The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, ancient South African sight and scent-hunting breed that make excellent, loyal companions for the right family.
If you’re interested in getting one, you may be wondering – but what is the cost of a Rhodesian Ridgeback? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know, including the annual costs and more.
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How much are Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs?
The average price of a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is between $1,700 to $2,500. Adopting a Rhodesian Ridgeback pup can cost anywhere between fifty to a few hundred dollars. Let’s break down the factors that influence these prices.
How much are Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies?
Currently, Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies cost between $1,700 to $2,500 on average. The cost of Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies majorly depends on the breeder that you buy from.
Purchasing a puppy from a small-time hobby breeder will be a lot more pricey than buying from a large-scale commercial breeder.
However, a higher price tag usually means a significantly better quality of care.
Unfortunately, puppies are twice as likely to come from illegal breeders than legal breeders in the United States, and this includes inhumane puppy farms which provide puppies with little to no quality of care.
Puppy farms can disguise themselves online, so it’s best to only buy from higher-end breeders with good reputations and lots of positive reviews from previous buyers.
You should always ask for health documentation and visit the pups in person if you can.
Other factors that influence their price include the puppy’s lineage and coat color. A show or purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback price can be upwards of $4000.
The color of their coat can also affect the price. All Rhodesian Ridgebacks have wheaten coats, but some have more unique shades like blue and black wheaten.
Rhodesian Ridgeback health tests cost
As mentioned above, if you buy a puppy from a breeder, you need to get proper health documentation that declares your pup has been checked over by a vet.
That they have received all of their essential vaccinations, and that they have been tested and cleared of any breed-specific genetic conditions.
This will probably cost you a few hundred dollars all in all. The documents should also be signed by a vet to ensure that it is legitimate, as breeders can fake them.
The American Kennel Club suggests that Rhodesian Ridgebacks be screened for hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid function, and eye anomalies.
How much do Rhodesian Ridgebacks cost from a shelter?
The price of a Rhodesian Ridgeback from an adoption shelter will only cost the adoption fee, which could be anywhere from fifty dollars to a few hundred. The exact price of your pup will depend on the rescue center you adopt from.
National or well-known shelters may charge lower prices because they receive more publicity and donations, whereas smaller, more localized shelters can charge higher fees.
Breed-specific shelters also tend to be more expensive than generic shelters because they’re more exclusive and provide more specialist care.
To adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback, you can browse your rescue centers near you online or visit them in person. The process involves filling out an adoption form and being assessed for your compatibility.
They may then get in touch to discuss things with you further. If you are approved, they arrange a meeting so that you can meet the dog in person and check that you’re a good match. Finally, a home visit will be carried out to inspect the suitability of your home.
First-year expenses of owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback
According to the website Hepper, first-year expenses for owners of Rhodesian Ridgebacks puppies are said to average around $790 – $1,390. During their first year, they grow quickly and go through a lot of supplies like beds, puppy toys, and collars.
Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies also need their initial vaccinations, microchipping, and parasite preventatives, as well as an overall check from a vet, particularly their eyes and joints.
Depending on the state of your pup’s health, this can cost as much as $500. Most owners also spay and neuter their pets, which can cost anywhere from $50 – $500 depending on the dog.
You may also want to pay for professional training because they can be territorial and have high prey drives.
One-on-one private sessions with dog trainers can cost around $175 an hour. Group classes are slightly less expensive, costing around $500 for a handful of classes.
The annual cost of Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Owning an adult Rhodesian Ridgeback will cost an average of around $1800 – $4440 per year or $150 – $370 per month. This is typically split into $75-100 for food and treats $145 – $520 for medical expenses, and $30-50 for grooming supplies, toys, and accessories.
As your Rhodesian Ridgeback ages, their expenses may fluctuate depending on any health problems they experience. The average lifespan of a Rhodesian Ridgeback is 10-12 years and the average lifetime cost of owning one is around $22,225.
Medical costs
Your dog’s medical costs will reflect their individual health, and they tend to increase with age.
As younger adults, they typically include annual vet bills, pet insurance, and expenses such as flea and tick preventatives. Older dogs tend to need arthritis meditation and more frequent vet visits.
Food costs
As you might imagine, food is a large part of the cost of owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
They between 2 ¾ – 4 â…œ cups of food per day and need to eat high-quality dog foods with all of the vitamins and minerals needed to thrive, including natural protein sources like chicken and fish to sustain their high-energy lives.
It’s also important to give your dog foods that are appropriate for their age.
Other costs
Rhodesian Ridgebacks don’t require too much grooming; they need to be brushed around once a week with a firm pin or slicker brush.
Because they are big, energetic, and playful dogs, they also tend to go through things like beds and toys faster than other dogs, and supplies like food bowls often need replacing faster because they see so much use.
Conclusion For “How Much Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Cost”
The average Rhodesian Ridgeback price (USA) is between $1,700 to $2,500 for a puppy, although they can cost over $4000!
Whether you decide to buy or adopt your Rhodesian Ridgeback, you need to be sure that you can provide everything they need.
Although they’re not particularly destructive dogs, they can be quite costly to own and take care of. They need lots of food, toys, care, and love!
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For more information about Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed, check out the video down below:
