Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs

Did You Know?

Rhodesian ridgebacks, aka “Ridgies,” are named for the ridge of hair that runs along their spine in the opposite direction to the rest of their fur coat. Although it is a distinctive feature of the breed, not all Ridgies have it.

Possible Health Issues

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are one of the stateliest and beautiful dog breeds in the U.S. Originating in South Africa, Ridgebacks have an average life span of 10 to 11 years.

Although generally a healthy breed there are some health conditions you should be aware of specific to the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Condition	Cost to Treat
Hip Dysplasia	$4,000 to $6,000
Broken Bones	$15,000 to $20,000
Eye Problems	$3,000 to $6,000
Canine Cancer	$5,000 to $20,000
Hypothyroidism	$10 – $30 / month
Epilepsy	$200 to $15,000
Luxating Patella	$1,500 to $3,000
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus	$1,500 to $7,500
Addison’s Disease	$2,400 per year
Allergic Dermatitis	$50 to $100
Cardiomyopathy	$500 to $1,000
Degenerative Myelopathy	Varies

Sources:

Insurance Can Help

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a unique breed and have a unique set of needs. Here our list of the best pet insurance companies for dogs in the U.S.

Key Coverage to Consider

All of the top five best pet insurance companies cover major medical issues like accidents and illnesses. This chart provides a more detailed breakdown.

✓ Accidents	✓ Illnesses
✓ X-Rays, Blood Tests, etc.	✓ Surgery
✓ Hereditary Conditions	✓ Hospitalization
✓ Congenital Conditions	✓ Prescription Medications
✓ Chronic Conditions	✓ Emergency Care
✓ Cancer	✓ Specialty Care
✓ Diagnostic Treatment	✓ Alternative Treatment
X Pre-Existing Conditions	X Preventative Care

Note: Unfortunately, dog insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s important to enroll while your pet is healthy and young.

How Much Does it Cost?

Below are some samples across the country to give you an idea of how much it costs. However, the only way to know exactly how much a plan will cost is to get quotes for your Rhodesian Ridgeback.