of the day, just because most Rhodesian Ridgebacks don‘t live to retrieve ducks or dive for lobsters doesn‘t mean they can‘t still enjoy some aquatic fun with their families. While the "ridge" in their name may be more suited to the arid ridges of southern African than ocean swells, many Ridgebacks can learn to love wading, splashing, and even swimming.

The key is to introduce water gradually, positively, and with lots of patience. Go at your individual dog‘s pace and never push them past their comfort zone. Be willing to celebrate the little victories, like calmly standing in shallow water, without comparing your Ridgeback‘s progress to a Lab‘s.

With time and training, your lion dog may surprise you with their water wings. But even if they always prefer to keep their paws planted firmly in the sand, that‘s okay too. A Ridgeback can still have a doggone good time at the beach or lake without being the next Michael Phelps. As long as you put their safety and comfort first, you‘re sure to make a splash with your Ridgeback, in or out of the water.