Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Suitable for Hunting?

Rhodesian Ridgebacks: Are They Really Good Hunting Dogs?

We’ve all heard it—stories about Rhodesian Ridgebacks being lion hunters, fearless and unstoppable. And while the “lion dog” legend definitely adds some drama, let’s break down what’s actually true, what’s exaggerated, and whether a Ridgeback today still has what it takes to be a good hunting dog.

A Hunting History Rooted in Africa

Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred in southern Africa by mixing local hunting dogs (like the Hottentot) with European breeds brought by early settlers—think Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Bloodhounds. The result was a tough, heat-resistant, athletic dog that could track animals over long distances and help hunters manage large game like antelope and, yes, lions.

But here’s the key: Ridgebacks didn’t kill lions. They were used to track, harass, and corner lions long enough for the human hunters to catch up. That’s why they earned the nickname “lion dogs.”

From Lion Hunters to Couch Companions

Over time, Ridgebacks made their way to Europe and America, and their role began to shift. By the mid-1900s, they were being bred more for companionship than hunting. These days, most Ridgebacks are family pets—still strong and intelligent, but not trained or bred with hunting as the top priority.

That doesn’t mean the instinct is gone, though.

Do Ridgebacks Still Have What It Takes?

Absolutely—if you know what you’re doing. Ridgebacks still have a strong prey drive and are physically built for endurance and tracking. They’re muscular, fast, and have an excellent sense of smell. If they catch a scent, they’ll follow it for miles. But natural ability only gets you so far. Training is key.

Hunting Training: What It Takes

Training a Ridgeback to hunt—or even just to follow scent trails—is a serious time investment. This isn’t just about getting them to “sit” and “stay.” A good hunting dog learns how to stay focused, navigate tricky terrain, and respond to commands in high-distraction environments.

Here’s what we’ve found works best when building those skills:

1. Start with the Basics

Before anything else, your Ridgeback should master commands like:

• Sit
• Stay
• Come
• Down
• Fetch
• Leave it
• Heel

These are your foundation.

2. Get the Right Gear

Even if you're just training, safety matters:

• A bright vest (so your dog stands out in the field)
• A sturdy collar
• A long leash for control
• Retrieving dummies if you're practicing scent work

3. Desensitize to Sounds

Hunting can be loud—gunshots, whistles, voices. Start early:

• Introduce household sounds (like banging pots) and reward calm behavior.
• Gradually increase volume and variety.
• Eventually introduce field-specific sounds like gunshots (from a safe distance).

4. Get Them Used to Obstacles

Hunting terrain can be unpredictable. Expose your Ridgeback to:

• Different surfaces (grass, gravel, concrete, fake turf)
• Obstacle courses or agility setups (jumps, tunnels, balance beams)
• Overhead items like branches (hang towels for indoor practice)

Make it fun. Agility training is not just great prep—it’s also a blast for high-energy dogs.

5. Work on Focus and Recall

A distracted dog in the field is a safety risk. Try this recall method:

• Hold a treat in your hand and teach your dog to “touch” your palm with their nose.
• Increase the distance.
• Phase out the treat, but keep rewarding with praise or another treat after the touch.
• Add verbal and hand signals.
• Finally, test with distractions like noise or obstacles.

Hunting Without Hunting

Not everyone wants to hunt live animals—and that’s okay. You can still give your Ridgeback the mental and physical challenge of hunting through scent games and trail tracking with toys or dummies. They’ll love it, and it keeps those natural instincts sharp.

Final Thoughts

Rhodesian Ridgebacks aren’t just good hunting dogs—they were made for it. But like any dog, they need the right training, environment, and guidance to truly shine. If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll find that working with a Ridgeback—whether in the field or just in your backyard—is an incredibly rewarding experience. They’re smart, loyal, and more than capable when given the chance.